The goal of independence, according to former President John Dramani Mahama, has become a joke by turning to the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance.

He noted that the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda has become a slogan that has seen no actions under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration.

John Mahama was the keynote speaker at the 7th Ghana CEOs Summit.

He said: “Indeed our return to the IMF – cup in hand – has made our Ghana Beyond Aid policy the butt of jokes amongst many commentators in the world. It will take a resolute and committed political will to determine our own economic destiny.”

According to him, the agenda will “require the ability to determine our own economic policies that prioritize the well-being of our citizens, and create an environment conducive for the advancement of sustainable growth and development for job creation.”

The current flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress also took a swipe at the government over the introduction of the Income Tax Amendment Bill, Excise Duty, and Excise Tax Stamp Amendment, and Growth and the Sustainability taxes.