UPSA Law School Dean Critiques Ghana’s Debt-Driven Development and Calls for Change
UPSA Law School Dean Critiques Ghana's Debt-Driven Development and Calls for Change
- Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi, has raised concerns about the Ghanaian government's practice of borrowing to fund development projects
- He pointed out that voters often forget they will ultimately bear the burden of these loans
- On his X page, he wrote, "Ghanaians must reject leaders who prioritize borrowing."
The Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi, has raised concerns about the Ghanaian government’s practice of borrowing to fund development projects.
He pointed out that voters often forget they will ultimately bear the burden of these loans, yet they continue to applaud governments for their debt-driven initiatives.
Prof. Abotsi criticized this borrowing approach, calling it a lazy strategy that needs to change. “Debt-driven development has become a race to the bottom for both major parties. It’s too easy to borrow billions and claim to have built extensive infrastructure,” he stated. He added that voters reward these leaders without realizing they will suffer the consequences of future repayments. “It’s lazy governance and needs to end,” he expressed on his X page.
Prof. Abotsi’s concerns are echoed by others in the field. Dr. John Kwakye, Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), urged Ghanaians to reject leaders with a borrowing mentality in the upcoming elections.
On his X page, he wrote, “Ghanaians must reject leaders who prioritize borrowing. We have sufficient resources here at home and shouldn’t rely on external loans. We need leaders who are committed to maximizing the benefits from our natural resource wealth.”
