GOOD SUGGESTIONS.THIS PROBLEM IS A NATIONAL ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE SOLVED WITH THE UNITY OF THE MPS AND GOVT.MAJORITY AND MINORITY MPS SHOULD LEAD THE EDUCATION TOGETHER TO AVOID PARTISAN POLITICS.IF THE MPS DO NOT GIVE ACADEM ... read full comment
GOOD SUGGESTIONS.THIS PROBLEM IS A NATIONAL ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE SOLVED WITH THE UNITY OF THE MPS AND GOVT.MAJORITY AND MINORITY MPS SHOULD LEAD THE EDUCATION TOGETHER TO AVOID PARTISAN POLITICS.IF THE MPS DO NOT GIVE ACADEMIC EDUCATION RATHER THAN POLITICAL INFIGHTING THE NATION CANNOT ACHIEVE YOUR SOUND ECONOMICS THEORIES.THE RULING GOVT WILL BE AFRAID OF LOSING VOTES BECAUSE THE CITIZENS WILL NOT BE HAPPY.HOW COME WE HAVE SOLD OUR INDUSTRIES STARTED BY NKRUMAH AND CAN WE ESTABLISH NEW ONES NOW? WE NEED MPS TO EVALUATE THE GAINS OF THE DIVERSIFIED FACTORIES IF SOME ARE NOT PERFORMING WE SHOULD ARRANGE WITH THEIR OWNERS TO GO INTO PARTNERSHIPS.MEANWHILE GOVT SHOULD START THE MORTGAGE SYSTEM. EVERYONE MUST GO FOR HOME FINANCING. GOVT CANNOT BUILD HOUSES FOR MILIONS OF CITIZENS.IT DOES NOT HAPPEN IN USA,CANADA,UK,RUSSIA,GERMANY ETC.EVERY WORKER MUST GET HIS OWN HOUSE. NO HOUSES FOR DOCTORS,SECURITY SERVICES NURSES TEACHERS MPS AND PUBLIC AND CIVIL SERVANTS.GOVT SHOULD USE THE GREATER PART OF THE HOUSING BUDGET FOR ONLY GOVT PROJECTS.
AMB 10 years ago
Great stuff Kwasi. Step 1 recommendation will go counter to the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff recently signed for preparation to start now towards implementation in Jan 2015.
Kwasi we are just not pro ... read full comment
Great stuff Kwasi. Step 1 recommendation will go counter to the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff recently signed for preparation to start now towards implementation in Jan 2015.
Kwasi we are just not producing enough of everything to benefit from economies of scale. Why cant the Agric Ministry for instance implement programmes to increase local rice production and thus reduce the massive rice imports? Why is the growth of our economy dominated by the service sector with Agric posting abysmally low numbers? We need to urgently deal with the structural issues whiles attempting to achieve a positive balance of trade position.
Aggressive govt policy directive to step up Agric output will support our efforts to industrialise. It will also support our efforts to involve and also improve the conpetitiveness of the SMEs
Kalashnikov AK47 10 years ago
Excellent article, but as always, in economics, 1+1 does not always equal 2; one measure here added to another measure elsewhere in the economy does not necessarily produce a positive result; they may in fact negate each othe ... read full comment
Excellent article, but as always, in economics, 1+1 does not always equal 2; one measure here added to another measure elsewhere in the economy does not necessarily produce a positive result; they may in fact negate each other producing a negative overall effect. This point needs enhancing. Add value to your primary produce, export to Europe, and as Kwasi, you have indicated, a tariff of 30% applies, rather than 5%. Here 1+1=0.
Another thing! So what has happened to Kwame Nkrumah's (yes, visionary Kwame Nkrumah's) import-substitution state owned enterprises that were divested to private ownership? Have they stopped enterprising? Who bought Kade Match factory? What have they done with it, such that we are still importing matches and toothpicks from China?
The leader we require now needs to have the gravitas to have a handle on all or at least most of the factors that go to ensure a prosperous economy.
All the manifestoes of our political parties count for nothing when tested against the realities of the economy. It is a little bit like setting yourself an exam paper for which you know all the answers and preaching to the electorate about your solutions. The external realities soon dismantle the day dreams!
In such a situation of competing alternatives, it needs the confidence, gravitas, and abilities of leadership to succeed.
I could go on, but enough for now.
Excellent article, Kwasi Okoh!
Mensah 10 years ago
[98+1]%.This is my marks for Kwasi Okoh's article.You would think that the numerous advicers would know i.e. understand these but no they don't. I wish you were in the economic team.
Does the President and his economic read ... read full comment
[98+1]%.This is my marks for Kwasi Okoh's article.You would think that the numerous advicers would know i.e. understand these but no they don't. I wish you were in the economic team.
Does the President and his economic read such good articles & if they do I wonder what goes through their grey matter.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
Hmmm! Mensah I may say you have been generous with Aluworks Boss, though his article is very good. I agree with him on the demand and supply basis of the cedi's free fall. In fact, I said the same in an article I sent to Ghan ... read full comment
Hmmm! Mensah I may say you have been generous with Aluworks Boss, though his article is very good. I agree with him on the demand and supply basis of the cedi's free fall. In fact, I said the same in an article I sent to Ghanaweb yesterday afternoon. However, I disagree with his WASCCE Economics analysis of the cost of production by the mining sector. Mine is WAEC (West Africa Examination Council) Economics or the old GCE "O" Level Economics.
This is not demand and supply but the law of diminishing returns or economies of scale. The author claims the mining companies will not produce more because any additional production is at a loss. That is not true because the mining sector is capital intensive and it takes a longer time for the law of diminishing returns to set in. The foreign mining companies are deliberately taking actions to avoid the wind fall tax in Ghana and not because of the falling world prices of precious metals. That is a lie. In fact, to me they are actually sabotaging Ghana from what the President said, that they have threatened to lay off workers if the government goes ahead with the windfall tax. It is therefore not accurate that any additional production by the mining companies is at a loss. That is false Economics and contrary to economies of scale or the more you produce, the cheaper the production cost per unit. Even if this is not strictly applicable to the mining sector because there is some element of luck in the extractive industry, it is also not accurate that any additional production will be at a loss. For example, if a company is lucky to strike more metals than expected in a particular area, that will not necessarily increase cost of production despite more raw minerals being found and produced.
