Senior member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), PV Jantuah, has taken issue with Rev. Dr. Kwadwo Boateng Bempah’s recent remarks regarding President-elect John Mahama’s economic priorities.
FtRev. Bempah had suggested that the incoming administration should focus on reducing the dollar rate rather than prosecuting individuals for corruption.
In a strongly worded statement, Jantuah argued that the Ghanaian economy is far more complex than the exchange rate alone, pointing to broader issues such as unemployment, good governance, healthcare, education, and corruption as critical areas needing urgent attention.
Addressing Unemployment and Corruption
Jantuah questioned Rev. Bempah’s priorities, asking, “As a good shepherd, do you have a fair idea of the number of unemployed youth in your church? If asked to prioritize unemployment and the dollar, which would come first?” He highlighted the rising unemployment rate and alleged mismanagement of resources as key challenges facing Ghanaians.
He further criticized the reverend for cautioning Mahama against investigating corrupt officials, stating, “You seem to have no issue with the outgoing government’s mismanagement but have the temerity to caution the incoming president against holding corrupt individuals accountable.”
Comparing Economic Track Records
PV Jantuah also addressed the depreciation of the cedi under the outgoing administration. He noted that the cedi-dollar exchange rate had risen from GHS4 in 2017 to GHS16, asking, “What did you say when the dollar rate reached GHS8, and now that it is GHS16? Did you address these concerns with the current president?”
Jantuah also referred to a case where large sums of foreign and local currencies were reportedly found under the bed of a minister.
He questioned Rev. Bempah’s stance on such incidents, emphasizing the need for accountability.
“Were you in Ghana when these sums were discovered? What was your reaction after the minister failed to prove the origin of the money?”
Support for Mahama’s Policies
Jantuah defended Mahama’s plans, emphasizing the incoming administration’s focus on a 24-hour economy program aimed at addressing Ghana’s perennial economic challenges.
He explained that the program would create sustainable jobs, boost local production, reduce imports, and generate revenue to service debts, ultimately stabilizing the cedi.
“Bringing down the dollar rate is not an overnight fix. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes job creation and local economic empowerment,” Jantuah stated.
PV Jantuah concluded by urging Rev. Bempah to focus on broader national issues rather than fixating on the dollar rate.
“Of all the critical issues we face as a nation, why focus solely on the dollar? Let us work together to ensure greater economic prosperity for all Ghanaians,” he said.
Jantuah ended his statement by wishing the reverend and his congregation well, reiterating the importance of collective efforts to address Ghana’s challenges.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
