President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday, April 4, 2022, made a strong case for his government during a BBC interview.
According to the president, his government, some two years ago, had steered the nation towards a path of economic growth but was derailed by some global occurrences.
He noted that despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Russia-Ukraine war on the fortunes of the Ghanaian economy, his government has put in place an effective recovery plan that will ensure Ghana’s economy bounces back stronger.
This was after the host, Peter Okwoche, had sought to suggest that the Ghanaian economy was performing “horribly” under the watch of the president and also questioned some policies of his government.
Described by President Akufo-Ado as provocative in his line of questioning, the interview conducted by the host of ‘Focus on Africa’ has generated conversations on social media with several users, mostly Ghanaians, expressing various opinions on the questions and answers given by the president.
Despite the president’s description of the questions asked by the international journalist, some social media users have tagged Peter Okwoche as fearless and relentless in discharging his duties.
here are those who seem to draw a distinction between the style of the BBC host and the quite relaxing style of local journalists when it comes to putting the feet of leaders to fire.
“Dear Ghana Journalist, in every interview, be a PETER OKWOCHE. Be fearless,” Kojo Bediako shared in a Facebook post.
Another Facebook user, Albert Wotorgbui, in what comes off as a fact checking post, tagged as false the statement made by the president that Ghana has the lowest Tax Revenue to GDP in West Africa.
“FACT: Nigeria has the lowest Tax Revenue to GDP in West Africa which stands at 6% as at year end 2021. Ghana ended the year with 12.6% of Tax Revenue to GDP. That is twice that of Nigeria,” his post read in part.
However, there are also some social media users who believe the president made a strong case and cannot be faulted for pointing out the correlative effects of recent global incidents on the state of Ghana’s economy.
See some social media reactions to the president’s BBC interview below:
Respectfully, the e-levy isn't taxing the industry. It's leveraged against everyday people. It's not a special tax leveraged against providers of the digital economy. The president was either confused or being mischievously disingenuous. I suspect the latter. Annoying! https://t.co/UTLDmlTM3K
— Dela Dela Tamakloe (@KelDel07) April 4, 2022
BBC INTERVIEW: President described questions as provocative. Am wondering what he was expecting from the man who got Mahama confused as whether he's ever been bribed.
— Sulemana Braimah (@sulemana) April 4, 2022
It’s very disingenuous to say the e-levy is taxing “an industry” and not people. Very. https://t.co/FnWpRLo3wM
— Audrey (@audreyveronne) April 4, 2022
Whenever I hear this man speak, I’m reminded that the ability to sound convincing is one of the best skills you can master. lol https://t.co/P1FuZKfd5F
— Nana Afriyie (@asforafriyie) April 5, 2022
If the BBC journalist was to be in Ghana, like they will send GRA to his radio station today…
— Yayra Koku (@YayraKoku) April 5, 2022