Economist warns of dire consequences of relief packages amid coronavirus outbreak

Economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin says the relief packages announced for some frontline workers in President Akufo-Addo’s address are in the right direction but calls for a close watch on their impact on the economy in the nearest future.

Among the packages announced are a three-month tax holiday and an additional allowance of 50% of basic salary per month for the next three months to health workers and an insurance package of GHC350,000 for each health personnel and allied professionals at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19.

Also announced was a daily allowance of GHC150 to contract tracers.

Government is also absorbing the Water Bills of Ghanaians for the next three months.

Although commendable, Professor Godfred Bokpin warned of a severe impact on the economy once the disease is over.