Development economist and a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP), Dr. Kwasi Nyame-Baafi, has asserted that there are mismatches between economic data and the realities on the ground as far as the Mahama Presidency is concerned.
In a post made on his Facebook timeline, Dr. Nyame-Baafi compares key economic indicators and the happenings on the ground, a situation he describes as bizarre.
“Inflation falls to 6.3%, yet utility prices keep rising. The cedi is “appreciating,” yet public debt has increased by over ₵70 billion in just three months supposedly due to exchange-rate pressures” he wrote.
“A so-called lean government, yet bloated allocations for the Office of Government Machinery. Fewer ministers, but more presidential staffers, technical advisors, and deputy ambassadors,” he further observed.
He further noted that it is strange that taxes deemed to be nuisances have been abolished, only for new ones to be introduced, such as the energy sector levy.
“Announcing ORAL, then attempting to abolish the OSP when ORAL fails.
Declare war on illegal mining, yet the state buys galamsey gold while mining goes on openly even in schools,” he stated.
He wrote in his concluding statement, “A government of walking contradictions.
