Greetings everyone,
Ever heard the term Déjà vu? That sums up the financial cycle of my beloved motherland Ghana, and no, it is not a compliment. The generation of revenue isn't so much the problem. This is because we have numerous streams of taxable income from different sectors. Rather, it is largely due to our mismanagement of funds that is hindering our progress.
Our choice of developmental projects is largely misplaced and too much focus is usually placed on irrelevant projects. And although once a while, the government seems to get it right, the "misses" largely outnumber the "hits". This is why this toxic financial cycle never seizes.
There a number of good projects I can think of that would help boost our economy and enhance our standard of living. However, the one I would like to place emphasis on is the railway system.
Railway Transport System
The one thing I have been looking forward to seeing the government work on effectively is the railway system in the country. This is due to congestion of numerous major towns and cities within the country, caused by overpopulation.
The population of the regions in Ghana is quite proportional to their level of development. As such, Greater Accra which is the capital of the country has the highest population of about 5.4 million source. However, northern region with the largest land size rather has a population of 2.3 million source (With almost twice the land size).
Furthermore, Greater Accra has the highest number of flood records due to poor planning of settlements leading to chocked drains and blockage of water ways. This calls for a serious case of resettlement. And this can only be achieved if people can commute between long distances within a short period of time. Hence, the need for railway transport systems (trains)
With the implementation of a number of trains in the country, someone living in Tamale can comfortably catch the train to work in Accra which will only take about an hour and half to reach his destination. This is quite feasible as many Ghanaians would prefer to settle in their respective hometowns rather than settle elsewhere. It is the search for work that somehow forces them to settle there.
Once people start settling in their own localities or hometowns, they will start setting up businesses and would focus on attracting developmental projects there as well. Thus, the need for this project.
One project I think is completely unnecessary is the E-Levy.
The E-Levy
The e-levy is an electronic levy against all transfers that are made electronically within the country. This is different from the standard tax the government already takes. This bill was passed after the parliamentary congress decided that the country won't be able to sustain it's functionalities without it.
But is it fair to charge someone who is already paying taxes extra levies simply because you mismanaged the nation's funds? Well, that is exactly what is happening in this country.
According to the finance minister Ken Ofori Attah, the country has budgeted about $100 million on the construction of the national cathedral. Now ask yourself, what purpose will this serve when there are already numerous of churches of all denominations across the country. A huge chunk of our levies are being apportioned to such projects while teachers, doctors and lectures go on strike due to their meagre salaries.
Also, with the span of nine months last year (January to September 2022), a total of about $3.8million were spent on goods and services for the president alone. These provide coverage for areas including transport, ICT equipment, tours around the country, among other. Yet, that is still a huge amount to be spent simply on goods and services for a country on the verge of financial bankruptcy.
Why then are we paying extra levies for our government when they keep mismanaging it?
Conclusion
Not every project is worth pursuing in this country but I believe the enhancement of our transport system through the provision of railways will be a great step towards nationwide development. Also, the e-levy is something that should be scrapped off as it is making life more and more difficult for people living in a country with limited opportunities.
Thank you for your attention.