Ghana's 2018 Budget And Economic Policy!

Small and Medium Enterprises are believed to be the biggest employers of labor, cutting across divers strata of the labor market. When adequately supported smes can promote entrepreneurship and complement the government in employment. SMEs are therefore engines of growth and catalyst for socioeconomic transformation for any countries. In other words, they are essential to economic success.

November 2017:Accra Streets, Ghana

Developing countries the world over, have over the years attained increased economic growth reduced poverty rates and dependent on foreign aids, by implementing policies favorable to sme development. 

November 2017: Accra-Ghana-Circle Interchange

 

Ghana, formerly known as 'Gold Coast', is a developing country in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa. Despite economic and political challenges faced since independence, the country has over time shown potentials of growth. How far this would go notwithstanding, depends on the feasibility of its policies. This write up takes a glimpse at the proposed 2018 economic policy, the debate about it's ability to bring about growth and transformation. 

 

The country's Finance Minister, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, on Wednesday, November 15th, 2017 presented the much anticipated 2018 "private sector-led economic growth and transformation", Budget and Economic Policy of the government, the Parliament; seeking approval to spend 61 billion Ghana Cedi

The aim for this fund-request according to report, is to anchor government's agenda of moving the economy, beyond the reliance on foreign support or aid. The Budget, and Economic Policy is expected to focus on ensuring macro-economic stability, transforming agriculture and industry, strengthening social protection and inclusion, building on economic and social infrastructure and reforming public service delivery institution.

Earlier on, in his speech at the Ghana Industry Quality Awards in Accra, on November 11th, 2017, President Nana Addo dankwa Akufo- Addo, threw his weight behind the economic policy when he hinted that the 2018 budget would set out the road map for the down-ward review of electricity tariffs. This, according to the President, would encourage industries in the fore-front of the government's economic transnational agenda.

The Breakdown:

 

Of the 61 Billion Ghana Cedis proposed 2018 budget:

• About 3.5 Billion Ghana Cedis, is expected to be allocated to the Real Estate sector.  
• About 1 Billion Ghana Cedis, will go into 'Planting of Food and Job program. 
• About 430 Million Ghana Cedis, will be channelled towards the actualisation of government's "One District - One Factory policy". 
• About 100 Million Ghana Cedis, stimulus package is expected to go into distressed but viable industries.
• About 14 Billion Ghana Cedis, is expected to go into the Social sector.

 Under the Social Sector:

•  About 1.2 Billion Ghana Cedis, goes to "free SHS programme".  
• About 468.5 Million Ghana Cedis, goes to School Feeding Programme,
•  Employee Compensation gets about 10.3 Billion-Ghana Cedis.
• About 700 Million Ghana Cedis, is expected to go into what the government termed "Repair & Rehabilitation of Agricultural Roads".
•  Poverty Alleviation Programmes, is expected to gulp about 1.15 Billion Ghana Cedis.

Minority in Parliament think differently on the government's policy. This was upheld when the group got together in country's capital city, Accra, on Monday, November 13, 2017, to review the 2017 budget and economic policy and to reflect on the 2018 budget. Citing an increase in public debt from 122.6 Billion Ghana Cedis, in January 2017, to 138.6, Billion Ghana Cedis, as at June 2017. Ranking Member on the Finance Committee, and Minority Spokes Person on Finance, Mr. Cassiel Ato Forson, said the public-debt figure is expected to increase to about 150 Billion Ghana Cedis, by the end of 2017. The Minority group feared that this increase in debt, might end up reverting the country to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) status come 2019. 

To find out what the populace think about the economic policy and how it has overtime affected their enterprises, Roving Informant took to the streets of Accra-Ghana, and had chats with small business owners. 

 

November 2017: Accra, Ghana

Having managed the day-to-day administration of a Guest-House in Kokomlemle area of Accra for the 15 years, a Hotel manager, who spoke on anonymity terms, said the previous government saw to the near-collapse of his business due to inconsistent power supplies. According to him, "Previously, inadequate electricity supplies affected our guest-house's patronage. Industries suffered, some down-seized, while those who could not take the heat relocated their businesses to other countries. our business survived that period by purchasing stand-by generators". 

 

Our Interviewee further stated that he preferred the present government. Although he recalled a brief period of power outage. "The new government has been able to restore and pay Teachers outstanding allowances, which the previous government cancelled. Nursing allowances has also been paid. To be frank, business is slow now, everybody is complaining. We hope with the 2018 budget, the economy will improve".

