Invest stimulus for profit because you’ll repay – Prof Quartey to SMEs

An economist, Professor Peter Quartey has advised businesses that will benefit from the GHS600million stimulus package from the government to invest the money into their businesses for profit.

He said the package is a soft loan that the businesses will repay hence, the need to invest the money for profit.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has announced during his 7th COVID-19 national address to Ghanaians on Sunday, 19th April 2020, that Government will start disbursing the GH¢600 million stimulus package to small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in May this year as part of efforts to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 on businesses.

He explained that the GH¢600m forms part of the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme.

“I know the effects of the measures to contain the virus have been difficult for many, and that is why I mandated the creation of the GHS1.2 billion Coronavirus Alleviation Programme to support households and businesses.

“Out of this amount, six hundred million cedis (GH¢600 million) of assistance is being provided to micro, small and medium-scale businesses. I expect disbursements of the six hundred million cedis to start in May,” he stated.

Speaking on Joy TV, Wednesday April 29, Prof Quatey who is also the Director of the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) of the University of Ghana noted that this is not moneys for consumption rather for investment.

“Loans are not for consumption, they are for investment. If you take a loan and consume you will not be able to repay , that is basic fact , you need to invest it. If it is a free money or grant that one you don’t have to repay.”