Economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Priscilla Twumasi Baffuor, is urging government to be innovative with the economic policies in the 2023 Budget expected in a few weeks’ time.

According to her, this is the time government should exhibit some form of leadership in dealing with the economic challenges confronting the country.

Speaking on the Pre-Budget Forum organised by Joy Business, she said the 2023 Budget is crucial to turn around the ailing economy.

“We have gone through challenges with the 2022 Budget and one will expect the government to use the next budget to turn things around though some drastic means. Government must show leadership and some innovation in the next budget so that it delivers the necessary economic benefits - innovative measures to raise revenue, plugging the loopholes in tax collection and other policies that will make mobilization more efficient”.

For instance, she said “the toll booth must be brought back and other means must be identified for the collection so that the funds can be well accounted for”, she stressed.

She further stated that many Ghanaians were surprised about the abolishment of the toll booth since it was generating income for the state.

“Many people were surprised that the toll booth was abolished because it was generating some income for the state; and therefore it will be required to be re-introduced” she said.

The forum was under the theme “Ghana's Ailing Economy: 2023 Budget to the Rescue”.

Some other panelists on the show were Professor Peter Quartey, Director of ISSER; President of the Association of Ghana Industries, Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, President of the Ghana Union Traders Association, Dr. Joseph Obeng and  Chief Executive of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mark Badu-Aboagye.