The rest of the analyses are spot on but the question is, have the political leadership got the guts to implement some of the suggestions? I doubt because people have been talking about the same issues for decades and nothing has happened.
Mensah 10 years ago
In the main you agree.With reference to your last paragraph,what then needs to be done?
In the main you agree.With reference to your last paragraph,what then needs to be done?
Son of Man 10 years ago
Dear Kofi,I follow your articles and contributions closely and find pleasure in reading most of them, however, you have to be very careful when trying to interpret someones practical application analysis in a subject matter t ... read full comment
Dear Kofi,I follow your articles and contributions closely and find pleasure in reading most of them, however, you have to be very careful when trying to interpret someones practical application analysis in a subject matter theories. In this case, I believe your theoretical interpretation of the Aluworks Boss's production analysis may also be wrong. While it may not be a demand and supply issue,I believe it's more cost volume analysis (break-even-point) kind of analysis and not diminishing returns or economies of scale issue. So in cost volume or cost benefit analysis, if the benefit or the return on an increased production unit is less than the additional successive unit, then each additional production add more to your losses than to your gains. At that point a producer would rather produce the quantity that enables the firm to break even. In a typical diminishing return case, where the production curve increases at a decreasing rate, the producer would make profit at the optimum production level, but will not increase it's gains after that point when additional successive unit of production is introduce. These two theories have very close interpretations but have vast difference in application...
BIG DICK MENtality size 15 10 years ago
HOW DO YOU MAKE GH MORE ECONOMICALLY COMPETITIVE, U ASK?
A/upgrade and improve infrastructure: road systems,airports, ports, the entire infrastructure, and IT infrastructure IN GH IS LAGGING. IMAGINE THE JOBS THIS WILL CREAT ... read full comment
HOW DO YOU MAKE GH MORE ECONOMICALLY COMPETITIVE, U ASK?
A/upgrade and improve infrastructure: road systems,airports, ports, the entire infrastructure, and IT infrastructure IN GH IS LAGGING. IMAGINE THE JOBS THIS WILL CREATE FOR ALL THESE YOUTHS?
B/R&D:research and development being carried out within GH. GOVT MUST PROVIDE R&D tax credit for all companies who OPERATE/HVE operations within GH.
C/CORPORATE TAX BREAKS TO MULTINATIONALS WHO WISH TO USE GH AS THEIR HEADQUARTERS TO DO BUSINESS. THIS WILL HELP GH REMAIN globally engaged through trade and investment ACTIVIITES.
D/OFFER MORE CASH SAVINGS INCENTIVES FOR THE PPL OF GH THRU THE BANKS, MEDIA. DO THIS THRU FINANCIAL LITERACY CAMPAIGNS, CASH SAVINGS STRATEGIES WITH INTEREST E.G TFSA, RRSP, MUTUAL FUNDS, GIC'S, STOCKS/GSX ETC
E/FACTORIES: TURN MORE RAW MATERIALS TO FINISHED GOODS FOR EXPORT. IMPORT LESS.
IF GH WANTS TO RESOLVE ITS BUDGET DEFICIT, CHANGE THE MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES OF CONSUMPTION AND SAVINGS.
STRENGHTEN COMMERCE FACTORS SURROUNDING THE ECONOMY SO THAT THEY INDIRECTLY AFFECT THE POSITIVE STRENGTH OF THE CEDI. RATHER THAN TAKING SPECIFIC CEDI REVAMP MEASURES
F/I THINK ITS TIME THE BOG AND THE MIN OF FINACE MADE THIS ILLEGAL. IF YOU ACEPT FOREIGN CURRENCY AS LEGAL TENDER IN EXCHANGE FOR GOODS OR SERVICES IN GH. YOU THE ACCEPTEE MUST BE ARRESTED AND MUST SPEND AT LEAST 3MTHS IN JAIL,PLUS A FINE OF TRIPLE THE AMOUNT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE YOU ACCEPTED.
THIS ALONE WILL CAUSE BUSINESSES LIKE HOTELS ETC FROM ACCEPTING OR PRICING IN DOLLARS OR ANY NON GH CURRENCY. THIS INCLUDES CHURCES TOO...LOL
G/WIDEN THE TAX BASE. CANT YOU SEE WAT WESTERN NATIONS ARE DOING?
H/CLAMP DOWN ON PUBLIC SECTOR CORRUPTION. WE NEED CORRUPTION COURTS IN GHANA LIKE MALAYSIA.
IF THE GOVT CAN NOT BE DISCIPLINED IN FOLLOWING THRU WITH THESE INITIATIVES. THEN FORGET IT
Kofican 10 years ago
AK,
Good addendum to a good article by Kwasi.
My question is: Do we have the leadership to implement all or some these measures without being distracted by POLITICAL PARTY manifestoes which is basically, bribry, corrupt ... read full comment
AK,
Good addendum to a good article by Kwasi.
My question is: Do we have the leadership to implement all or some these measures without being distracted by POLITICAL PARTY manifestoes which is basically, bribry, corruption and thievery?
It looks like every party promises our semi-literate electorates with lofty and very laudable promises and ideas during elelections but just one into their term, they begin to deviate from the already set goals. Corruption starts to run rampant within the circles of the party in power and every politician seems to realize the fact that there's no accontability anywhere within those circles and even beyond. Stealing from the national coffers becomes the order of the day..
