The
new government under the leadership of President Barrow has decided to lift
restrictions on importation of such essential commodities as onions and
potatoes, with an inducement of tax cut on imported items like flour.
While
it is of the view that this move is geared towards reversing the directives of
former President Jammeh as well as pursuing an “open door policy and liberal
economy”, the direct impacts and or side effects on the economy and lives of
the people are dire.
The
fact of the matter is that a nation that depends excessively on the produce of
other nations, in other words imported food items, to feed itself is outright
vulnerable to external market shocks and all manner of dangers.
Its
economy, growth and development are under the control and mercy of other
nations.
Whereas
its importation bill continues to go into the stratosphere as against a meager
exportation, unable to generate the much needed foreign exchange to achieve
some balance of payments at the international market, that nation or government
is doomed, as it will surely face economic catastrophe.
With
high importation bill over the meager income generated from whatever exports
there are, a nation’s currency is bound to depreciate woefully, leading to
price rise, runaway and hyperinflation.
Our
people, the formers, particularly our poor gardeners and mothers, who depend on income generated from the
sales of their produce such as onions, potatoes and the like, have
been placed on the losing end under such
unguarded open door policy and liberal economic stride.
Some
of them have started crying and raising eyebrows after hearing your move to
lift the ban on the restrictions of importation of such produce or food items,
although it is done in the light of maintaining a an open door policy and
liberal economy in the face of economies that are highly industrialized and
well equipped to dominate the market of such items now and seemingly forever.
The
government would therefore have to crack a thorough balance when it comes to
building and maintaining a sound and thriving economy that can stand the test
of time.
Supporting
homegrown produce and manufacturing as well as building a productive economy is
the sure way to attaining a better income generation, job creation, foreign
currencies and good living condition for the masses of our people in this
country.
“A
simple click can cause a great harm”
Ernest
Agyemang Yeboah