Macro-economic gains
stabilized the economy for growth – Kanfra
Ho, Nov. 29, GNA - The macro-economic gains
under Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy One
(GPRS I) from 2003-2005 stabilized the economy
for growth rather than improvement in the
standards of living.
That period sought to and achieved correction of
distortions in the economy and laid the
foundation for growth and further poverty
reduction hence Growth and Poverty Reduction
Strategy Two (GPRS II) from 2006-2009.
This was announced by Mr Evans K.T. Kanfra,
Principal Development Planning Officer of
Planning Unit at the Volta Regional Co-ordinating
Council (VRCC) at a public forum on the 2007
National Budget held at Ho.
It was jointly organized by the Volta Regional
Secretariat of Ghana National Association of
Teachers (GNAT) and Integrated Social
Development Centre (ISODEC).
Mr Kanfra spoke on the topic "The 2007 National
Budget - Relevance of GPRS II to Economic
Development".
He explained that GPRS II aimed at achieving a
per capita income of 700 dollars, an increase in
the current per capita income of 350 dollars was
based on three pillars.
These were private sector competitiveness with
modernized agriculture as the cornerstone, human
resource development, good governance and civic
responsibility.
Mr Kanfra said to achieve these required a lot
of hard work, planning, focus and commitment by
both the citizenry and Government to translate
into improved productivity, the attainment of
medium income status by 2015 and better living
conditions for the citizenry.
He said the attainment of a 1,000-dollar per
capita income by 2015 was possible and that some
economists maintained, "We could go beyond that
if we are focused without politicking about
development".
Mr Kanfra said much would also depend on how
well the country could manage its population
growth.
Mr Valentine Agyei-Kumah, a Chartered Accountant
speaking on the topic, "The pay reform programme
a panacea for labour motivation and higher
productivity", commended Government for its pay
reform initiatives.
However, he cautioned that the initiative should
not result in transplanting pay reforms of other
countries into Ghana.
Mr Agyei-Kumah, said "Success or failure would
depend on circumstances like traditions,
collective bargaining, attitude of unions,
cultural factors, human resource management
strategy as well as attitudinal change on the
part of employees," adding “The time is ripe for
evolutionary change".
He said equity in pay was relevant in
productivity as disparities whether real or
perceived were disincentives to higher
productivity and national development.
Mr Agyei-Kumah said there was the need for
holistic approach to productivity enhancement
with the various variables situated in their
proper contexts.
He said "Cash gives the ability and discretion
to command economic resources but non cash
elements create self-worth, confidence and more
importantly peace of mind to deliver on the
job".
Mr Agyei-Kumah said in Ghana where incomes were
low and the need to meet daily commitments was
paramount, pay equity and increases would play a
major role in motivating public sector workers
to attain high productivity.
However, he said there was the need for
institutions established to implement pay
reforms to be proactive and neutral arbiters and
able to devise sustainable machinery of
assessment of jobs and their equivalents.
GNA