So we can have these lofty ideas in place but if there's no accountability of those entrusted with the stewardship of these tasks or ministies, nothing will be achieved. Corruption and thievery is so inter-woven into the Ghanaian psyche such that once someone is put in a postion of authority, he/she believes they have been given the green light to loot the national coffers.
YAA 10 years ago
BOSS you said it all,but who is reading and taking note?
BOSS you said it all,but who is reading and taking note?
HMENG 10 years ago
A guy from cold and stormy Ireland (no, not affiliated with Tullow oil). Very interesting and to the point article. Hits many nails on the head, but rather simplified. The problems for Ghana as well as most emerging markets c ... read full comment
A guy from cold and stormy Ireland (no, not affiliated with Tullow oil). Very interesting and to the point article. Hits many nails on the head, but rather simplified. The problems for Ghana as well as most emerging markets countries are very simple. Money dried up. No more funding via federal reserve. Your on your own now. Make the best of it. You have it all. Super weather, lots of natural resources and an excellent people.
Araba 10 years ago
No need for workshops, conferences and meetings. Let's roll up our sleeves and start working. The time to save Ghana is now! Forget about Mahama and co. Even if you can plant some corn in your backyard when the rains start, p ... read full comment
No need for workshops, conferences and meetings. Let's roll up our sleeves and start working. The time to save Ghana is now! Forget about Mahama and co. Even if you can plant some corn in your backyard when the rains start, please do it. Every little effort counts!
Stephen 10 years ago
Araba,
My kinda girl!!
Araba,
My kinda girl!!
Adom 10 years ago
Our dependency on imports is too much and not until we stop importing for example cars like BMW.Mercedes and Range Rovers which are very very expensive in Europe or America costing over $30,000.00 or Grapefruits,Used clothes ... read full comment
Our dependency on imports is too much and not until we stop importing for example cars like BMW.Mercedes and Range Rovers which are very very expensive in Europe or America costing over $30,000.00 or Grapefruits,Used clothes and Shoes and above all borrowing fromForeign Banks whilst the Big people including Politicians ,(Executive.Judiciary,Legeslative)have theis Bank Accounts in Europe or Bahamas or America Ghana Will continue to suffer.We have to export more.The President ,the Nine Supreme Court Judges and all the MPs have to declare their asserts and Bank Accounts both Local and Foreign.
Joshua Annan 10 years ago
Where is the Kade Match Factory which was established by Nkrumah government over fifty years ago? Are we still importing match sticks? Kwame Nkrumah,the man of VISION is turning in his grave.
Where is the Kade Match Factory which was established by Nkrumah government over fifty years ago? Are we still importing match sticks? Kwame Nkrumah,the man of VISION is turning in his grave.
Joshua Annan 10 years ago
Very impressive analysis of the economic situation.Mahama should appoint Kwasi Okoh as an advisor,and dismiss all those bogus economists surrounding him.
Very impressive analysis of the economic situation.Mahama should appoint Kwasi Okoh as an advisor,and dismiss all those bogus economists surrounding him.
JONES 10 years ago
There are too many economists with PhDs in the Mahama government enjoying fat salaries and doing nothing.Dismiss all of them immediately,Mahama.
There are too many economists with PhDs in the Mahama government enjoying fat salaries and doing nothing.Dismiss all of them immediately,Mahama.
Duodu in Düsseldorf 10 years ago
Jones , economists with PhDs will never improve your economy for you. Tell this Boss and his other manager -pals to do all they can to improve the Quality of their products ----so that no Ghanaian would be forced to buy impo ... read full comment
Jones , economists with PhDs will never improve your economy for you. Tell this Boss and his other manager -pals to do all they can to improve the Quality of their products ----so that no Ghanaian would be forced to buy imported goods. If he would pay his workers more than he does now, they would be able to finance their childrens education and help reduce uneployment. Why do we import so many items ? Well, it is simply more profitable to import and sell tomatoes grown in Togo. The question is why can we not compete with the Togolese farmers ?People, this has nothing to do with NPP or NDC. This is a ghanaian problem.
Fiifi 10 years ago
Excellent!! Where are our so-called profs. who keep propounding theories from others after they have had their BANKU AND TILAPIA OKRO STEW AFTERNOON MEAL (& JUMP), topped with cream salat and their COOOOOL BEER!The problem ... read full comment
Excellent!! Where are our so-called profs. who keep propounding theories from others after they have had their BANKU AND TILAPIA OKRO STEW AFTERNOON MEAL (& JUMP), topped with cream salat and their COOOOOL BEER!The problem is not IGNORANCE BUT RATHER QUICK MONEY, LAZINESS AND STUPID POLITICIZATION OF NATIONAL ISSUES! "ABLO" !!!
Jordan 10 years ago
i am very happy that there is one person in your position has spoken the truth.Let us stop eating the exotic foods and let us as country start apretiating how and where we come from ,to guide us to a Better Ghana Destination
i am very happy that there is one person in your position has spoken the truth.Let us stop eating the exotic foods and let us as country start apretiating how and where we come from ,to guide us to a Better Ghana Destination
Mr. Questions 10 years ago
THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, & NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
HOWEVER, IT IS THE HUMAN BEING WHO SHOULD TRANSLATE WHAT'S ON PAPER INTO REALITY. OUR PRESIDENT (and of course, the rest of the population) ARE HEAVILY CORRUPT & INT ... read full comment
THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, & NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
HOWEVER, IT IS THE HUMAN BEING WHO SHOULD TRANSLATE WHAT'S ON PAPER INTO REALITY. OUR PRESIDENT (and of course, the rest of the population) ARE HEAVILY CORRUPT & INTENSELY GREEDY. NO GOOD THEORY CAN EVER WORK
IN THE MIDST OF SUCH BUNCH OF CORRUPTION. ELIMINATION OF CORRUPTION SHOULD BE THE NUMERO UNO THING TO INCULCATE INTO SOCIETY BEFORE ANY THING ELSE.
