Synopsis

Damned by Debt Relief
Orig Format DV CAM
Aspect Ratio 4: 3

Synopsis
From HIPC dustbins to HIPC toilets, debt relief is not just peanuts but ties Ghana to a Western inspired agenda and parenting classes. Damned by donor diktat, for Ghanaians it’s a raw deal.

After the Live8-G8 bonanza many assumed debt cancellation for indebted poor countries was great news. Was it? Have we been hood-winked? This short doc aims to set the record straight. Debt relief was never a new deal, there was no new money involved and worse than colonial conditions applied to so called ‘debt forgiveness’. Mohammed explains, HIPC meaning highly indebted poor country status was the term used to describe countries qualifying for debt relief but with it came conditions disallowing spending on agriculture or on the production base of the economy. Ghana ticked the West’s boxes and its debts were cancelled but should Ghanaians be grateful?
Their spending is prescribed and monitored. Adding insult to injury, everywhere in Ghana dustbins and toilets are now emblazoned with a rainbow sporting the slogan A HIPC Benefit. Enough is enough, in this short doc, Ghanaians speak their mind. Deroy thinks it’s absurd and with more than a touch of sarcasm thanks Tony Blair and Kwesi finds it repugnant and insulting.

Shot in Ghana, by a talented young volunteer crew this film forms part of the Pricking the Missionary Position series. The series aims to turn the tables on the Live 8-G8 pity-fest and last year’s Kiplingesque re-run of the ‘white man’s burden.’