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Looking for economic assistance in the midst of bloated government?
The German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, recently hit the nail right on the head when he told the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led administration of Ghana to cut down its budget if the government wanted help from Germany to revamp its ailing economy.
Ghana, we are told, has been begging Germany within the last month to convince China to commit to a creditors meeting to agree on a debt relief package for the country. But the German Ambassador thinks differently. He told the Ghana Government to cut down its expenditure and the huge size of government if sincerely, it needs Germany to help convince China and the international community to agree to a debt relief package.
GERMAN AMBASSADOR’S OBSERVATION
Addressing a press conference in Accra recently, Mr Krull said, it was strange for Ghana to be crying to the international community for help but continues to operate a government bigger than that of Germany. Hear the Ambassador, “I only can compare with other countries like my own and I can just come to the conclusion that the number is much higher than in my country. So, that might bring me to the conclusion that maybe there’s room for improvement.
“ Well, of course, it depends very much on what kind of expenditures you are looking at…I am convinced this is true for if I look at the budget of the German Foreign Ministry of the German Government, I am convinced there are important tasks that can be cut without hurting economic development. I am convinced without going into details this is true for Ghana. There are certain expenditures that can be lowered substantially and make an important impact and it has to be part of the package”.
CUTTING DOWN EXPENDITURES
He made it plain that, “I mean I cannot go out to the international community and say I need help, but I am not willing to cut my own budget expenditures. I have to be careful not to cut the social expenditures that are, destroying lives and families. I have to be very careful not to take measures that might negatively impact economic growth. But, I believe there are many expenditures that can be looked at very carefully and can be lowered substantially”.
He was, however, apprehensive that the $3 billion bailout being sought from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would be in danger of not being approved, if China fails to agree to a debt relief package for Ghana.
DOWNSIZING OF MINISTERS
Ghana, as a matter of fact, finds itself in a dire situation at this juncture because the government has refused to heed to numerous calls and pieces of advice from the citizens, especially the economic think tanks to cut down expenditures and reduce the present large size of ministers and other political appointees to conserve the needed funds.
It is recalled that, President Akufo-Addo submitted to Parliament for approval, through the Speaker, Rt Hon. Alban Bagbin, a list of names for appointment as Ministers in his current administration in January 2021. The list included the names of 46 persons expected to fill the ministerial positions and support the president to fulfil his mandate in the next four years. Ahead of that official statement, the Head of Communications at the presidency, Mr Eugene Arhin, issued a communique indicating that the total number of ministers to be appointed by the President in his second term would not exceed 85. That was a sharp contrast with the 126 ministerial appointments that characterised his first term in office.
ADVICE TO THE PRESIDENT
A number of well-meaning and prominent personalities including the President of IMANI Africa, Mr Franklin Cudjoe, had said that the problem with the government was not only about performance of the ministers, but also included the size of government and the number of ministries operating in the country, hence merely changing ministers would not solve the problem. Some have alluded that taking into consideration the current poor state of the economy, a reduction in the size of government would save the country some GHc 6 billion expenditure. There are other schools of thought which say that there are too many ministries that could be collapsed to fit into other agencies under some of the ministries. Some were suggesting the reduction of the present size of 86 to at least 40 Ministers and the country will save cost and move forward in the right direction.
TECHNOCRATS AT VARIOUS MINISTRIES
It is interesting to note that even some of the ministries apart from the substantive ministers, also have Ministers of State with special responsibilities in addition, to more than one deputy ministers. What kind of arrangement is this and for what purpose is this arrangement serving? Besides all these appointments, there are technocrats in the persons of Chief Directors as well as Directors of Departments in these ministries. The presidency as well as the Vice President’s office is packed with some political appointees designated with strange titles one can think of and are being paid with the taxpayer’s money.
It is a fact that, we cannot hold on to this large size of government and expect the international community to support us in our quest to restore the micro economic challenges of the country. Some of these developed countries we are seeking assistance from do not have large size of government as ours even though they have sound economic variables. That is exactly what the German Ambassador alluded to when we approached his country for support to convince China and the other international community to reschedule our debt payments.
TACKLING OUR PROBLEMS FROM WITHIN
The numerous challenges we are confronted with as a country can be addressed starting from our doorstep by doing what is expected of us before looking outside for assistance, otherwise we will be a mockery and a laughing stock of the international community and be subjected to general mockery or ridicule.
Ghana has been a beacon of hope for Africa, representing the African continent at the highest level. Many African countries continue to look up to Ghana for their source of inspiration, even though we are confronted with major economic challenges and we should not do things that will erode the confidence bestowed on us by our colonial masters that had attracted international recognition and trust.
It was unfortunate that the President in his recent State of the Nation Address to Parliament, used the platform to launch an attack on the diplomatic community in Ghana for meddling in the affairs of the state, knowing very well that it was his government that called the shot. If we have remained silent over the economic problems and had not asked the diplomatic community to come to our aid by writing off some of our debts payment and also asking Germany to convince China to bail us out of our current predicament, how on earth would the German Ambassador have poked his nose or interfered in Ghana’s internal affairs? Indeed, our current economic downturn, is making us to open up to the international community at the least opportunity and, therefore, we should blame ourselves and nobody else.
