Veteran journalist and political commentator Kwesi Pratt Jnr has warned that Ghana is facing severe economic danger, cautioning that the country could very quickly become a banana republic if urgent steps are not taken to address the economic situation in some state institutions.
According to him, the situation goes beyond partisan politics and requires a collective national effort focused on the interests of ordinary working people and the long-term stability of the country.
Speaking on Metro TV on December 24 and monitored by NewsDesksGH, Kwesi Pratt referenced a media briefing the day before where he says issues surrounding the financial state of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) were discussed.
He described the situation as alarming, and stated that, “Ghana is in very deep trouble.”
“And it’s not just the Cocoa Board, many many of our state institutions are in that kind of situation.”
He said the revelations were deeply worrying and painted a grim picture of the country’s economic future if corrective measures are not urgently pursued.
“It’s frightening. And if we don’t rally round the flag in the interest of working people and so on, this country can very very quickly become a banana republic. I’m so very worried about the present and future of this country”
The term “banana republic” is commonly used to describe a politically and economically unstable country that is heavily dependent on the export of a single natural resource and vulnerable to exploitation by foreign interests and a small ruling elite.
He further pointed out the need for political members of parties including members of the National Democratic Congress, the New Patriotic Party and other political groups who look beyond capturing power.
“And then look at the national interest, however it is defined. Because I’m very worried,” he stredded.
Kwesi Pratt’s concerns come amid reports that the Ghana Cocoa Board remains in severe financial distress, with its total debt burden estimated at GH¢33 billion, raising broader questions about the health of state institutions and the sustainability of the national economy.
