Finance and Economics professor at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Professor Godfred Bokpin, has welcomed as refreshing, President John Dramani Mahama’s recent pledge to fix the nation’s economic challenges.
He says the bold declaration gives hope.
President Mahama during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, declared: “I will fix the economic crisis of the country” after he had painted a picture of what he described as the low level the economy had been plunged by the Akufo-Addo administration.
Speaking Friday on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Professor Bokpin emphasised that the President’s words signify more than just a promise; they reflect a willingness to take personal responsibility for the country’s economic situation.
“In fact, the President said, ‘I will fix it,’ and for me, that gives hope,” he said. “It is a demonstration of leadership taking ownership of the crisis, which is essential in times like these.”
Professor Bokpin also made a comparison to the economic situation in 2017 when President Mahama handed over to the then new Akufo-Addo administration and the kind of descriptions that greeted the economy then, pointing out that despite the challenges, both presidents have shown a strong commitment to addressing Ghana’s financial problems.
“This is not, as some have suggested, a lamentation,” Professor Bokpin continued. “I don’t think President Mahama intended to write the second book of lamentations in the Old Testament. Instead, what he did was lay out a clear and actionable plan.”
The professor also noted that State of the Nation speeches often focus on broad, political statements, but in this case, President Mahama’s address went beyond typical rhetoric.
“Clearly, the President outlined what they are going to do,” he said. “Others may say that these speeches are just political positioning, but the President took it a step further by detailing specific actions they will take.”
For Bokpin, the President’s pledge to “fix it” represents a hopeful and responsible approach to resolving the country’s economic issues.
While the road to recovery may be challenging, the clear commitment to action gives confidence that Ghana can overcome its financial difficulties, he said.
