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Ghana Elections: John Gatsi on the effect of elections on Ghana’s economy
Special voting is currently underway in Ghana for members of the military, police, media and special service providers ahead of the December 7th polls. Meanwhile, a joint mission from the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States - ECOWAS, is in Ghana to monitor the proceedings for next week. John Gatsi, Dean of Business at the University of Cape Coast tells CNBC Africa’s Kenneth Igbomor what Ghana’s current political climate means for its economy.
Tue, 01 Dec 2020 14:17:04 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Escalating debt levels pose a significant challenge to Ghana's economic stability
- Importance of addressing infrastructure development, corruption, and debt management for sustainable growth
- Critical analysis of the electoral commission's neutrality and independence in overseeing the electoral process
The political landscape in Ghana is heating up as the nation gears up for its upcoming elections on December 7th. Special voting is currently underway for members of the military, police, media, and special service providers. Meanwhile, a joint mission from the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is in Ghana to monitor the proceedings and ensure a fair and transparent election process. John Gatsi, Dean of Business at the University of Cape Coast, shed light on the implications of Ghana's political climate on its economy in an interview with CNBC Africa.
Gatsi highlighted the pressing issue of Ghana's escalating debt levels, which have reached unprecedented heights. He emphasized that both the public and analysts consider the economy a critical topic of discussion. The country has also been grappling with low investment in infrastructure, raising concerns about future economic growth. Additionally, Gatsi pointed out the recent resignation of the special prosecutor, who was perceived as a key figure in the fight against corruption. The government faced accusations of interference, with claims that the special prosecutor's report was biased. These incidents have left a lasting impact on public perception and have further underscored the importance of addressing economic challenges in the country.
The economy, infrastructure development, corruption, and debt management emerged as central themes in the conversation. Gatsi expressed his skepticism regarding the government's focus on free Senior High School (SHS) education, arguing that a more balanced approach is needed to address the diverse economic issues facing Ghana. He stressed the significance of promoting economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, combating corruption, and ensuring prudent debt management as essential pillars for sustainable development.
Another critical aspect under scrutiny is the perceived neutrality of the electoral commission, particularly amidst controversies surrounding the voter register and past electoral processes. Gatsi acknowledged longstanding tensions between opposition parties and the electoral commission, noting that recent changes in the commission's leadership had raised concerns about impartiality. He urged the electoral commission to demonstrate objectivity, neutrality, and independence in overseeing the electoral process to maintain public trust and credibility.
In light of the upcoming election, Gatsi emphasized the importance of the electoral commission upholding these principles to facilitate a smooth and transparent electoral process. While acknowledging the challenges inherent in conducting elections, he urged the commission to prioritize fairness and independence to ensure a credible outcome. By fostering an environment of trust and impartiality, the electoral commission can navigate the final preparations leading up to the election day successfully.
As Ghana stands at a critical juncture with the elections fast approaching, the intersection of politics and the economy occupies a central stage in shaping the country's future trajectory. The decisions made in the coming days will not only determine the political landscape but will also have far-reaching implications for Ghana's economic stability and growth prospects.
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