A member of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Eric Ametor Quarmyne says the request for government to layoff public sector employees to save the economy is misplaced.

According to him, any attempt by government to cut jobs will exacerbate the already volatile unemployment situation in the country.

Ametor Quarmyne was reacting to a call by former deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Anthony Akoto-Osei on government to lay off workers as a practical way of reducing the wage bill.

At an economic forum under the auspices of Daily Graphic and Fidelity Bank in Accra, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Old Tafo said the economy is on the verge of collapse if the status quo remains.

Dr. Akoto-Osei also called for the suspension of portions of the single spine pay policy, which takes about 70 percent of the wage bill.

But speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday, Ametor Quarmyne said though the suggestions by Akoto-Osei is a laudable idea, government lacks the willpower to implement it.

According to him, considering the massive employment situation coupled with socio-economic hardships in the country, any attempt to layoff more workers will be politically suicidal.

Ametor Quarmyne said the only way forward is for government to improve the revenue collection system and be fiscally disciplined.

He bemoaned the disparity in the tax collection system of the country, which he says prevents a lot of people from fulfilling their tax obligations.

Ametor Quarmyne therefore, emphasized the need for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to put in place prudent measures to efficiently collect all taxes. This, he noted will enable government undertake developmental projects.

Also, a member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu said Dr. Akoto-Osei was spot-on with the issue.

He indicated that government must be bold in taking decisions that will salvage the economy from total collapse.

John Boadu further noted that inasmuch as revenue collection in the country is bad, the onus lies with government to resource revenue collection agencies.

He said solving economic problems is not “rocket science” and thus President John Mahama must as a matter of urgency, employ the services of professionals to tackle the issues head-on.