As part of efforts to find lasting solutions to the country’s ailing economy, government, on Tuesday, organized a three-day National Economic Forum for various stakeholders to put their minds together as and fashion ways to put the economy back on its feet.
The programme which was held in Akosombo ended Thursday with a set of policy proposals that have been dubbed ‘The Senchi Consensus,’ which according to President John Dramani Mahama, will be fully implemented.
The proposals border on ensuring macroeconomic stability, creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, growing the export base of the country as well as limiting government borrowing from the Bank of Ghana.
A detailed version of the agreed consensus is expected in the coming weeks after which a team of experts would be constituted to start the implementation process.
But the seasoned journalist appears unimpressed with the forum.
Speaking to Kwami Sefa Kayi on Friday’s edition of Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’, Kwesi Pratt wondered why “we mine gold in this country; but nothing tells us that we need a major gold refinery in the country to get at retain some of the byproducts. Had it not been galamsey in the country, the jewellery industry in Ghana would have collapsed…All those who went to the forum; are they telling us that they are not aware of these problems? And if they are, what did they do about it?”
Kwesi Pratt was however glad President John Dramani Mahama indicated that the Kumasi Shoe Factory will be re-opened but quickly queried why it has taken them (government) so long to do that.
“One thing I am happy about is the re-opening of the Kumasi shoe factory but look at how long it has taken,” he said.