WE NEED THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS
Let us remember that we cannot stay in isolation as far as our economic progress is concerned. We will need the services of other countries, especially the developed and more advanced ones to help us out of our economic difficulties. That is why we have to listen to tangible advice and counselling from diplomats appointed to represent their countries’ interests in Ghana.
The present precarious state of the economy today which the President himself has admitted in his State of the Nation Address to Parliament recently, presupposes that, the Akufo-Addo-led administration, should as a matter of principle, listen to the voice of the people and do what is right and just irrespective of political inclinations to resolve the present micro and macro-economic challenges of the country within the shortest possible time.
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By Charles Neequaye
When Abigail Fremah steps up to the Armwrestling table, the noise fades, the tension settles, and order takes over.
Despite a calm, but firm and meticulous disposition, she has become one of the quiet forces shaping Ghana’s growing reputation in the sport, not as an athlete, but a referee trusted on the continental stage.
Abigail’s journey into Armwrestling did not begin at the table. Like many Ghanaian sports enthusiasts, she grew up playing several disciplines. Football was her first love, but she also featured in volleyball and basketball during her school years. Sports, she says, was simply a way of life not just for her.
“It runs through the family. All my siblings are into sports,” she stated.
“I was involved in almost every sport in school, football, volleyball, netball, hockey; I did everything,” she recalls.
Her academic background in Health, Physical Education and Recreation laid a solid foundation for her sporting career. While on scholarship at the university (University of Cape Coast), she often used her modest budget to support young athletes, sometimes sharing skills and even T-shirts at programmes she attended. Giving back, she explains, has always been part of her motivation.
However, as she matured as an athlete, Abigail made a critical self-assessment.
“Armwrestling involves a lot of strength,” she admits. “Looking at my body type, I realised I couldn’t fit properly as a competitive athlete.”
That moment of honesty pushed her to a different trajectory but equally important path in sports; which is officiating.
During her National Service, she was encouraged by Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), to consider officiating. He introduced her to a technical official, Mr Hussein Akuerteh Addy, who formally took her through the basics of Armwrestling officiating in 2021.
“I started as a case official,” she says. “We moved from region to region every week, officiating competitions. That’s where it all began.”
By 2022, Abigail was actively involved in national assignments, though she missed the African Championship that year. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when Ghana hosted the African Armwrestling Championship.
It was her first experience officiating at a major international competition and it changed everything.
“That was my first national and international exposure at the same time,” she says. “It really opened my eyes.”
Today, Abigail is a World Junior Armwrestling Referee, a status earned through performance, consistency and discipline. She explains that progression in officiating was not automatic.
“It’s all about performance, your appearance at African Championships, your conduct, how you handle pressure; that’s what takes you to the world level,” she stressed.
As a referee, Abigail’s priority is safety and fairness. Armwrestling, she notes, comes with risks, particularly injuries to the wrists, elbows, shoulders and arms.
“If athletes don’t follow the rules or refuse to listen to officials, injuries can happen,” she explains, adding that focus was everything.
Before every match, she ensures that all equipment which includes elbow pads, hand pegs and table alignment were properly set. Athletes are not allowed to cover their elbows, must grip correctly, and must follow the referee’s commands precisely.
“We make sure everything is fixed before the grip,” she says. “Once we say ‘Ready… Go’, there should be no confusion.”
She is also firm on discipline. Warnings are issued for infractions, and repeated misconduct attracts penalties.
“The referee must be respected, if you don’t listen, the rules will deal with you,” she says.
Abigail credits her confidence partly to her sporting family background. Her mother was a volleyball player, while other family members also participated in sports. Though they were initially concerned about her safety, her rise to the top reassured them.
“They were afraid at first,” she admits. “But they were also very proud, especially because some of them never got the opportunity to reach this level.”
Looking ahead, Abigail is optimistic about the future of Armwrestling in Ghana. In less than a decade, the country has produced African and world-level medalists, a sign, she believes, of great things to come for Ghana.
“Whenever we go out, we come back with medals such as gold and silver,” she says, and to her that was a sign of growth.
In the next five to ten years, Abigail sees herself rising to become a World Master Referee, the highest officiating level in the sport. Until then, her routine remains intense, training four times a week, working closely with athletes, standing on her feet for hours, and constantly refining her understanding of the rules.
“I love this sport,” she says simply. “That love is what keeps me going.”
Abigail encouraged women to be bold and intentional about their place in sports saying “don’t limit yourself because of fear or stereotypes.”
She also urged women to invest in learning, discipline and consistency, stressing that respect was earned through performance.
For Abigail, as Ghana’s armwrestlers continue to make their mark, she will remain where she is most effective at the table, ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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As he had promised Aperkeh, the elderly man and his wife and three daughters stopped by Aperkeh’s parents’ house. Mr Amando and his family were preparing to settle in for the night.
“Brother Ben and family”, Mr Joshua Amando said warmly, “although I know you are here on a matter that can hardly be described as joyous, it is still good to see you. You are welcome. Please sit down while I bring you water”.
