Social media influencer, Prof Stephen Kwaku Asare has fired back at former President Rawlings on his recent comment that “times are hard” in Ghana.

Yesterday, MyNewsGh.com reported that former President Jerry John Rawlings has admitted for the first time that times are hard in Ghana and that under the current dispensation, nothing seems to be working.

Mr Rawlings observed that the hardship situation is so bad that it has taken a toll on persons performing even funerals. He advised that in such times, Ghanaians must support one another.

‘’We all know how hard things are in Ghana right now. Times are really hard and during critical moments such as this funeral, the expenses family incurs is a not a joke. Things are not going too well for a lot of people. So I am pleading with all of you, the way things are we have no choice but to help one another. I wish I could support’’ he said.

According to him, things are not going too well for many persons in the country, including himself; indicating that he wished he could do more in support of the bereaved family but “it is not easy” for him.

But Prof Azar believes Rawlings must explain what he means by the hardship because the state provides for him fully.

“Former head of state, Jerry Rawlings, says he is facing hardships. How can that be when the State provides him everything and has done so for the last 3 or so decades?” He said

“He gets free housing, free cars, free staff, free ex gratia, free allowances, free overseas trips, free pensions, etc. What exactly is the hardship? He must educate us.”

In a related development, President of IMANI Africa has added his voice to the “hardship discourse”.

“Did Rawlings really say that? Well, we are grateful for small mercies and please be your neighbour’s keeper and watchman and woman too. We live in dangerous times, but it will be well.” He wrote.