Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to return to the opposition to reflect on the economic hardships and mismanagement they have inflicted on the country.
Speaking at a gathering in the Wa East Constituency, as part of his campaign tour to the region, President Mahama highlighted the need for a change in the country’s ruling political party leadership in the 2024 general elections.
The NDC’s flag bearer argued that the NPP has failed in key areas of governance, especially regarding the economy, unemployment, inflation, and public debt.
He emphasized that the 2024 elections would focus on critical issues that affect the everyday lives of Ghanaians, such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and governance.
He said, “The key issue in this election is the economy and unemployment. These are what matter most to the electorate, and on these issues, the NPP has failed.”
The former president criticized the NPP’s handling of the cedi, pointing out that the currency had depreciated significantly under their watch against foreign currencies.
“When they came into office, they promised to stabilize the cedi at 4 cedis to 1 dollar, but today it stands at over 12 cedis to the dollar,” he noted, adding that the government’s failure to manage the currency has worsened inflation and increased the cost of living.
Mr. Mahama also took a swipe at the rising public debt, which he said had ballooned from GHS 120 billion when the NPP took over in 2017 to GHS 600 billion today. He reminded the audience of the NPP’s earlier criticism of his administration for borrowing, saying, “They claimed they would run this country without borrowing, but today the debt is out of control.”
He further pointed out that the unemployment rate had worsened, rising from 8.4% under his administration to over 14% today. “They formed associations for unemployed graduates and promised jobs, but today, youth unemployment is at a record high,” Mahama remarked, calling for the NPP to be held accountable for their promises.
Former President Mahama stressed the need for the NPP to “go back to the bush,” referencing their party symbol, the elephant, and reflect on their failures before seeking another mandate. He urged the electorate to vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2024, promising that the NDC would deliver on its pledges to restore economic stability and create jobs for the youth.
“The NPP must not be rewarded for the suffering they have inflicted on Ghanaians,” Mahama stated, as he rallied support for his party’s return to power.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/IJB/Kumasi
