Economic Crises: Downsize Gov’t Now! – Pentecostal & Charismatic Council To Prez Akufo-Addo

The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to downsize his government machinery and cut down on expenditure to build confidence in his commitment to solving the country’s economic problems. 

The GPCC made the call in a communique after its 2023 Conference of Heads of Churches and Organizations (CHCO) and the Extra-Ordinary National Delegates Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) from the 31st January – 2nd February 2023.

The Conference, among other things, deliberated on pertinent issues prevailing in and of concern to Ghana and Ghanaians.

Prominent among these issues are the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), worsening macro-economic indicators and their effect on the livelihood of the citizens and the Auditor General’s 2021 Report.

From the Council’s perspective, “it is important that the government demonstrates a strong sense of burden-sharing to encourage key bondholders to fully accept the exchange [Domestic Debt Exchange Programme] voluntarily.”

“This should include government explicitly and verifiably cutting down on its expenditure, including reducing the size of the government, among other areas.  This is very critical to encourage buy-in from the general public,” the communique signed by GPCC President Apostle Eric Nyamekye stated.

According to the Council, the recent economic development in Ghana and the hardship currently impacting all Ghanaians is very concerning.

“In particular, the very high levels of inflation and currency depreciation are impacting the poor the most, wiping away incomes and wealth and pushing most Ghanaians into extreme poverty and hardship without any clear social safety nets.  This is presenting an almost existential threat to the poor and vulnerable,” the communique said.

In their view, the government cannot approach the resolution of the current economic situation in a business-as-usual manner.

GPCC called on the government to carry the citizens along in the decision-making process to solve this canker.

They also urged the government to expedite action on the DDEP as it is being pursued with individual bondholders and pension fund managers.