The Daily Graphic finds it worrying that credit risk within the banking sector remains high, with non-performing loans contributing about 23% of total loans in June 2018. Nonetheless the paper is gladdened by Standards & Poor Global’s (S&P) suggestion that the government’s Energy Sector Levy Act could help resolve some of the bank asset quality issues, such as bank lending to energy sector state owned enterprises. The paper therefore hopes government will take on board S&P’s view to put bank sheets in a stronger position, facilitate private credit growth and further strengthen the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission.
The Ghanaian Times believes there are varying socio cultural backgrounds and for democracy to thrive in all settings there is the need to re-examine its concepts to make it more meaningful and universal for all. The paper says although Ghana has been practicing democracy for a considerable length of time, it is important for the country to strengthen its system of governance by building a strong transparent, accountable and tolerant society. The Times advises all citizens to be tolerant to divergent views, and whatever difference people have must be resolved through dialogue. In that way, it believes the country would be upholding one of the values of democracy.
The Daily Heritage is of the view that conscious efforts have not been made over the years to contain the excess water from perennial rains and the spillage of the Bagre Dam to augment agricultural productivity. The paper is worried by government’s lip service over plans to build huge dams at Pwalugu, in Bawku and modernisation of the Tono and Vea dams in the Upper East Region, saying this is doing the Ghana no good. It therefore urges government to make a difference in the lives of poor farmers by turning the tide and making good use of the excess water which causes serious havoc in the northern part of the country.
