PRIME EXAMPLE OF WASTE

A little research has led me to the conclusion that Mayor C. Jack Ellis'
trip to Ghana is a prime example of an unconscionable waste of taxpayer
money. To quote from the CIA World Factbook 2002, "Ghana remains heavily
dependent on international financial and technical assistance. Gold, timber
and cocoa production are major sources of foreign exchange."

I see little need to import timber to Georgia, and I would doubt that
Ghana, which opted for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country
(HIPC) program in 2002, will be doing much importing. The domestic economy
revolves around subsistence agriculture which accounts for 36 percent of
GDP and employs 60 percent of the work force, excessively expansionary
monetary and fiscal policy (much like Macon's current city budget) have led
to accelerating inflation.

Ghana's major imports are capital equipment and petroleum, and this does
not jibe with Ellis' stated goals for this trip. Also, according to the
factbook, Ghana is an illicit producer of cannabis for the international
drug trade and a major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin
and, to a lesser extent, South American cocaine destined for Europe and the
U.S. Widespread crime and corruption have made money laundering a major
problem for Ghana's government. All in all, I do not see Ghana as a big
part of Middle Georgia's economic future.

If Ellis chooses to vacation in Ghana that is his choice, but he should not
make Macon taxpayers foot the bill.

Joe LaBeause

Lizella