The next business owner our correspondence paid a visit, was a printer who has been in operations for 25-years. He said: "Over all, the NDC party gave me the highest point as a business owner, we paid high electricity tariffs with inconsistent supplies during the last administration, I brought stand-by plant (generator) to manage the situation. That affected cost of my service. Currently, power supply is stable, and tariff is better. However, things are slow now. I will ask that governments should use local printers like us for their printing jobs, instead of sending such works outside the county. That will empower us. Most of us can match some of the international printers in-terms of production quality, so government should empower us by giving us jobs."

Next, was a trader at the popular Markola Market; according to him, the present government is still new, hence too soon to put pressure on, or ascertain if it is ”good" or not, we have to give it two years. "I have not seen any difference between the last and present governments in terms of business. This government should consider bringing down import duties; this is my major concern as a business owner. I will equally like electricity tariff to be further brought down. There is a complain of hike in the price of petrol, it should be brought down. I will want to see construction of new roads, and re-construction of bad roads. In Ablekuma, where I live, we buy clean water. I will like the government to construct clean pipe borne water for us. Ghanaians love education, and the present government has done well, so far in that sector. But I will like this government to invite the individuals pointed in connection to corruption in all previous administrations for questioning".

A Small scales business owner, around Adabraka said: "There is no money in the system. We hope after the budget has been approved, money will be released into the system...so that genuine cheque can be cleared. Interest rates should be stabilised, and electricity tariffs brought lower. There should be access to finance to enable us expand our businesses and employ more people. There are not much visible changes seen yet, but will time, changes will be more visible. So far, I like this policy".  

Conclusively, come 2019, turns of events would either prove or refute the alarm of the nation's minority group on increased debt, which they think could return the country to an HIPC status; Or, roll in favour of the current administration's believe that the Budget and Economic Policy would propel macro-economic growth and stability.

Obianuju Mbanusi writes.

Families Yet To Identify 26 Dead Nigerian Women, As Italian Authority Investigates Cause Of Death!

Five migrants are currently being interrogated in the southern port of Salerno, Campania, over the death of 26 women, aged between 14 and 18, Nigerians, who reportedly died after allegedly drowning on an Italy bound rubber dinghy. The bodies were discovered floating on the Mediterranean, by a Spanish vessel on Sunday, November 5th, 2017.

Reports claimed 23 of the 26 deceased were on a rubber boat with 64 others. The bodies were among 34 other bodies recovered, while about 50 other persons are reportedly still missing. 

The identities of the woman is not yet revealed and so far, no family has stepped forward to claim the deceased since news of the incident filtered in.  

52 children including a newborn, and 90 women, of which 8 are reportedly pregnant, were rescued on Sunday. While a total of about 400 people were rescued in four attempts by the Spanish ship over the weekend.

Narrating the tragic incident, some of the survivors consisting of Nigerians, Ghanaians, Gambians, Senegalese and Sudanese said the warship departed from Lybia.  

Italian officials said they are investigating to ascertain if the women were sexually assaulted, why all the recovered bodies were females, and if the incident was as a result of sex-trafficking. 

The short distance between Libya and Italy's Lampedusa Island has over the years become a haven for smugglers. 

Families of these young women, and all casualties involved needs to be contacted, they need to come forward....to give the deceased identities. 

Saying they are Africans and Nigerians is not enough. Each and every single one of the casualties have backgrounds, families and friends. There is need for closure. 

A Glimpse Into Eko Atlantic City!

Pictures below show an area of the 'still-under-construction' Eko Atlantic City, a breathtaking city, rising from the Atlantic Ocean, adjoining Victoria Island, Lagos - Nigeria.

Well mapped out road networks, street-lights, greening and all that makes a city spectacular. 

Information made available on Eko Atlantic site reveals that the city's main attraction will be a six-lane carriageway, two kilometres long and 60 meters wide boulevard, similar in size to Paris's Champs - Elysees or New York's Fifth Avenue.

On-going construction plan promises a magnificent city.

Blueprint of a completed Eko Atlantic City

Nigeria Moves 24 Place Up To Clinch 'World Bank's' 145th Position On Ease Of Doing Business, Ranks Among Global Top Ten Reformers!

Good way to start the month. A recent World Bank report on ease of 'Doing Business' indicates that Nigeria moved 24 place upward, to secure 145th position, and ranked among global Top Ten Reformers.

Congratulating Nigerians and Chairman of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on this achievement, President Muhammadu Buhari said this improvement is a reflection of the government's efforts on the immigration policy for foreign investors. 

The President further emphasised the need for greater achievement for the nation.

