The President shall tonight, address the nation on the state and measures taken against the spread of COVID-19, at 8pm.
Prior to today’s address, there are speculations about a possible locked down. Those who argue fir a lockdown make reference to the current rise in active COVID-19 Cases as well as the rising level of deaths.
Whiles I largely agree with the fact that, Ghana is experiencing its second stage of the spread of the virus and this time, more deadly, I largely disagree with proponents of a lockdown as a measure to curtail the spread.
In this episode, I seek to give three reasons which are largely economic, as reason why the govt may not, and emphatically, cannot return the country to another phase of lockdown.
In June 2020, the the Government, through the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, made a mid-year budget statement to parliament. In that address, the government announced, and subject to Parliamentary approval, embarked on an economic recovery program. This recovery program was tagged COVID-19 ALLEGATION AND REVITALIZATION OF ENTERPRISE SUPPORT PROGRAM (CARES PROGRAMS). The programme aims to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the
lives and livelihoods of Ghanaians, and to ensure that we quickly emerge from
the pandemic with a stronger and more resilient economy.
This program in its second stage which takes off in 2021 to 2023 is targeting an expenditure of about Ghc100 billion. This is to accelerate growth of Ghana’s economy through its flagship programs. A significant portion of about Ghc 70 billion, is expected to be raised through the private sector.
Observing all the ambitious economic targets the government has set for itself, I am of the view that, a second partial lockdown would slow the recovery of businesses, which would ultimately affect government income and expenditure.
Many businesses are yet to recover from last years restrictions. Businesses would have no option but to close down the factories, terminate worker’s contract and these would bring huge economic burden to the government through social interventions.
Further, Government has spent beyond its budget for the years 2020. Currently, as a country with huge Dept financing obligations, there is very little fiscal space for government to spend to ease the burden on citizens and businesses.
In view of the above, the government of Ghana having analyzed its economic ambitions, has very little to do but to prioritize economy over health and safety at this moment.
LIKELY ALTERNATIVES
The government may at this point resort to strengthening existing restrictions on movement. I am of the view that, a cap on congregational activities may be reintroduced.
Government may as well, reinforce patrol of security personnel at Ghana’s boarders as it enforces strictly the wearing of masks.
In addition, government may announce another face of social distancing protocols, contact tracing and testing mechanisms.
It is my firm conviction that, Tertiary and second cycle institutions may not have any other measures aside what currently has been announced but an alternate arrangement for pupils in primary level.
BY: Bright Emmanuel Abia
