Head of Research at the Chamber of Petroleum Ghana (COPEC), Benjamin Nsiah, has insisted failure on the part of the Finance Ministry to engage relevant stakeholders before the delivery of the 2022 budget is responsible for chaos among the country’s law-makers.
He believes Ghanaians have been dragged into a huge mess since its leaders have been reluctant to represent the common interests of their constituents.
On his accord, the current distress in Parliamentarians illustrates that, Parliamentarians are more interested in party colors, rather than in representing the concerns and ideas of the people they govern.
Speaking to Don Kwabena Prah on Happy98.9 FM’s Epa Hoa Daben political show, he stated, “The question Ghanaians should ask themselves now is whether their various MPs represent their interests or that of the party they belong to and we need to take a clue from this occurrences. With the various issues raised on the 2022 budget, particularly the e-levy, I’ve had some friends in the government sector who obviously cannot come on record suggesting a reduction in the rate of the e-levy. This simply shows us that, should we have been patient and humble enough with the goal of developing the country, bringing our suggestions and recommendations on board would have prevented these unnecessary scenarios in the country. Unfortunately, we didn’t because one thought they wielded all the wisdom and knowledge in the world hence the opinions of others are irrelevant. Ignoring people’s relevant opinions puts you in a difficult situation and that’s where we have found ourselves now.”
The Research expert also reiterated, the government of the day certainly have a long way to go with the implementation of the budget since it further has to undergo three key stages.
Benjamin Nsiah again implied the grassroots would be the most affected groups from decisions of Parliamentarians.
He urged Ghanaians and future leaders to take a clue from this circumstances, that is, “In proposing any budget in the future, let’s do product consultations and engage every relevant stakeholders,” he added.
By: Jude Tackie