LUXELOOSE Redefining Mobile Toilet Business In Nigeria!

Impressive and commendable mobile toilet in Lagos, Nigeria.

LUXELOOS Mobil toilet, pictured (below) at an event, with splendid, clean interiors.

More Photos below: 

Shedding Light On Tithing!

The argument on whether to tithe or not, and who to pay tithes to have been on for decades. Uninformed critics call it “a decoy by some denominations to extort helpless parishioners". They turn Biblical teaching and Truth downside-up, as a result many are misinformed.

Abraham, in the twentieth verse of Genesis chapter fourteen, paid tithe to Melchizedek. "Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything". (Genesis 14:20).

Abraham, after defeating the King of Elam, offered a tithe to Melchizedek, in what was believed to be 'a voluntary act of worship'. 

Prior to the ‘tithe’ occurrence, there was no record that 'tithing' was the culture of the ancient people of Canaan and Mesopotamia. Abram’s tithing was a kind of homage from 'a lesser' to 'a greater', acknowledging that 'the greater' had given him (the lesser) victory. “Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder.” (Hebrews 7:4)

                                    

Who is Melchizedek, and why did Abram give him a tenth of the spoils?

The name Melchizadek means “King of Righteousness” in the Hebrew language. "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace". (Hebrew 7:2).

Melchizedek was first introduced as the “King of Salem and Priest of El Elyon meaning (God Most High). Melchizedek King of Salem, in other words, King of Jerusalem. Salem is a Hebrew word for ‘Peace’. This transcends to ‘Melchizadek King of Peace’. Melchizedek appeared the on the road, as Abram returned victoriously from battle and ministered to Him (Abram).

Melchizedek was again brought up in the book of Psalm, David prophesied about Christ saying: “The Eternal hath sworn, and will not repent; Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4). This scripture echoed in Hebrews 5: “And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizadek.” (Hebrews 5: 6).

^“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." (Hebrews 2:17).

King of Peace: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace". (Isaiah 9:6). 

"Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God: abideth a priest continually". (Hebrews 7:3). 

These passages describe Jesus Christ as a High Priest, “after the order (equal rank) of Melchizedek”, and brings clarity to the identity of Melchizadek. 

The writer of the book of Hebrew, acknowledged the significance of Abraham’s and the ‘Levitical tithe when he wrote: “One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor. (Hebrews 7:9-10). Under the Old Testament Law, God mandated the Levites to receive the tithes of the Israelites. “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.” (Numbers 18:21). Abraham’s and the Levitical tithes are the same exact institution, performed in different settings. Nonetheless, the passage buttressed the supremacy of the Melchizedek priesthood over that of Levi, and indicate that the present day ‘Levites’ are Priests, Clergies who serve in the House (service) of the Lord.

Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek, may have been 'a voluntary act of worship', even during the Levitical era, as there was no indication of 'tithe officials' that monitored and ensured the Israelite paid tithes. Howbeit, there is a law of tithing. Abram made a choice to obey God consequently; his offspring are forever blessed for it. “And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” (Genesis 26:4 - 5). We can therefore base our tithing on Abraham’s tithe and Jacob’s vow.

Through Abraham and the Levitical dispensation, tithes were paid on the spoils of war, herds and fruits of the field because those were the major sources of wealth. In modern times, those have been replaced by ‘Jobs and business exploits’. It is God, who gives dexterities to create wealth.“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 8:18).

Christians are children of Abraham, "Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham". (Galatians 3:7). Therefore should do the works of Abraham. "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do what Abraham did". (John 8:39). Not paying our tithes (when we have been leveraged to do so) is equivalent to denying God as the source of our wealth, increase, income …"for, The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.”  (1 Corinthians 10:26, Exodus 9:29). And taking what belongs to God without acknowledging Him. "Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?' "In tithes and offerings. (Malachi chapter 3: 8.)

Malachi 3:10 states: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house”. God, through His Word commands us to tithe, so that there may be food (wealth) in His House (the Church). Christians must be willing to tithe so that the Church can have in abundance to provide for some of the pressing needs in our communities. 

Such needs as:

• Aid to the financially disadvantaged in the Churches, and Communities irrespective of Religious affiliation.
• Some sort of remuneration for full time Ministers to enable them take care of their families and responsibilities.
• Facilitate Missions (Platforms/avenues to share the good-news of God's Love, and man's redemption through Jesus Christ) in every town, city hinter lands, places not easily accessible.
• Provide Good (mission) Schools especially in slums and hinter lands. 
• Well equipped (mission) Hospitals and Clinics especially in slums and hinterlands. 
• Good drinking water especially in slums and hinterlands.
• Scholarship Schemes for exceptional pupils and students from financially disadvantaged homes etc, all according to the needs of these communities.
• And of-course for the maintenance of the Church and its work-force.

