Ghanaian economist calls for higher public spending
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on MyJoyOnline
Ghanaian economist Godfred Alufar Bokpin calls on the government to increase spending to boost growth and address the infrastructure deficit. His intervention comes ahead of the presentation of the 2027 budget and four-year economic programme, according to MyJoyOnline.
Ghanaian economist Godfred Alufar Bokpin believes public spending cuts applied in 2025 and 2026 are delaying the effects of economic stabilisation on households and businesses. He calls on the government to invest more to remove obstacles linked to the infrastructure deficit, during JoyNews' PM Express programme on Tuesday, MyJoyOnline reports.
Godfred Bokpin nevertheless acknowledges progress on inflation, interest rates and the relative stability of the currency. He believes lower spending can reduce inflation by weakening demand, but that it is not enough to increase the country’s production capacity. He cites in particular the journey time between Accra and Kumasi, which can reach nine to 12 hours, to illustrate the limits of an improvement in economic indicators for households.
His intervention comes ahead of Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson’s presentation of the 2027 budget, scheduled for Thursday 12 November. The government is also due to present a four-year programme called New Economy, focused on investment in productive sectors, whose financing is being contested by the parliamentary opposition.
Godfred Bokpin’s call comes after several calls for increased public investment ahead of the budget presentation. In Ghana, ISSER calls for more investment in 2027 budget.
