Ghana’s Current State Under Mahama: Rising Challenges and Budget Expectations

Dennis Miracles Aboagye criticizes the Mahama administration’s performance over rising fuel prices, frequent power outages (dumsor), and escalating illegal mining activities (galamsey). Meanwhile, GUTA seeks fair treatment regarding taxes in the upcoming 2025 budget. The government has approved fiscal policies that emphasize economic stabilization, with a focus on combating galamsey.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a former Presidential Staffer under the Akufo-Addo administration, has criticized the current state of Ghana under President John Mahama. In his review, he noted a significant increase in fuel prices, a surge in power outages (dubbed ‘dumsor’), and heightened activities in illegal small-scale mining (termed ‘galamsey’). He also mentioned dismissals of workers and rising costs for goods and services.

In a recent Facebook post, Mr. Aboagye stated, “2025 Budget Reading in 48hours…Dumsor on the rise, Galamsey is escalated because the real galamseyers are in town… Our water bodies reaching all-time high pollution.” He expressed concerns over thousands of Ghanaians losing their jobs without just cause and noted the burden of increased fuel prices on the population.

Mr. Aboagye further criticized certain civil society organizations, suggesting that some have become biased and self-serving, indicating a loss of neutrality in their advocacy. He emphasized the need for the government to fulfill its social contract with the citizens to address the challenges facing the nation.

Concurrently, Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), communicated traders’ hopes to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, stating that they do not anticipate new taxes in the upcoming 2025 budget. He signified support for extending the tax net to include more participants, stressing that the focus should not solely be on increasing taxes for existing taxpayers.

The Ghanaian government has approved the 2025 fiscal policy document, which is set to be presented to Parliament on March 11. Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu reassured the public of a commitment to economic stabilization, reflecting both the administration’s proposals and challenges faced concerning the financial condition inherited from the NDC government.

Moreover, Joe Jackson has provided insights on how the government can demonstrate its commitment to decisively combatting galamsey operations in the country.

In conclusion, the current state of Ghana has faced substantial challenges as articulated by Mr. Aboagye, including increased fuel prices, rising power outages, and alarming activities in illegal mining. Amid preparations for the 2025 budget, stakeholders like GUTA express hopes for fair tax policies. The government’s recent fiscal policy approval indicates a focus on economic stabilization while promising to adhere to prior commitments. Heightened efforts towards combating galamsey also remain a priority for national development.

Original Source: 3news.com