Thomas Kusi Boafo, former Chief Executive Officer of the Public Sector Reforms Secretariat (PSRS), has cautioned the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) against celebrating what he terms “premature” economic success.
Speaking on Nhyria FM’s KuroYiMunsem programme hosted by Barima Kofi Dawson (Akokoa), Mr Boafo argued that barely one year in office is too short a period for any government to declare economic victory.
“The recent signs of economic stabilisation being experienced by Ghanaians amount to temporary relief rather than lasting recovery,” he said, warning that without deep, structural reforms, these gains could easily be reversed.
He noted that several of the measures currently bolstering the economy were inherited from the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. “The Gold-for-Oil programme, the IMF support arrangement, and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) are key interventions contributing to today’s stability,” he explained, adding that while some policies have placed burdens on citizens, their continuation is necessary for long-term economic continuity.
Mr Boafo also cautioned against excessive liquidity injections aimed at gaining public approval, describing such moves as short-term populist spending that could jeopardise future administrations. He urged the NDC government to focus on sustainable policies that deliver lasting economic stability.
On the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, the former PSRS boss warned that any administration that successfully curtails the practice could face political backlash. “The youth engaged in galamsey wield significant influence and could mobilise effectively against a government that threatens their livelihood,” he noted.
His remarks come amid growing public debate over the NDC’s handling of the economy, with some quarters hailing the government’s first-year performance while critics caution against over-optimism without concrete long-term policies.