Don�t Talk Ghana Into Crisis � Deputy Minister Cautions

Deputy Minister for Trade, Kweku Ricketts Hagan is warning of dire consequence if critics of government continue to �talk Ghana into crisis�. According to him such �negative perceptions� only paint a gloomy picture of the country�s economy to the international community. Kwaku Ricketts Hagan who was speaking on Asempa FM�s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday said �we are not over the cliff but we are unnecessarily taking down on our country for political expediency�. He maintained that, the economy is not in crisis but rather facing challenges which need structural reforms. Kwaku Ricketts Hagan said the economic situation is not as bad as some �pessimists� want it to seem, adding, �there will be light at the end of the tunnel�. Commenting on government's decision to go for an IMF bailout, the Deputy Trades Minister said �we believe it is the best for government�. He indicated that IMF will assist government with technical and financial support �to enable us get our credibility back�. The Deputy Trade Minister debunked claims that the IMF bailout will worsen the socio-economic conditions in the country. He said they are now negotiating with the IMF on the conditionality after presenting their home grown solutions thus �those speculating are doing so without facts�. Kwaku Ricketts Hagan said in spite of the economic challenges, �people are still coming into this country with investment�. On the contrary, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Bibiani-Ahnwiaso-Bekwai, Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu said government should not blame the opposition for their �ineptitude and irresponsibility�. He noted that business people and investors take economic decisions based on what they see hence do not need the NPP to tell them things have gone worse. The Bibiani-Ahnwiaso-Bekwai blamed �Ghana�s economic predicament� on the fiscal indiscipline of government especially in 2012. Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu said it is obvious the Mahama-led administration lack the experience to manage the economy hence no matter the propaganda spin government put on the economic crisis, �Ghanaians will be the best judges�.