DAN 10 years ago
was high blood pressure or diabetes a problem when food with out salt or sugar was eaten? So fish or meat must be refrigerated and not salted to preserve
was high blood pressure or diabetes a problem when food with out salt or sugar was eaten? So fish or meat must be refrigerated and not salted to preserve
GHANABA 10 years ago
Neoplan Ghana was established in 1974,yet Ghana import Yutong buses.WHY? Peugot Automobile Nigeria was established in 1972,yet Nigeria import buses from China...WHY? African politicians are worse than terrorist and drug deale ... read full comment
Neoplan Ghana was established in 1974,yet Ghana import Yutong buses.WHY? Peugot Automobile Nigeria was established in 1972,yet Nigeria import buses from China...WHY? African politicians are worse than terrorist and drug dealers.They wreck more lives.
MENSAH 10 years ago
Kwesi Orko has said all.
His strategies are so simple,but too complex to our naive economists,surrounding MAHAMA,the historian.
This guy should be engaged in teaching these strategies at schools,for the youth to learn from ... read full comment
Kwesi Orko has said all.
His strategies are so simple,but too complex to our naive economists,surrounding MAHAMA,the historian.
This guy should be engaged in teaching these strategies at schools,for the youth to learn from him.
THIS IS PLAIN AND PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE WE SHOULD BE VERY SERIOUS ABOUT ITS IMPLEMENTATIONS.BECAUSE,I THINK,IT WOULD BE FRUITFUL AND REWARDING IN THE LONG ROUND.
He really deserves to be THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF A REPUTABLE FIRM,LIKE ALUWORKS.
When a man of wisdom,ideas,knowledge speaks,it exposes the naive,stupid and fools:
OUR ECONOMISTS.
OKOFO 10 years ago
This is what we need to move our economy forward and not the rubbish and insults coming from Sir John, Akoto Osei, Kabila, the baby face Sammy Awuku and the rest from various opposition parties, particular NPP.
This is what we need to move our economy forward and not the rubbish and insults coming from Sir John, Akoto Osei, Kabila, the baby face Sammy Awuku and the rest from various opposition parties, particular NPP.
Whatever 10 years ago
That's a brilliant illustration on the need to remedy our international trade tariffs to support our exports as the EU does
That's a brilliant illustration on the need to remedy our international trade tariffs to support our exports as the EU does
Kwabena 10 years ago
How can Ghana import tinned coconut drink, paper orange juice, raw oranges, carrots from Ivory Coast, onions from Burkina Faso,etc. These vegetables can be grown at our backyards using pots and wooden boxes. I grew and canned ... read full comment
How can Ghana import tinned coconut drink, paper orange juice, raw oranges, carrots from Ivory Coast, onions from Burkina Faso,etc. These vegetables can be grown at our backyards using pots and wooden boxes. I grew and canned my own vegetables while living in Nigeria and Italy. I can't do that in the US due to the limited living space. We have to change our life styles and stop all this fantasies.
Every household can have a chicken pen of up to 10 chickens feeding them household food waste.
We have been living with the impression that foreign made goods are superior.
It's sad, it's sad, indeed!
OKOFO 10 years ago
This is a character Ghana need not doom gospel singers. Kaba of Asempa FM and Kwame Sefa Kani of Peace FM will never pick this article for their shows simply because it does not meet their master's need. They have refused to ... read full comment
This is a character Ghana need not doom gospel singers. Kaba of Asempa FM and Kwame Sefa Kani of Peace FM will never pick this article for their shows simply because it does not meet their master's need. They have refused to read any mail from me on this line because it falls out of pace with the agenda of their paymasters. Mr Kwasi Donko you deserve your position. Pls keep the good work going and God will continue to bless you. Please forward it to NPP leadership and MPS, mostly Akoto Osei and Kwaku Kwateng, to enable them to advise their communication team on this important subject bse Dr Bawumiah, their proclaimed Ghana economy messiah, has refused to do so.
bt 10 years ago
The best article i have read in 50 years. I can't say more.
The best article i have read in 50 years. I can't say more.
LUCK 10 years ago
Ghana's cedi is fast depreciating as a result of our adverse balance of payments, a situation fuelled by our insatiable appetite for imports.A country well-known for processing its raw materials locally through its import-s ... read full comment
Ghana's cedi is fast depreciating as a result of our adverse balance of payments, a situation fuelled by our insatiable appetite for imports.A country well-known for processing its raw materials locally through its import-substitution industries established by the Great Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, has shamefully turned into an import-dependent economy importing even toothpick. We should start adding value to our raw materials to create employment and earn a higher price in the world market. What has happened to the Gold Refinery built by Nkrumah? I remember in the VALCO Agreement signed by Nkrumah there was a clause that gave Ghana the right to process our Kibi bauxite for aluminium. The date had long expired and it appears that clause had not been implemented.Why? We want answers.
ALI ABUBAKAR 10 years ago
Wascce economics , the makola trader can teach the PHD graduate in Ghana. What a shame.
Wascce economics , the makola trader can teach the PHD graduate in Ghana. What a shame.
efo korkuvi 10 years ago
Me I go give you 101% for this your
thought him provokinking harticle.
Na you be the Boos oooo. Na true say kantry broke oo kantry no broke ooo we dey inside.
Ebe people like you wey dey for be president and things.
But ... read full comment
Me I go give you 101% for this your
thought him provokinking harticle.
Na you be the Boos oooo. Na true say kantry broke oo kantry no broke ooo we dey inside.
Ebe people like you wey dey for be president and things.
But the useless politicians wey dey dey thief thief wanna monies they no dey thinki thinki self. Wey they no do read read.
Make the Bearded Old Man continue give you wisdom waa waa.
SD 10 years ago
Very nice piece
Very nice piece
bt 10 years ago
Well said Araba. Right on spot.
Well said Araba. Right on spot.
