Panelists at the second edition of the Joy Business Town Hall Meeting, in collaboration with the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), have made a passionate appeal to government to take the bold decision by cutting expenditures drastically to stimulate economic growth in the wake of the current economic challenges.

Speaking on the theme: Post DDEP, IMF Agreement-What next?, the panelists said, government has a major role to play in ensuring the economy is brought back to sound footing, hence the need to do everything possible to address the ailing fiscal economy.

Josephine Vibgedor Edem, BSc Business Economics student, believes the government has not sacrificed enough to win the sympathy of citizens, hence the need to show more commitment by reducing expenditure drastically.

“What is government sacrificing, is the question we should be asking. 40 fleets of cars following the President [Akufo-addo] when they are going on tour, fueling those cars alone is lots of money. That’s notwithstanding allowances, appointees are taking way too much allowances than they deserve”.

How about you telling us you won’t take allowances”, she quizzed.

Solomon Boakye, also a BSc. Economics student expressed the need for government to be fiscally discipline before and after the International Monetary Fund programme.

“We actually need fiscal discipline. In as much as the programme will come on board, it will come with certain conditionalities. But then let’s look at the positive side of it. If only they will remain discipline with the money and be forced to cut some expenditure”.

For Gloria Ampoh, an MSc Finance student, there is the need to have a cap on expenditure.

On his part, Ebenezer Odoom, a BSc. Accounting and Finance student called on the government to empower State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to contribute their quota to national development.

Meanwhile, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. John K. M. Mawutor commended the partnership between his outfit and Multimedia Group, urging students to engage in such productive discourse which will contribute to the development of the country.

“I am optimistic that the discussion will be enlightening and encourage us to play that active role that will shape the country. It will be more relevant for this country that issues of such nature are discussed devoid of partisan sentiments so we can help our leaders develop the nation.”

The Joy Business Town Hall Meeting is an initiative which is aimed at advancing conversations about Ghana's socioeconomic landscape and other pertinent issues in the business ecosystem from the perspective of students.