A political scientist at the University of Ghana has asked President Akufo-Addo to order the Finance Minister to seek assistance from his predecessor in addressing the current economic hardship.

Professor Ransford Gyampo said Seth Tekper has enough knowledge that can be useful in these times.

In his view, Ken Ofori-Atta seems to be over ministerial reshuffle, a situation that keeps worsening Ghana’s economy.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, October 2, he asked the President to put the interest of the nation above all others.

“It is decidedly clear that Ken Ofori Atta is beyond ministerial reshuffle. Mr Presidnt, please task him to seek some assistance from Seth Tekper in addressing our economic miseries. For, winner-knows-all politics hasn’t been helpful,” he said.

Ghana’s economy is going through difficulties leading to hardships for Ghanaians.

The cedi has been reported by Bloomberg to be the worst-performing African currency and is also constantly depreciating against some major international currencies.

The currency has dropped by at least 35 per cent in 2022, according to Bloomberg. 

Government has thus said it will fast-track negotiations with the IMF to ensure key aspects of the programme are reflected in the 2023 budget statement.

However, Mr Ofori-Atta has insisted that the economy is gradually on the upswing despite the numerous shocks it faced over the past two years.

“This progress gives us a solid foundation to confront the challenges ahead. Undoubtedly, global risks remain on the horizon, including a strengthening US dollar and higher interest rates which negatively affect external borrowing.”

“This development is exerting enormous pressure on our Balance of Payment position, and thus the need for us to expedite our engagement with the International Monetary Fund”, he mentioned at a press briefing last week.