Setsoafia Livingstone Yao 10 years ago
This is an excellent macro economics which I told a friend three days ago.i think these are the kinds of people we need in our Central Bank to run the financial affairs of the country.
Thank you for this idea and be blesse ... read full comment
This is an excellent macro economics which I told a friend three days ago.i think these are the kinds of people we need in our Central Bank to run the financial affairs of the country.
Thank you for this idea and be blessed daddy.
Brainy Guy 10 years ago
Thank you sir. But prepare for the insults from the NDC hired serial writers.
Thank you sir. But prepare for the insults from the NDC hired serial writers.
Bonso 10 years ago
What a statement
What a statement
Reason well 10 years ago
This is an excellent contribution from a Managing Director of a manufacturing company, a practical man. This is the kind of person that should be serving on a board or be sought as a stakeholders' representative. He has avoid ... read full comment
This is an excellent contribution from a Managing Director of a manufacturing company, a practical man. This is the kind of person that should be serving on a board or be sought as a stakeholders' representative. He has avoided politics and pointed to solutions. Not the trash that the dummy Political Science Professor spewed few days ago. Well done Mr. Okoh.
MICHAEL 10 years ago
Excellent Article, this is exactly how every learned Ghanaian should contribute to the knowledge body of Ghana. Well said Allu Boss,how come we can't manufacture anything in Ghana? We always look forward to live luxurious liv ... read full comment
Excellent Article, this is exactly how every learned Ghanaian should contribute to the knowledge body of Ghana. Well said Allu Boss,how come we can't manufacture anything in Ghana? We always look forward to live luxurious lives by importing what the white man can't even afford at the expense of our dying economy. Wake up all Ghanaians and let help build the nation elese things will keep falling apart. All the useless univerisity professors teach so much theory that they can't even practice themselves. In this 21st century, how can a whole Nation keep importing Matches, Chalk and Tooth-pick from China... it's an eyesore... arise and lets build..
james naru 10 years ago
Good Article.
I will vote for you.
Let us produce the following:
Coffee,Maize,Cocoa, Rice, Peanuts, Pineapple, Sheep , Goats, Chicken
Factories to produce: Fridges,Matches, Can Fruits and Vegetables, Matches,
Good Article.
I will vote for you.
Let us produce the following:
Coffee,Maize,Cocoa, Rice, Peanuts, Pineapple, Sheep , Goats, Chicken
Factories to produce: Fridges,Matches, Can Fruits and Vegetables, Matches,
Coco T 10 years ago
Look guys the engine for progress manufacturing. Do you remember the industrialization of America? That's all you need to come out of this. To develop and progress you need to adopt a manufacturing mind set.
You can not take ... read full comment
Look guys the engine for progress manufacturing. Do you remember the industrialization of America? That's all you need to come out of this. To develop and progress you need to adopt a manufacturing mind set.
You can not take a loan from china and use the loan to build private accommodation to your staff or ministry?
Kwadjo, London 10 years ago
This is a very good piece, thank you, Boss.You are on the ground and hands on.
1. The cedi is a traded commodity, therefore apart from demand and supply, in the short term all factors (eg speculations,criminality) that influ ... read full comment
This is a very good piece, thank you, Boss.You are on the ground and hands on.
1. The cedi is a traded commodity, therefore apart from demand and supply, in the short term all factors (eg speculations,criminality) that influence the market come to play.
2. Why do banks transfer monies without underlying transaction?
3. The market perceives the Presidency to be marred in 'Corruption'(merchant Bank sale)
4. Ministries of Trade, Finance and Ghana Investment Promotion council must work together to promote Ghana.
5. We cannot fail.
Edward Cosby 10 years ago
The only way forward is for the Government to encourage manufacturing by by giving grants and affordable loans to help local industries. Because at the moment it cost much less to import some basic stuff than to manufacture .
The only way forward is for the Government to encourage manufacturing by by giving grants and affordable loans to help local industries. Because at the moment it cost much less to import some basic stuff than to manufacture .
Papaloto 10 years ago
Thanks for this masterpiece. You hit the nail right on the head. No economy survives by importing more than it exports, especially when what it is importing can be produced right there.
Thanks for this masterpiece. You hit the nail right on the head. No economy survives by importing more than it exports, especially when what it is importing can be produced right there.
Mr. Questions 10 years ago
THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, & NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
HOWEVER, IT IS THE HUMAN BEING WHO SHOULD TRANSLATE WHAT'S ON PAPER INTO REALITY. OUR PRESIDENT (and of course, the rest of the population) ARE HEAVILY CORRUPT & INTENSE ... read full comment
THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, & NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
HOWEVER, IT IS THE HUMAN BEING WHO SHOULD TRANSLATE WHAT'S ON PAPER INTO REALITY. OUR PRESIDENT (and of course, the rest of the population) ARE HEAVILY CORRUPT & INTENSELY GREEDY. NO GOOD THEORY CAN EVER WORK
IN THE MIDST OF SUCH BUNCH OF CORRUPTION. ELIMINATION OF CORRUPTION SHOULD BE THE NUMERO UNO THING TO INCULCATE INTO SOCIETY BEFORE ANY THING ELSE.
Ismail I 10 years ago
You beat me to it Mr Okoh. I had a lengthy discussion with a friend just yesterday and almost all your suggestions were touched upon. The problem is our leaders all behave like the sakawa kids in town today, wanting to have i ... read full comment
You beat me to it Mr Okoh. I had a lengthy discussion with a friend just yesterday and almost all your suggestions were touched upon. The problem is our leaders all behave like the sakawa kids in town today, wanting to have it all even in their teens without a drop of sweat. I was on a flight to Ghana one day when a lady I had a conversation with told me even bamboo is imported by Chinese construction firms in Ghana! That also reminds me of a joke where a Ghanaian gentleman was dressed up to the teeth with everything foreign went out looking for a job made in Ghana. It is quite clear and yet so elusive to our leaders when it comes to how our economy can be run to promote genuine growth in the lives of the people. If you ask me, I would say the price of the cedi can only be expensive (meaning less cedis for a dollar for example) when over-dependence on imports are curtailed whilst strengthening local industries and coming out with strategies whereby value can be added to most of our imports.
