Cut Spending To Achieve Fiscal Deficit Target – Government Told

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) Anthony Oppong has advised government to reduce spending in order to achieve its fiscal deficit target of 4.5 percent of GDP.

 

The fiscal deficit target when achieved, he said will boost investor confidence in the economy.

Mr. Oppong mad this known in an interview during CIB’s health walk organized in Accra over the weekend to sensitize its members on the need to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Touching on the 2018 budget, the CEO welcomed government’s decision to stimulate growth of the economy through job creation, investment in infrastructure development, the Free SHS policy, the consolidation of the banking industry and the development of the agricultural sector.

He was however quick to add that much as the 2018 budget is considered to be a well-rounded and disciplined budget, government should focus attention on increased revenue mobilization.

At the same time, Mr. Oppong urged the government to improve the macroeconomic fundamentals so that banks can reduce the cost of lending.

The Health Walk

The five kilometershealth walk which was led by members of the Council, Associates, Management and members of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (Ghana), brought together about 150 participants.

Participants were taken through some aerobics exercises.

Addressing the participants, Mr. Oppong mentioned that a healthy mind lies in a healthy body and that it is important for banks to undertake occasional health walks to become healthier.

He described banking as a stressful job and advised bankers to make physical exercise a priority, stating “This will contribute to the reduction of certain illnesses such as back ache, joint pains and others”.

Mr. Oppong stressed the need for monthly check-ups and regular exercises in order to maintain good health.

He commended members for participating in the exercise, adding that this would make them more relaxed and enable them to work better.

Members who participated in the walk expressed gratitude to management and called for more of such health walks.

Source: Cephas Larbi/Thepublisher