Publish plans to protect the economy – Mahama tells government

The flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has called on the Akufo-Addo-led government to publish its plans to protect the economy including a possibility of a statement to parliament of the expected impact of the coronavirus on the Ghanaian economy.

According to Mahama, although the NDC will support the government’s effort outlined to help deal with the spread of the disease, the government must tell Ghanaians the economic impact it will have on the citizenry.

In a Facebook Live video, Mahama said “This is not the time for words it is a time for action. What the government did not address is the wide-reaching economic impact of the pandemic. We’ve seen governments around the world make bold moves to protect their economies and we should expect the government of Ghana to respond rapidly to this challenge.

“I, therefore, call on government to publish its plans to protect the economy including a possibility of a statement to parliament of the expected impact on our economy and the disruptions of Covid-19 on global supply chains and international travels.”

Mahama also suggested that a comprehensive budget review to parliament maybe necessary subsequently.

The coronavirus, Mahama noted, is not only an Accra or Tema problem and, therefore, made a further call on the government to ensure the provision of isolated centres in all the regions of the country.