Parallel to sharing the good-news of the redemption of man since the fall of  the first man, Adam through (the sinless life of) Jesus Christ while on earth, which made him a worthy once-for-all sacrifice (blameless/blemish-free Lamb)...as detailed below:

• The switch (Jesus took our sinful nature, and gave us his sinless nature),
• The Judgement upon Jesus on the cross, 
• His death (wage of sin and judgement), 
• Resurrection (Power over sin, judgement and death)
• Abundant Life (Living the Promise) 
• Eternal Life.

This is 'good-news' because all that is required to become beneficiaries of man's redemption, is simply...believe that Jesus is the Christ, The Son of God, He died in our place, so that we might be free from sin, discharged and acquitted of sins's consequences, and receive Him as Lord in our lives. 

It is likewise the duty of the Church to care and provide for the less privileged in the society. In this way people get to experience God's Love through the Church. This might be the only and greatest gospel some might ever hear. 

All these (spreading the good-news, showing love and care to all people, in every nation) can only be achieved when there is readily available fund to do such….which of-course comes majorly from tithes and other free-willed giving. “Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it". 

Preaching the gospel of the "Kingdom of God" is embedded in the above mentioned obligation of the Church in the society. Not surprising, it reiterates the duties of a responsible government, executed from allocation and tax proceeds. It is then arbitrary to demand taxes from Churches and other Bodies that engage in Humanitarian acts because they are supposed to complement the efforts of responsible governments. 

Moreover it is the people in our communities, the society, that makes up the Church, practically the same well-meaning citizens who pay taxes in their various fields of endeavour, gets 'indirectly taxed' a second time, when the Church is mandated to pay tax.

Notwithstanding, it is vital to note that 'wolves' abound 'in sheep clothing' in the Church. These are the ones who know deep in their hearts that they have no business in the esteemed office of Priesthood/ Clergy. In-order to swindle unsuspecting folks, they get into the Church, commit various types of mention-able and unmentionable atrocities, including misappropriation of funds (tithes, givings, donations) placed in their care....while the less privileged, necessary projects and missions for which the funds is meant for suffers. To these ones....God's Judgement is inevitable. 

In summary, tithes are not given to parents. We should not be reminded to honour and take care of our parents or other responsibilities, it should be a habit. Taking care of one's parents is not only about giving or sending money across, giving time and attention is pivotal.

Neither is tithes given to the orphanage, prisons or as benevolence to any charity organisation. As stated earlier, it is the duty of Christians, governments, and individuals to show love, and to cultivate a lifestyle of giving, according to our capacity....from our resources. One can decide to give just about any percentage of their income towards any thoughtful act. But that is not tithing. 

Tithing is 10% of your income, giving to your local-church (not compulsory though). In recognition of God's supremacy, and God, being our source. We can not see God, nor give anything to Him directly, because He owns everything visible and invincible; all Power and Authority belongs to Him. Paying tithes to the Church never-the-less facilitates God's Kingdom on earth. "Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven". (Mathew 6:10). Bringing about God's Kingdom on earth, spreading the goodnews to all people...everywhere" has always been the heartbeat of God.

It is the key duty of the Church to ensure that the gospel is propagated to all corners of the earth and that the vessels and offices used in this great work are catered for. Every Christian might not be engaged in full-time evangelism, as a missionary, pastor e.t.c, as we have all been called into divers spheres of life. But we all are involved when we support with our prayers, givings and tithes. 

Needless to state that 'tithing critics' are "deliberately" or "innocently" like Saul of Tarsus, fighting the spread of the "goodnews of God's Kingdom". In other-words...anti-Christs. It is better to engage in other benevolent acts silently or otherwise...(if you don't think you should tithe), than outright try to stop those who choose to do so. 

What more is there to say...Will a man rob God?. 


Obianuju Mbanusi's thought.

Photo Speak: Images Of Drainages Around Ajah, Lagos!

Photo Speak: 

Images of the current situation at Aiyetoro Street and environ, off Berger road, close to Ilaje bus-stop, Lekki Peninsula axis of Lagos state. 

Ado Road, Badore, off Lekki-Epe express way is not left out, image below show blocked drainage system.

Ado Road, Badore area, Off Ajah bus-stop

With this situation, flooding is inevitable whenever it rains. Lets clear the drainage and keep our environment clean.