ON AFROBAROMETER Following the release of the AfroBarometer report by the CDD, the following are our responses. While government values feedback and respects public opinion and endeavours to incorporate same into policy formulation and refinement, there are serious flaws in this report which need to be pointed out as follows; 1. A sample size of 2400 people is hardly representative of 25 million Ghanaians. The findings of such a survey cannot be said to represent the views of all Ghanaians. 2. An analysis of the methodology of the survey shows that more than a third (31%) of all respondents were drawn from just two regions; the Ashanti and Eastern Regions which happen to be the strong holds of the NPP. • The nature of our politics and the demographics of these regions make it highly unlikely that the responses from these two regions were not influenced by long-standing anti-NDC sentiments. • Most importantly 31% for two regions out of ten is an inordinately unbalanced figure which further casts doubts about the representativeness of the survey. 3.Given the period within which the poll was conducted(between May and June) and the fact that it was around that time that the Cedi had depreciated significantly against major international trading currencies with its concomitant effects on the prices of goods and services it is not surprising that respondents will hold such views. • The situation however is remarkably different today especially as the Cedi has appreciated by close to 20% against some major trading currencies. • This represents the biggest appreciation of the cedi in 20years and has resulted in a reduction in the price of cement by GHACEM and Dangote as well as a reduction in petroleum prices. It is unlikely therefore that similar results would be recorded if a poll was conducted today, the flaws in the sampling notwithstanding. 4. The poll also failed to take into account numerous initiatives implemented by government to strengthen the economy through an aggressive import substitution program with a strong emphasis on job creation. • Such initiatives as the Kumasi shoe factory, the Komenda sugar factory, the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, the one million broiler project, the Youth Enterprise Support, EDAIF assistance to the Pharmaceutical Industry(GH50 Million ),the expansion of the Takoradi and Tema Port just to mention a few were not factored in the report. • All these initiatives are designed to enhance economic growth and will result in the creation of thousands of jobs. 5. Finally, the assertion that the country is moving in the wrong direction cannot be founded on fact. Government over the last two years has made huge social investments in education, health, water provision, roads, housing etc, For instance while just about 54% of Ghanaians had access to potable water five years ago, currently 67% have access to potable water. • This figure will improve to a whopping 85% by the end of next year when major water projects are completed. A country that makes this sort of improvements cannot be said to be retrogressing as the report claims.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 08:25:15 +0000
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