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Opinions of Wednesday, 17 May 2023

Columnist: Henry Antiaye Addy

The harmful relation between our leaders and the money market and the need for innovative solutions

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Ghana, like many nations, is facing a severe economic crisis that continues to hinder its progress. A significant factor contributing to this crisis is the detrimental relationship between the country's leaders and the money market. The relationship between our leaders and the money market has had detrimental effects on the country's economic growth.

This damaging relationship has hindered our progress and perpetuated the ongoing economic crisis. There is the need to highlight the urgent innovative solutions. By delving into the nature of this love affair and its consequences, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that Ghana faces and the potential pathways to a more prosperous future.

The relationship between our leaders and the money market resembles a toxic love affair. In this destructive relationship, our leaders repeatedly turn to the money market for financial support, borrowing money despite their inability to repay it. Just like the chronic cheating boyfriend who promises to change either ways to their beloved.

Ghana has being given at least 12 bailouts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since 1980 till date. The change, they promise each time we come out of the bailout never occurs. Our leaders often put up a deceptive facade of progress, making promises of economic reforms and stability. However, these promises are rarely fulfilled, leading to the misuse or misallocation of funds.

This damaging relationship appears to be a win-win situation for the money market. Lenders profit from the interest earned on loans to the government, while our leaders secure the short-term funds they need. However, the long-term consequences of this unsustainable borrowing are severe.

Ghana finds itself trapped in a cycle of increasing debt, limited fiscal space, reduced investments in essential services, and a heightened risk of default. While the money market may reap short-term benefits from our failures, it ultimately hinders our long-term stability and adversely impacts the well-being of its people. Despite emerging from various IMF bailout, Ghana continues to experience the damaging effects of the relationship between its leaders and the money market. This situation has impeded the country's economic growth and poses ongoing challenges in its path to recovery, especially after the Covid 19 pandemic.

The detrimental impact of this relationship extends beyond the financial realm. The cycle of borrowing and misuse of funds perpetuated by our leaders has profound implications for the country's economic growth and development. Rather than utilising borrowed funds for productive investments and addressing structural issues, leaders often prioritise short-term projects with limited long-term value. This lack of strategic planning stifles economic growth, diminishes job creation opportunities, and hampers innovation and entrepreneurship.

One innovative solution to break free from this damaging cycle is to strengthen Our tax system. By fostering compliance rather than avoidance, Ghana can increase revenue generation and reduce dependency on external borrowing.

Implementing a fair and transparent tax system, simplifying tax processes, and providing incentives for tax compliance can encourage businesses and individuals to contribute their fair share. A strengthened tax system would provide the necessary resources for investment in crucial social services, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

Another crucial aspect that requires attention is the need to combat criminal enterprises. Ghana must create a society where criminal activities are not glorified but rather punished. Criminal enterprises exacerbate the challenges faced by Our economic growth. Through activities such as corruption, money laundering, and organised crime, they further destabilise the financial system, undermine trust, impede investment, and hinder the country's progress towards sustainable development.

Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship is also essential in breaking the cycle of dependency. Our leaders must invest in research and development, establish business incubators and innovation hubs, and provide support and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs. By nurturing innovation, Ghana can diversify its economy, create job opportunities, and encourage sustainable economic growth. Moreover, fostering an entrepreneurial culture will empower individuals to become agents of change and contribute to the country's progress.

In addition to strengthening the tax system and combating criminal enterprises, promoting financial literacy and inclusive access to financial services is crucial for our economic progress. Many individuals and small businesses lack the necessary knowledge and resources to make informed financial decisions and access formal financial channels. By implementing programs that provide education on financial management, savings, and responsible borrowing, Ghana can empower its citizens to make better financial choices and contribute to economic growth.

Investing in human capital development is another key aspect that our leaders should prioritise. By allocating resources to education, healthcare, and skills training programs, the country can enhance its workforce's capabilities and productivity. This, in turn, can attract investment, stimulate innovation, and create a more resilient economy. A well-educated and healthy population is a valuable asset that can drive sustainable economic development and reduce dependency on external sources of funding.

Furthermore, promoting transparency and accountability within the government and public institutions is essential to restore public trust and confidence. Our leaders must prioritise good governance practices, including anti-corruption measures, effective oversight mechanisms, and transparent procurement processes. By demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability, leaders can regain the trust of the public, attract responsible investments, and create an environment conducive to economic growth.

In conclusion, the harmful relationship between our leaders and the money market is impeding the country's economic progress and perpetuating its ongoing crisis. However, innovative solutions exist to break free from this destructive cycle. Strengthening the tax system, combating criminal enterprises, promoting financial literacy, investing in human capital development, enhancing transparency and accountability, and fostering international partnerships are key steps toward economic stability and prosperity. By embracing these solutions and prioritizing sustainable development, Ghana can overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for its citizens.