Save the country money, cancel the national cathedral—Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah tells government

In response to a question about the government’s target to achieve single-digit inflation by the end of the year, former Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, shared his view that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo should cancel the National Cathedral project to save the country money.

Dr. Spio-Garbrah expressed the opinion that canceling such projects would signify the government’s recognition of the need to halt initiatives that are not financially feasible.

While the interview with TV3’s Keminni Amanor is yet to be aired, Dr. Spio-Garbrah’s stance suggests a focus on fiscal responsibility and the prioritization of projects based on economic feasibility. The call to cancel the National Cathedral project is framed as a measure to streamline government spending and allocate resources more efficiently, especially given the ambitious target to achieve single-digit inflation by the end of the year.

The former minister’s perspective aligns with the broader discussion on financial prudence and responsible governance, urging leaders to make decisions that best serve the economic interests of the country. The upcoming interview may provide further insights into Dr. Spio-Garbrah’s views on economic policies and the government’s strategies for achieving its financial targets.

In his answer, he said, “If the president tells us that before he leaves office, he will never fly again on a 18,000-dollar-an-hour plane, he hasn’t made that commitment; he should make it.

“Have you heard that the National Cathedral project has been canceled? If you hear that the National Cathedral project has been canceled, then it means that the government is getting into a sensible environment and canceling projects that they know will never happen this year under this government. So cancel it openly and let us know it is canceled.”

Former President John Dramani Mahama’s proposal for a 24-hour economy has garnered attention, with 54 percent of Ghanaians reportedly considering it the most memorable policy slogan discussed by any political party. According to sources, this idea, if implemented, is believed to have the potential to significantly boost the local economy.

Former President Mahama introduced the ’24 Hour Economy’ project during a meeting with officials from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, as part of his engagements with key stakeholders. The primary objective of this initiative, as outlined by Mr. Mahama, is to generate employment opportunities for all Ghanaians.

The concept of a 24-hour economy implies a continuous and round-the-clock operation of various economic activities. If effectively executed, such a strategy could lead to increased productivity, job creation, and overall economic growth. The reported positive response from a significant percentage of Ghanaians suggests that this proposal has resonated with the public and has the potential to shape discussions around economic policies and development in the country.