The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV has expressed worry about the state of Ghana’s economy.

The Paramount chief insists that some mismanagement on the part of the government has led the country to this downturn currently being experienced.

The hardship, he believes could have been mitigated if incentive and social interventions were channeled to the right quarters.

But for him, that is not the case as he accused the administration of offering the private sector buffers to influence-peddling party loyalists.

“The few initiatives in support of the private sector have been politicised. Tax waivers, duty exemptions and other incentives have become a privilege reserved for loyal party supporters instead of being targeted at sectors of the economy that need support to become globally competitive,” he said.

The traditional leader made this observation in an article dubbed ‘Our self-inflicted monumental economic crisis.’

In the write-up, the renowned chief cited the clouding of objective decisions by cronyism and parochial interest has not augured well for the country.

“Great ideas and initiatives have not been supported merely because of selfish or political reasons. Crony capitalism has spelt doom for the genuine entrepreneurs, ensuring the happiness of a few, and discontent, misery and suffering of the majority,” he added.

Togbe Afede is of the view that many other interventions under the NPP administration have been treated in a similar fashion.

“Pretentious, poorly planned initiatives like NABCO have been the preferred short-term political reaction to the unemployment problem. But these, we all know, do not create real jobs, and thus cannot provide sustainable solutions to the youth unemployment problem.”

National Cathedral

The controversial National Cathedral was also under Togbe’s microscope.

He asked the government to stop funding the project describing it as unproductive and not necessary in these circumstances. 

This formed part of ten measures he has proffered to the government to help solve the current economic crisis.