Mr president, please do assist our local industries to grow and become competitive so that we can be self reliant in the provision of most of our basic needs whiles indirectly tackling the unemployment problem facing us.
Owura Kofi 10 years ago
Uncle Kwasi, you've expertly summed up Ghana's problems, and provided solutions. The question is, will any politician share your analysis? You have ignorant people ruling the country. Would they even listen to or read what yo ... read full comment
Uncle Kwasi, you've expertly summed up Ghana's problems, and provided solutions. The question is, will any politician share your analysis? You have ignorant people ruling the country. Would they even listen to or read what you've said? A gov't minister goes out to say that the hardships Ghana is facing are signs of end-time. Another gov't official blames magicians for the shortage of the dollar/foreign currency. How stupid can Ghanaians be to elect or accept such ignorant, good for nothings to rule the country?
Reason well 10 years ago
Contribute to solutions and stop insulting. We need to work with our brains !
Contribute to solutions and stop insulting. We need to work with our brains !
KANE 10 years ago
Nonsense
I know many relatively poor third-world non-African countries that import even blocks and sand and gravel for house building, yet they have better and comfortable economies.
Ghana is collapsing because of huge ... read full comment
Nonsense
I know many relatively poor third-world non-African countries that import even blocks and sand and gravel for house building, yet they have better and comfortable economies.
Ghana is collapsing because of huge taxes, tariffs and by extension high price levels of every damn thing, period.
Massive widespread corruption among Ghana's entire leadership by constitutional and many other means is also a remote cause of the total collapse of Ghana's economy.
So the cyclical economic mess has little to do with high import bills or trade imbalances challenges postulated by this useless corrupt Aluworks boss. with
Reason well 10 years ago
Name the third-world non-African countries. You have not used your brain to offer any suggestion, except to insult somebody who has intelligently offered solutions. Try to be creative and don't react unintelligently.
Name the third-world non-African countries. You have not used your brain to offer any suggestion, except to insult somebody who has intelligently offered solutions. Try to be creative and don't react unintelligently.
aliyu 10 years ago
great by the horns.warning signs that if the pattern continues unabated, we are doomed to witnessing the collapse of the Ghanaian economy.god forbid.
great by the horns.warning signs that if the pattern continues unabated, we are doomed to witnessing the collapse of the Ghanaian economy.god forbid.
Kwaku 10 years ago
Good piece and fairly good and decent responses. I feel I am seeing the light at the end tunnel as regard the solutions to Ghana's problems. This piece and a couple of solution oriented articles I read from Dr. Quarm, make m ... read full comment
Good piece and fairly good and decent responses. I feel I am seeing the light at the end tunnel as regard the solutions to Ghana's problems. This piece and a couple of solution oriented articles I read from Dr. Quarm, make me a bit optimistic. Let the good ideas be out there. The people will pick them up and, thanks to freedom of speech and the many media of expression, they will brake the ears of the political leadership until they do the right. Enlightened people armed with the good facts, as expressed in these articles, can cause a lot of changes. Let us brainstorm and let the good ideas flow unabated. As at now most of the loud mouths lack the salient facts and dialogue has been hollow thus far but we should keep hope alive.
DISCIPLINE HOLLAND 10 years ago
MAHAMA PLEEEASE IM BEGGING YOU GO BACK AND READ POLITICAL SCEINCE AND ECONOMY LEVEL 5 AND PLEEEASE DONT RELY ON KWASI TERKPE BECOS HE WAS NOT ALL THA BRILLIANT WHEN WE WERE IN SCHOOL.MR PRESIDENT PLEEEASE USE STATE MONEY TO F ... read full comment
MAHAMA PLEEEASE IM BEGGING YOU GO BACK AND READ POLITICAL SCEINCE AND ECONOMY LEVEL 5 AND PLEEEASE DONT RELY ON KWASI TERKPE BECOS HE WAS NOT ALL THA BRILLIANT WHEN WE WERE IN SCHOOL.MR PRESIDENT PLEEEASE USE STATE MONEY TO FINANCE THE COURSE.
Reason well 10 years ago
Please, this is no joking matter. The economy is not doing well so we need to be very serious and offer real solutions without party coloration. The sinking Cedi affects all of us.
Please, this is no joking matter. The economy is not doing well so we need to be very serious and offer real solutions without party coloration. The sinking Cedi affects all of us.
Bewise Wisdom. 10 years ago
Can someone forward this information to Mr. President, the Ato Ahwois, BOG finance committee. It appears the President is surrounding with fools and contract awarders who has no Economic sense to advise him. Mr President why ... read full comment
Can someone forward this information to Mr. President, the Ato Ahwois, BOG finance committee. It appears the President is surrounding with fools and contract awarders who has no Economic sense to advise him. Mr President why don't you see advise from the successful entrepreneurs?
Mr. President be wise and don't let the old hymns singers ie "yes sir maser", "oh boss", "I salute you sir" around; fool you.
Kofi 10 years ago
I am not sure that we, as a people, have the stomach for the corrective actions that need to be taken to put our economy on a sound footing. We are always "too poor to afford" this, and therefore "government must be responsib ... read full comment
I am not sure that we, as a people, have the stomach for the corrective actions that need to be taken to put our economy on a sound footing. We are always "too poor to afford" this, and therefore "government must be responsible for providing" that. Knowing this, our leaders will always shy away from the required pricing and resource allocation decisions. They will rather go for short-term solutions such as new taxes and borrowing to raise funding for commodities, activities and projects that support our behaviours and lifestyle that are unsustainable in the long run. Of course, there's also the self interest and corruption of virtually all of us in the system. Whether NPP or NDC, we will continue along these lines until we get to the crisis point. Then, as happened in Greece, it will take outsiders to force us to do the right thing.
