Ken Ofori-Atta reiterates government’s commitment to protecting the public purse
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has recently spoken out about the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, and protecting the public purse through expenditure controls and proper tax collection. In a recent interview, Ofori-Atta emphasized the importance of learning from the country’s past economic challenges and spending only what is earned, rather than the other way around.
The government’s focus on fiscal management and responsible spending is of utmost importance in Ghana’s current economic climate, where the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant revenue shortfalls and increased spending on health care and social programs. According to Ofori-Atta, the government is doing the right thing and is on the right path with respect to fiscal management, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
As part of the government’s efforts to protect the public purse, Ofori-Atta stressed the need for expenditure control commitments, raising revenue, and ensuring that the government spends what it earns. These measures are critical for Ghana to navigate its current economic challenges and continue on a path of sustainable growth and development.
However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. One major issue facing the government is the need to balance its revenue needs with the demands of its citizens, particularly those in rural areas and low-income households. With many Ghanaians already struggling to make ends meet, any increase in taxes or cuts in social programs could have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable segments of the population.
To address these challenges, the government is looking to diversify its revenue streams and promote private sector investment in key sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and manufacturing. This includes the implementation of policies and programs that incentivize private investment and promote entrepreneurship, particularly among young people.
Another important aspect of the government’s fiscal policy is the need to ensure transparency and accountability in public spending. This is critical to building public trust and confidence in government institutions, particularly in the wake of recent corruption scandals that have rocked the country.
To this end, the government has implemented a number of measures aimed at promoting greater transparency and accountability in public spending, including the establishment of an independent Special Prosecutor’s Office to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, and the implementation of a public financial management system that promotes greater oversight and control over government spending.
Despite these efforts, Ghana’s fiscal challenges remain significant. The country faces mounting debt levels and an urgent need to address structural issues that have hampered economic growth and development for decades. However, with a renewed focus on fiscal responsibility and prudent spending, coupled with efforts to diversify the economy and promote private sector investment, Ghana is well-positioned to weather the current economic storm and emerge stronger and more resilient in the years to come.
