PLAYBACK: 'Newsfile' on JoyNews

Host of Newsfile, Samson Lardy Ayenini, and his panelists yesterday focused on the current state of Ghana’s economy and impact of the Nigerian border closure on local trade.

A study by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has disclosed that Ghana is unlikely to meet its economic growth predictions for the year 2019.

Senior Research Fellow at ISSER, Dr Charles Ackah, presenting the 2019 mid-year review of the economy stated that the 7.6% GDP growth by government has a slim chance because there is a decline from 6.7 per cent to 5.7 percent between the first two quarters of 2019.

Dr Ackah also called on government to scrap some of its flagship programs like free SHS, NABCO and some ministries which were a burden on the public purse.

Neighbouring country Nigeria, without warning, in August, closed the Seme-Krake as part of the country’s crackdown on smuggling from Benin.

The closure has left many Ghanaian traders stranded with their goods which are perishing as queues of lorries have choked up checkpoints on each side at the Nigeria and Benin border.

Nigerian’s abrupt decision will pose huge negative consequences for local traders, especially informal ones, as the two economies are closely intertwined.

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