But I agree with Mr. Okoh that "country broke, country no broke, we dey inside"!
Reason well 10 years ago
We need to put our brains together and solve this problem. No party business please. Like the writer said "we dey inside"
We need to put our brains together and solve this problem. No party business please. Like the writer said "we dey inside"
DAN 10 years ago
by banning or heavy tax on used cars you only give toyota and africa motors or tata the ability to charge any price they want while there is competion in america and Toyota has to advertize on tv that they will sell you a BRA ... read full comment
by banning or heavy tax on used cars you only give toyota and africa motors or tata the ability to charge any price they want while there is competion in america and Toyota has to advertize on tv that they will sell you a BRAND NEW CAMRY for $18,000...or my new(2013 last year) chevy pickup(full size) was $23,000...so why would you pay more except they will say the car was built for hot weather! Are they ac/refrigerators compressors built in ghana???? they are very few small ones even built in usa! All small ones come from China! So don't ban what you don't build...clothing or food should be imported cheap if its rice,chicken,tomtatoes..You must learn to can vegatables..most canned in usa will last on shelf for 1 year!
Austine 10 years ago
Great insight!
Great insight!
Wisdom Akpeloowu 10 years ago
Who should be a president ? Is it the academia or business men like Aluworks Boss. Let look at China they are govern by business men so they export from bentua to air craft. We like the professors, tutors and next time it wil ... read full comment
Who should be a president ? Is it the academia or business men like Aluworks Boss. Let look at China they are govern by business men so they export from bentua to air craft. We like the professors, tutors and next time it will be my turn a pupil teacher because that is what we want.
GOOD SUGGESTIONS.THIS PROBLEM IS A NATIONAL ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE SOLVED WITH THE UNITY OF THE MPS AND GOVT.MAJORITY AND MINORITY MPS SHOULD LEAD THE EDUCATION TOGETHER TO AVOID PARTISAN POLITICS.IF THE MPS DO NOT GIVE ACADEM ...
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Great stuff Kwasi. Step 1 recommendation will go counter to the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff recently signed for preparation to start now towards implementation in Jan 2015.
Kwasi we are just not pro ...
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Excellent article, but as always, in economics, 1+1 does not always equal 2; one measure here added to another measure elsewhere in the economy does not necessarily produce a positive result; they may in fact negate each othe ...
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[98+1]%.This is my marks for Kwasi Okoh's article.You would think that the numerous advicers would know i.e. understand these but no they don't. I wish you were in the economic team.
Does the President and his economic read ...
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Hmmm! Mensah I may say you have been generous with Aluworks Boss, though his article is very good. I agree with him on the demand and supply basis of the cedi's free fall. In fact, I said the same in an article I sent to Ghan ...
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In the main you agree.With reference to your last paragraph,what then needs to be done?
Dear Kofi,I follow your articles and contributions closely and find pleasure in reading most of them, however, you have to be very careful when trying to interpret someones practical application analysis in a subject matter t ...
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HOW DO YOU MAKE GH MORE ECONOMICALLY COMPETITIVE, U ASK?
A/upgrade and improve infrastructure: road systems,airports, ports, the entire infrastructure, and IT infrastructure IN GH IS LAGGING. IMAGINE THE JOBS THIS WILL CREAT ...
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AK,
Good addendum to a good article by Kwasi.
My question is: Do we have the leadership to implement all or some these measures without being distracted by POLITICAL PARTY manifestoes which is basically, bribry, corrupt ...
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BOSS you said it all,but who is reading and taking note?
A guy from cold and stormy Ireland (no, not affiliated with Tullow oil). Very interesting and to the point article. Hits many nails on the head, but rather simplified. The problems for Ghana as well as most emerging markets c ...
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No need for workshops, conferences and meetings. Let's roll up our sleeves and start working. The time to save Ghana is now! Forget about Mahama and co. Even if you can plant some corn in your backyard when the rains start, p ...
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Araba,
My kinda girl!!
Our dependency on imports is too much and not until we stop importing for example cars like BMW.Mercedes and Range Rovers which are very very expensive in Europe or America costing over $30,000.00 or Grapefruits,Used clothes ...
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Where is the Kade Match Factory which was established by Nkrumah government over fifty years ago? Are we still importing match sticks? Kwame Nkrumah,the man of VISION is turning in his grave.
Very impressive analysis of the economic situation.Mahama should appoint Kwasi Okoh as an advisor,and dismiss all those bogus economists surrounding him.
There are too many economists with PhDs in the Mahama government enjoying fat salaries and doing nothing.Dismiss all of them immediately,Mahama.
Jones , economists with PhDs will never improve your economy for you. Tell this Boss and his other manager -pals to do all they can to improve the Quality of their products ----so that no Ghanaian would be forced to buy impo ...
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Excellent!! Where are our so-called profs. who keep propounding theories from others after they have had their BANKU AND TILAPIA OKRO STEW AFTERNOON MEAL (& JUMP), topped with cream salat and their COOOOOL BEER!The problem ...
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i am very happy that there is one person in your position has spoken the truth.Let us stop eating the exotic foods and let us as country start apretiating how and where we come from ,to guide us to a Better Ghana Destination
THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, & NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
HOWEVER, IT IS THE HUMAN BEING WHO SHOULD TRANSLATE WHAT'S ON PAPER INTO REALITY. OUR PRESIDENT (and of course, the rest of the population) ARE HEAVILY CORRUPT & INT ...
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was high blood pressure or diabetes a problem when food with out salt or sugar was eaten? So fish or meat must be refrigerated and not salted to preserve
Neoplan Ghana was established in 1974,yet Ghana import Yutong buses.WHY? Peugot Automobile Nigeria was established in 1972,yet Nigeria import buses from China...WHY? African politicians are worse than terrorist and drug deale ...
