In order to reinforce the idea of burden-sharing in these crucial economic times that the country finds itself, the executive arm of government is seriously contemplating either stagnating or cutting down on its wages, as a means to show leadership and rally all Ghanaians along the path of economic revitalization.
Leadership by example is always an effective way to carry along the masses, and it comes as no surprise that President Akufo-Addo and his cabinet are considering ‘biting the bullet’ in solidarity with the generality of the Ghanaian population who have been inundated with taxes in the 2021 budget statement in a bid to revive the ailing economy.
The Finance Minister-designate, Ken Ofori-Atta has noted that the main motive behind the introduction of new and adjustment taxes is to ensure that a collective effort is adopted in fighting the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.
Therefore, it would be appropriate to see what sacrifices the executive arm of government is prepared to make in ensuring a collective effort is adopted in revitalizing the economy.
Although Ghanaians are already lamenting the impact that such levies would have on their already depleted disposal income, seeing the executive arm of government take some of the pinch will send the right signal to the broad mass of Ghanaians that we are in this together.
While at it, we hope the measures would be convincing enough for the broad mass of the population to appreciate the commitment of the executive in this regard. Mere tokenism might infuriate them even more so it has to be something significant.
Recovery from the impact of COVID-19 is one of the most pressing and topical issues across the world. Tourism, hospitality and transportation sectors were the hardest hit sue to travel restrictions while the other sectors of the economy all experienced slow-downs.
It, therefore, comes as little surprise that the statement is geared towards economic revitalization. Building back better has now become a catch-phrase for more resilience and is on the lips of government officials around the globe.
Ghana is doing its bit to ensure the economy bounces back to life.
