The Minister of Health and NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ledzokuku Constituency, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye has lauded Ghanaians for demonstrating maturity as the general December Polls approach.
Speaking on the state of the nation and the accomplishments of the Akufo-Addo administration. He noted;
“Despite the heated competition, we’ve largely behaved responsibly. I always say that politics is not a tribal war. It’s not a fight between the Ga people and the Akyem people. It’s not a fight between those in the north and those in the south. Both parties have Akans, both have Gas, and both have Ewes. Politics is about transformation and progress.”
Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye Minister of Health and NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ledzokuku Constituency
He acknowledged the imperfection of human institutions but underscored the administration’s courage and commitment to development. He continued;
“President Akufo-Addo has been so bold that most projects, because I’m currently at the Ministry of Health, that were more or less side-skipped or conveniently overlooked, he’s had the courage to touch them.”
Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye Minister of Health and NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ledzokuku Constituency
One such project he highlighted was the Koforidua Maternity and Child Block, initiated decades ago under General Acheampong’s regime.
Dr. Okoe-Boye described the structural audit findings, which indicated the building was no longer safe, prompting the government to reconstruct it. He emphasized; “As I speak, the shell of the building without equipment is about 60-70% complete—a €138.5 million block.”
Similarly, he pointed to the construction of the new Eastern Regional Hospital, visible along the Koforidua to Suhum road, and progress on the La General Hospital project, for which the government recently paid a contractor GH¢70 million out of a total bill of €140 million. He added; “These are huge projects, and it takes courage to find the resources and make these investments.”
Touching on education, he praised the Free SHS program and the infrastructure expansion carried out under former Education Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
He acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the positive impact.
“To find the resources to pay for the bills of over 1 million kids is a good thing. If you look at some of the schools that were constructed during this period, there’s no doubt about the transformation.”
Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye Minister of Health and NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ledzokuku Constituency
In healthcare, he mentioned cutting the sod for the Tolon Hospital in 2020, which has since been completed, benefiting the local community.
Challenges and the Impact of COVID-19
Dr. Okoe-Boye admitted that the government faced significant challenges, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a severe economic downturn. He described the effects of the pandemic on Ghana’s economy and workforce.
“Anyone who is frank and honest can see the figures and realize that something [ has been done]. A country that was growing at 6-7% came to 0.5%. When you check the curve of every country, almost every country in the world, there was a dip in the graph. Once your people lose jobs, or can’t get jobs because your economy came to a halt and took two to three years to try to come back, there will be hardship.”
Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye Minister of Health and NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ledzokuku Constituency
On the banking sector clean-up, he pointed out that court rulings had validated some of the government’s decisions, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the financial system.
“There is a court in Ghana that has looked into the case of one of the banks. The judgment made it clear that the people who led the banks took decisions that were harmful to Ghana, we pay the price, and some people were laid off.”
Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye Minister of Health and NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ledzokuku Constituency
Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, Dr. Okoe-Boye highlighted the choice between former President John Mahama and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“What we are looking out for now is the one who has the skill set to be able to address the challenges, not the one who can mention the challenges very loudly and well.”
Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye Minister of Health and NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ledzokuku Constituency
Dr. Okoe-Boye concluded by expressing confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s ability to build on the government’s triumphs and address challenges such as job creation, economic growth, and corruption.
“When you put aside all the triumphs of this government, the one who can add many triumphs, successes, and also deal with our challenges like increasing the number of jobs, growing the economy, and investigating corruption is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.”
Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye Minister of Health and NPP parliamentary candidate for the Ledzokuku Constituency
Dr. Okoe-Boye’s address offered a balanced assessment of the NPP government’s achievements and setbacks.
He called on Ghanaians to recognize the strides made in health, education, and infrastructure, while acknowledging the difficulties posed by unforeseen crises.
As the nation approaches the elections, his message underscored the importance of continuity and capability in leadership.
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