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Kwesi Orko has said all.
His strategies are so simple,but too complex to our naive economists,surrounding MAHAMA,the historian.
This guy should be engaged in teaching these strategies at schools,for the youth to learn from ...
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This is what we need to move our economy forward and not the rubbish and insults coming from Sir John, Akoto Osei, Kabila, the baby face Sammy Awuku and the rest from various opposition parties, particular NPP.
That's a brilliant illustration on the need to remedy our international trade tariffs to support our exports as the EU does
How can Ghana import tinned coconut drink, paper orange juice, raw oranges, carrots from Ivory Coast, onions from Burkina Faso,etc. These vegetables can be grown at our backyards using pots and wooden boxes. I grew and canned ...
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This is a character Ghana need not doom gospel singers. Kaba of Asempa FM and Kwame Sefa Kani of Peace FM will never pick this article for their shows simply because it does not meet their master's need. They have refused to ...
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The best article i have read in 50 years. I can't say more.
Ghana's cedi is fast depreciating as a result of our adverse balance of payments, a situation fuelled by our insatiable appetite for imports.A country well-known for processing its raw materials locally through its import-s ...
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Wascce economics , the makola trader can teach the PHD graduate in Ghana. What a shame.
Me I go give you 101% for this your
thought him provokinking harticle.
Na you be the Boos oooo. Na true say kantry broke oo kantry no broke ooo we dey inside.
Ebe people like you wey dey for be president and things.
But ...
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Very nice piece
Well said Araba. Right on spot.
This is an excellent macro economics which I told a friend three days ago.i think these are the kinds of people we need in our Central Bank to run the financial affairs of the country.
Thank you for this idea and be blesse ...
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Thank you sir. But prepare for the insults from the NDC hired serial writers.
What a statement
This is an excellent contribution from a Managing Director of a manufacturing company, a practical man. This is the kind of person that should be serving on a board or be sought as a stakeholders' representative. He has avoid ...
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Excellent Article, this is exactly how every learned Ghanaian should contribute to the knowledge body of Ghana. Well said Allu Boss,how come we can't manufacture anything in Ghana? We always look forward to live luxurious liv ...
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Good Article.
I will vote for you.
Let us produce the following:
Coffee,Maize,Cocoa, Rice, Peanuts, Pineapple, Sheep , Goats, Chicken
Factories to produce: Fridges,Matches, Can Fruits and Vegetables, Matches,
Look guys the engine for progress manufacturing. Do you remember the industrialization of America? That's all you need to come out of this. To develop and progress you need to adopt a manufacturing mind set.
You can not take ...
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This is a very good piece, thank you, Boss.You are on the ground and hands on.
1. The cedi is a traded commodity, therefore apart from demand and supply, in the short term all factors (eg speculations,criminality) that influ ...
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The only way forward is for the Government to encourage manufacturing by by giving grants and affordable loans to help local industries. Because at the moment it cost much less to import some basic stuff than to manufacture .
Thanks for this masterpiece. You hit the nail right on the head. No economy survives by importing more than it exports, especially when what it is importing can be produced right there.
THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, & NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
HOWEVER, IT IS THE HUMAN BEING WHO SHOULD TRANSLATE WHAT'S ON PAPER INTO REALITY. OUR PRESIDENT (and of course, the rest of the population) ARE HEAVILY CORRUPT & INTENSE ...
read full comment
You beat me to it Mr Okoh. I had a lengthy discussion with a friend just yesterday and almost all your suggestions were touched upon. The problem is our leaders all behave like the sakawa kids in town today, wanting to have i ...
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Uncle Kwasi, you've expertly summed up Ghana's problems, and provided solutions. The question is, will any politician share your analysis? You have ignorant people ruling the country. Would they even listen to or read what yo ...
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Contribute to solutions and stop insulting. We need to work with our brains !
Nonsense
I know many relatively poor third-world non-African countries that import even blocks and sand and gravel for house building, yet they have better and comfortable economies.
Ghana is collapsing because of huge ...
read full comment
Name the third-world non-African countries. You have not used your brain to offer any suggestion, except to insult somebody who has intelligently offered solutions. Try to be creative and don't react unintelligently.
great by the horns.warning signs that if the pattern continues unabated, we are doomed to witnessing the collapse of the Ghanaian economy.god forbid.
Good piece and fairly good and decent responses. I feel I am seeing the light at the end tunnel as regard the solutions to Ghana's problems. This piece and a couple of solution oriented articles I read from Dr. Quarm, make m ...
read full comment
MAHAMA PLEEEASE IM BEGGING YOU GO BACK AND READ POLITICAL SCEINCE AND ECONOMY LEVEL 5 AND PLEEEASE DONT RELY ON KWASI TERKPE BECOS HE WAS NOT ALL THA BRILLIANT WHEN WE WERE IN SCHOOL.MR PRESIDENT PLEEEASE USE STATE MONEY TO F ...
read full comment
Please, this is no joking matter. The economy is not doing well so we need to be very serious and offer real solutions without party coloration. The sinking Cedi affects all of us.
Can someone forward this information to Mr. President, the Ato Ahwois, BOG finance committee. It appears the President is surrounding with fools and contract awarders who has no Economic sense to advise him. Mr President why ...
read full comment
I am not sure that we, as a people, have the stomach for the corrective actions that need to be taken to put our economy on a sound footing. We are always "too poor to afford" this, and therefore "government must be responsib ...
read full comment
We need to put our brains together and solve this problem. No party business please. Like the writer said "we dey inside"
by banning or heavy tax on used cars you only give toyota and africa motors or tata the ability to charge any price they want while there is competion in america and Toyota has to advertize on tv that they will sell you a BRA ...
read full comment
Great insight!
Who should be a president ? Is it the academia or business men like Aluworks Boss. Let look at China they are govern by business men so they export from bentua to air craft. We like the professors, tutors and next time it wil ...
read full comment