The Member of Parliament-Elect for Ketu North Constituency, Edem Agbana, has delivered a sharp critique of the Akufo-Addo administration, emphasizing that the outcome of the December 7 elections reflects Ghanaians' dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
Speaking in a Parliament after the SONA 2024 on Friday, Mr. Agbana noted that despite claims of economic strength by the ruling government, the electorate’s verdict at the polls tells a different story.
"If indeed, the economy is strong, and you are leaving behind a solid foundation, Ghanaians would have defended you. But the way and manner they voted clearly indicate their unhappiness with this government,” he stated.
The MP-Elect expressed optimism in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s ability to address the challenges facing the country, asserting that Ghanaians are counting on the party, led by John Dramani Mahama, to reset the nation.
Critiquing the President's recent address, Mr. Agbana pointed out key omissions, particularly on critical issues such as unemployment and labor unrest.
“Why is the President not addressing the growing rate of unemployment? Why is he silent on the poor conditions of service for Ghanaian workers? As we speak, CETAG and other labor unions are on strike at the tail end of his administration,” he observed.
He further accused the government of using manipulated statistics to create a false sense of progress. “In political communication, it’s easy to pull out data to paint a rosy picture.
But the true measure of economic success is how Ghanaians feel in their pockets,” Mr. Agbana said, adding that many citizens are struggling with the high cost of living.
Drawing from personal experience, he compared the value of salaries over time, lamenting the erosion of purchasing power.
“Eight years ago, my salary could buy 30 bags of cement. Today, despite nominal increments, I can’t buy the same quantity. This shows that the economy has worsened, not improved,” he explained.
Mr. Agbana concluded by urging the government to focus on addressing the real issues affecting Ghanaians, rather than relying on data to justify their policies.
“At the end of the day, it’s about the value of your money and how you feel in this economy. Ghanaians are not feeling better, and that is the reality,” he said.
The MP-Elect’s comments reflect the NDC’s readiness to take on the mantle of leadership and restore confidence in governance as the nation grapples with economic challenges.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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