Successive governments have failed to address economic challenges - Dr. Ankrah

An aspiring independent presidential candidate, Dr Sam Ankrah has stated that the failure of successive governments in resolving the nation's economic challenges is what motivated him to consider running for the presidency.

According to him, it is long overdue for a new generation to take over the affairs of the nation and improve the economic fortunes of citizens.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based JoyNews' on Friday January 19, the investment banker said that he has the capacity to make things different, hence his involvement in politics to shape the future of the nation.

Dr. Ankrah also explained that there is a stereotype that all politicians are corrupt, but that does not affect him because he does not consider himself a politician, although he has held various positions in his career.

“The idea that all politicians are the same to some extent does not apply to me, but if you look at where I am coming from, what I have to lay on the table to be able to do what I am doing clearly should give people an insider that there is a different kind of politics coming in; here is a person who has sacrificed a lot to get into the field to help support nation-building” he said.

The economist stated that Ghana does not have a self-sufficient local economy, thus making the nation vulnerable to external factors.

He argued that the nation imports most of its basic things including toothpaste; hence, any adjustment in external economies directly affect the nation.

Dr. Ankrah also emphasized his readiness to build a strong local economy if given the nod in the December 7 general elections.

"This country needs a locally built economy, and we need stability. This is what I am promising Ghanaians."

He further said that it is impossible to develop the nation in an unstable environment, hence the need to stabilize the economy to give confidence to the market.