Prof Godfred Bokpin is a Professor at the University of Ghana Business School
A Professor at the University of Ghana Business School, Godfred Bokpin, has criticised the presentation of the national budget without clear indicators for tracking poverty reduction and inequality.
Speaking on TV3’s ‘Key Points’ on Saturday, November 15, 2025, Prof Bokpin stressed the importance of including measurable outcomes in the fiscal document.
“It’s not sufficient to present a whole budget without appropriate metrics on poverty reduction and narrowing inequality,” he said.
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He further argued that economic management requires patience and long-term planning, not short bursts of intense action.
“Economic management is not a 100-metre journey, it is a marathon. That is why I will ask the Bank of Ghana to be less aggressive,” he stated.
Prof Bokpin also expressed optimism that the current government would successfully exit the ongoing programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He commended the administration’s approach to economic recovery and urged President John Mahama to establish a performance framework that future governments can adopt.
“President Mahama has an option not to go the way of Akufo-Addo. He should set a new marking scheme for future governments. They are going to exit successfully,” he asserted.
His remarks followed earlier comments by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who accused the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration of lacking financial discipline and political will.
According to Dr Ato Forson, prudent management under the current government has helped stabilise the economy.
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“Prudent management and political will are what have helped to turn the tide. The NPP didn’t have it. All they needed to do was to be disciplined; unfortunately, they did not. We are ready to make a difference, and we are doing that,” Dr Forson said.
These discussions come amid criticism from the Minority in Parliament regarding the Mahama administration’s handling of the economy.
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