Finance and Economics professor at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Professor Godfred Bokpin, has described President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to fix Ghana’s economic challenges as refreshing and reassuring.
During his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, President Mahama declared, “I will fix the economic crisis of the country,” attributing the current economic downturn to the Akufo-Addo administration.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, Professor Bokpin said the president’s statement signifies a willingness to take ownership of the country’s financial difficulties, which he believes is crucial in addressing the crisis.
“In fact, the president said, ‘I will fix it,’ and for me, that gives hope,” he noted. “It is a demonstration of leadership taking ownership of the crisis, which is essential in times like these.”
Professor Bokpin compared the economic situation in 2017, when President Mahama handed over power to the Akufo-Addo administration, to the current state of affairs, highlighting the need for strong economic leadership.
“This is not, as some have suggested, a lamentation,” he added. “I don’t think President Mahama intended to write the second book of Lamentations in the Old Testament. Instead, he laid out a clear and actionable plan.”
According to him, while State of the Nation addresses often contain broad political statements, Mahama’s speech went beyond rhetoric by outlining specific actions to address the economic downturn.
“Clearly, the president outlined what they are going to do,” he stated. “Others may say these speeches are just political positioning, but the president took it a step further by detailing specific actions they will take.”
Professor Bokpin expressed optimism that the commitment to “fix it” signals a responsible approach to tackling Ghana’s financial challenges. While the road to economic recovery may be tough, he believes the pledge offers a sense of confidence that the country can overcome its difficulties.
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