An economist at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has urged government to ensure transparency in the disbursement of stimulus package allocated for businesses.
Prof Godfred Bokpin said government would have to be a little more transparent and ensure greater disclosure in terms of the modality for assessing the Fund.
The package comes amid concerns of the modalities to be adopted in the process to promote equity in the beneficiary chain as business suffer the consequences of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
President Akufo-Addo on April 19, announced the allocation of a ¢600 million stimulus package to small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) this month as part of efforts to deal with the effects of the Covid-19 on the business community.
Some entrepreneurs and businesses have, since the announcement of the development, been waiting for the rollout of a criteria to access the said funds with some already skeptical as to the feasibility of the initiative.
Speaking on PM Express Tuesday, Prof Bokpin told JoyNews Wednesday that, “Out of this amount, ¢600 million cedis of assistance is being provided to micro, small and medium-scale businesses. I expect disbursements of the money to start in May,” he stated.
Describing the delays in the setting up of criteria for the package as unfortunate, he also wants the process to be accelerated to ensure that the packages reach the beneficiaries as soon as possible to prevent industries from folding up completely.
“I believe that given where we find ourselves, help need s to reach the industries very quickly…Government would have to speed up,” he said.
The stimulus package forms part of the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme.
Latest Stories
-
Agogo Presby Hospital celebrates staff over zero maternal death record
29 mins -
Ghana isn’t broke to procure high and low-voltage poles – Energy Minister
30 mins -
Appiatse residents handed keys to newly constructed homes
37 mins -
Dreams FC trainer Karim Zito sets sights on defending MTN FA Cup
42 mins -
Dumsor: Mahama the only President to superintended ‘dum dum’ for 4 years – Opoku Prempeh
52 mins -
Burnley sign partnership deal with fan-backed scouting platform Nordensa
1 hour -
Akesse Brempong, MOG Music, Afronita, Dope Nation to perform at Nsoromma Season 6 Grand Finale
1 hour -
Hopeson Adorye to form ‘Jail Them’ advocacy group
3 hours -
Shatta Wale once cried and knelt to apologise to Mahama – Dr Lawrence Tetteh
3 hours -
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson turned away from polling station after forgetting photo ID
3 hours -
Nigeria soldiers face trial for deadly air strike ‘mistake’
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo, Otumfuo to commission Kumasi International Airport on May 10
3 hours -
PWDs who gain admission into tertiary institutions will be prioritised with government scholarships – Bawumia
3 hours -
Strongman regrets involving Fella Makafui in Medikal feud
3 hours -
NPP must unite now or perish later – Ameyaw-Akumfi warns
3 hours