The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has cautioned the government to suspend the Domestic Dept Exchange Program (DDEP) until proper engagement with stakeholders.
Following a press release on January 19, 2023 by the Christian Council of Ghana signed by Rt. Rev. Prof. J.O.Y Mante stated that after following some on-going debates about the dept restructuring program, consulting stakeholders and speaking to some concerned parties, they are certain that the whole process of the program must be deferred until government engages stakeholders.
After considering the concerns of the Individual Bond Holders Association of Ghana (IBHAG),the Pensioner Bondholders forum and some church members and the public, they have realized that the program has some lapses in the program with the major one being the lack of engagement of affected individuals and institutions.
The statement noted that it will benefit the country if the Finance Minister should suspend the 31th January deadline given to individuals to sign on the program considering the “current economic hardship and the agitation of the general public’’. He suggested that the ministry should rather propose a road map for dialogue to make the process more interactive which will in turn make the outcome tolerable by everyone.
The council thinks that engaging with the stakeholders will help the government become aware of the of the concerns of Ghanaians and to put measures in place to curb some of the challenges of the program.
The statement further cautioned the media to be diligent about any reportage the dept restructuring program. The media was urged to speak to professionals on the issue to avoid wrong information which will increase fear and panic in people.
