The record growth rate in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is real but the burdensome population expansion and huge debt service are likewise real, thus negating the beneficent effects of economic growth.

The twin problems of excessive population growth and debt service derail and dilute the expected trickle down effect of economic growth.

Joblessness and poverty cannot be overcome by economic growth alone if the population problem and debt menace are not contained.

If we are able to effectively mitigate population explosion and reduce debt service, economic growth will not only trickle down but may even cascade to the grassroots.

Verily, lesser beneficiaries and more distributable resources would mean bigger per capita shares which would impact positively on higher employment, poverty alleviation, quality education, adequate health care, food sufficiency, affordable housing and a protected environment.

Economic growth should be complemented by a comprehensive national policy on reproductive health and population management as well as innovative acceptable modes of debt reduction and condonation.