Economic Analyst Advises Government To Reverse Trend In Raw Material Exportation

An Economic, Finance and Public Policy Analyst, Professor Cletus Dordunoo has cautioned government against the continued exportation of raw materials. Realignment in policy, he said is the only way to achieve the objectives of the 2014 Budget and subsequent budgets, as well as creating jobs for the teeming youth. Professor Dordunoo argued that this is the only way out for the country to develop into a true middle income status. He made the comments when he joined panelists on GTV�s Current Affairs programme "Talking Point", to analyze the 2014 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. Professor Dordunoo noted that importing finished products into the country does not only deprive the youth of employment, but also feeds into the pricing of almost everything which in the long run has adverse effect for the growth of the economy. In a related development, Deputy Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, said government has keenly monitored the factors that militated against the 2013 budget and has rectified them in the 2014 budget. He said the 2014 budget is a realistic one and is already showing signs of better performance in 2014. Mr Forson was optimistic that the Infrastructure Fund introduced will serve a beneficial purpose. The Ranking Member, Finance Committee of Parliament, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei said the culture of paying too much interest in loans is killing the economy. Again, tariff adjustments and tax increments if not well handled will have negative consequences on the economy. Dr Akoto Osei therefore called for education to tilt this trend into a positive one.