“Yes, we will take water, even though we are hardly thirsty, because this is our home”.
“Okay, Ben”, he started after they had drank, “Let me go straight to the point. My daughter Priscilla has told me about the goings on between her brother Aperkeh and our daughter Stella.
Before informing me, Priscilla had expressed concern to Aperkeh about some habits he is adopting, especially the late nights and the drinking. She tells me that one Saturday morning, she was there when Stella complained about his drinking and some girls who had come to the house to look for him, and he assaulted her.
I called him and complained, but all he could say was that I don’t know what caused him to react that way, so I could not judge him. Now he does not answer my calls.
I have sent Priscilla to his house to call him, but he has refused to come. Unfortunately, Ben, my son is a much different person than the young boy who completed university and started work at the bank. I am really embarrassed about his treatment of Stella”.
“Joshua, let me assure you that even though what is happening is very unfortunate, it will not affect our relationship.
We have been friends since childhood, and I thought that with their parents’ blessing, the relationship between Aperkeh and Stella would grow to become a blessing to all of us. But there appears to be a real challenge now.
Stella thinks that Aperkeh wants her out of his house, and indeed Aperkeh himself told me that, about an hour ago.
So I’m taking my daughter home. I suggest that you do what you can to straighten him out, but if it does not work out, let’s accept the situation and continue to be one family.
I am sure that being the well behaved girl that she is, Stella will meet a young man who will cherish her. Fortunately, this problem is happening early in the day, so they can sort things out if possible, or move on with their lives if they are unable to stay together”.
“I’m really grateful for that, Ben. I will do my best in the next few days to reason with him, because apart from the relationship with Stella, Aperkeh is risking his job and career with this lifestyle.
A good job and salary offers an opportunity to gather momentum in life, not to destroy yourself”.
“Okay Brother Joshua. We will say goodnight. I hope to hear positive news from you”.
As he descended in the lift from the fourth to the ground floor, Aperkeh wondered who would be waiting at the reception to see him at nine on Monday morning. He had spent good time with both of his new girls during the weekend, so it had to be someone else. He got out of the lift and pulled a face when he saw Priscilla.
“Priscilla”, he said as he sat down by her, “what do you want here? You know Monday morning is a busy time at the bank. I am a very busy person, so say what you want, I have work to do”.
“You are very funny, Aperkeh. You are telling me, your sister, that you have work to do, so I should hurry up? Okay, Dad says I should advise you to come home tonight, because he wants to discuss the issue of Stella with you. He sent me to you twice, and you did not come.
He has tried to call you quite a number of times, but you have refused to answer his calls. He says that if you do not come tonight, you will be very surprised at what he will do. He says you will not like it at all, so better come.
“What is all this? Why won’t you people leave me alone? Stella is very disrespectful. I told her that if she wanted to continue to live in my house, she must obey me. It is that simple.
She chose to continue ordering me about, controlling me in my own house, so I told her that if she could not live under my conditions she should leave. And she left. In fact, her own father came and took her away. So what again?’’
“How did she disobey or control you? Was she complaining about your continuous drinking and late nights? And did you slap her on several occasions because of that? Did you tell her that if she could not live under your conditions she should leave? You actually said that to her father? You have forgotten that before she came to live with you, our two parents met and agreed, and gave it their blessing?’
“Why don’t you leave, Priscilla? I don’t have to listen to all that”. “Okay, I will go. Your father who gave birth to you and educated you to university level sends me to you, and you ask me to leave? I wish you would defy him, and refuse to come home as he’s telling you, because he is planning to give you the discipline you badly need. Let me tell you. Stella is such a beautiful and decent girl, and I assure you that someone will grab her before you say Jack. You are only 30 years old, and you have already become a drunkard”.
As he walked towards the lift, Aperkeh decided on what to do. He would go home, and calmly listen to what his father had to say. The old man was very unpredictable, and he wouldn’t dare ignore him. So he would take all the insults and threats, but as for Stella she was history. According to Priscilla, Stella was beautiful and all that, but she had not seen the two curvaceous princesses who were all over him, ready to do anything he asked. And these were not barely literate waakye girls, but university graduates from wealthy homes, really classy girls. With stuff like that, who needs a waakye girl? He smiled as he took his seat.
A few minutes to five, Aperkeh was packing up to leave for home to meet his dad when his phone rang. It was Priscilla.
“Aperkeh, Dad says you don’t need to bother to come. Stella’s dad says she came to him early this morning to plead that she would rather stay at home than return to your house. She thinks you are already decided to be rid of her, and she does not want to risk being assaulted again. So it’s done. You can go ahead and enjoy the nice life you have started”.
Before he could tell her to go to hell, Priscilla hanged up the line. He was partially stung that his dad had virtually cut him off. The last thing anyone would want was to fall out of relationship with his own family, which had always supported him.
But the truth was he was no longer interested in Stella. What was wrong with going by one’s feelings? He could only hope that one day, his parents and sister would try to reason with him.
By Ekow de Heer
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