Accra: Businessman Mr. Stanley S. Felten has made a fervent appeal to government officials, urging them to forego their ex-gratia benefits this year as a means to bolster the local economy. Mr. Felten highlighted that the End of Service Benefits or Ex-Gratia for government functionaries represent a substantial portion of government revenue. Given the current economic challenges, he believes these funds should be redirected to serve the ‘majority poor.’

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Felten referenced a 2024 report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), which revealed that nearly one in four Ghanaians, approximately 7.3 million people, are classified as multi-dimensionally poor. These individuals face hardships across various sectors, including health, education, employment, and living conditions. Mr. Felten emphasized the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to address these issues.

The economic situation, he noted, continues to deteriorate, demanding immediate government intervent
ions to improve the welfare of the populace, particularly the most vulnerable. As the Chief Executive Officer of the African Art and Culture Development Company Limited, Mr. Felten proposed that a swift solution would be for government officials to relinquish their ex-gratia benefits.

In addition to economic concerns, Mr. Felten expressed alarm over the ongoing issue of illegal mining. He urged the government to intensify efforts to combat this threat to protect future generations. He pointed out the severe consequences of illegal mining, such as water scarcity and damage to farmlands, which exacerbate the struggles of the poor.

To address these challenges, Mr. Felten called on the government to provide alternative livelihoods for illegal miners and to generate employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. These measures, he suggested, would help revive the local economy and restore public confidence in the country’s governance.