In a fiery debate on President John Mahama’s State of the Nation Address, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, slammed the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) over what he described as the party’s reckless economic management, excessive borrowing, and failed promises to Ghanaians.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale South contrasted the NPP’s performance with the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) governance record, emphasizing the party’s commitment to transforming Ghana through pragmatic economic policies and strategic investments.
Addressing Parliament, Hon. Iddrisu lambasted the NPP for suspending the Fiscal Responsibility Act before leaving office, a move he argued exposed the hypocrisy behind the party’s claims of superior economic management.
“You said you wanted fiscal prudence and brought in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, but Kenneth Ofori Atta, as your Finance Minister, destroyed Ghana’s economy through excessive borrowing.
“But when we start censoring him, you said no, and now that you lost the election, you want to blame him for everything. You supported him in messing up the country, messing the economy up, and messing your administration up. So walk in regret and live in regret”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
He pointed out that between 2017 and 2021, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the NPP government had already borrowed $3.5 billion, far exceeding the NDC’s borrowing record under President Mahama’s first term.
“The elephant’s appetite for borrowing knows no bounds. Yet, what do we have to show for it? Failed infrastructure projects and a struggling economy”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
Hon. Iddrisu was particularly critical of the government’s flagship Agenda 111 hospital initiative, questioning why none of the promised hospitals were completed despite the significant funds allocated.
“ At least, if two or three of it was functional, it will make meaningful contribution to maternal health, improve health care delivery in Ghana. Your overambitious initiative, you got none completed. You were more interested in winning votes at the December election than caring for the lives of Ghanaians”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
The Tamale South MP affirmed President Mahama’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure and services to Ghanaians.
According to him, President Mahama will soon launch the MahamaCare, where some money will be dedicated and seed money provided to the fund, which will deal with diseases that are not catered for under the national health insurance fund.
IMF Bailout and the NPP’s Broken Promises
The NPP’s stance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also came under fire. Hon. Haruna Iddrisu reminded Parliament that the opposition party, while in government, vowed never to seek an IMF bailout, only to later approach the institution when the economy crumbled.
“This is Ghana’s 17th IMF program. The NPP administration claimed it would not go to the IMF, yet here we are. If they had managed the economy prudently, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
He stressed that Ghana must adopt long-term strategies to avoid recurrent IMF bailouts and called for measures to strengthen domestic revenue generation and economic resilience.
Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy: A Game Changer
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu also took the opportunity to highlight the NDC’s vision for Ghana’s economic future under President Mahama’s leadership. He described the proposed 24-hour economy as a private sector-driven initiative aimed at job creation and industrial expansion.
“The 24-hour economy will not be government-led; it will be private sector-led, and soon, the Minister of Finance and the Attorney General will present amendments to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act.
“This will provide strategic incentives to investors willing to operate 24-hour factories, such as those in textiles and agriculture”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
Hon. Iddrisu criticized the NPP’s One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, questioning its impact on employment.
“Where are the factories that were promised? How many of them are functional and employing thousands of Ghanaians? You cannot compare the promise of 1D1F to the tangible benefits of the 24-hour economy.”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
The Tamale South legislator also called for targeted investments in Ghana’s industrial sector to maximize economic growth and employment.
He urged Parliament to ensure tax exemptions and incentives for the private sector are tied to measurable contributions to employment and GDP.
“For every tax incentive granted, we must ask: how many jobs will be created? What will be the GDP contribution? We cannot afford to grant exemptions without accountability”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
Hon. Iddrisu identified poultry farming in Bono and Ahafo and industrial expansion in Ashanti and Northern Ghana as critical areas for investment.
“The 24-hour economy will enable regions to harness their comparative advantage. Poultry farming, textile manufacturing, and agro-processing will thrive under President Mahama’s plan”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
On the energy front, Hon. Iddrisu called for the establishment of a second gas processing plant to complement Atuabo Gas, reduce fuel consumption costs, and alleviate the financial burden on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
“We need a second gas plant, maybe in Kumasi or Sunyani, to ensure stable and cost-effective power supply. This was the vision of the late President Atta Mills when he invested $800 million in Atuabo Gas. The benefits are clear, yet the NPP has done little in this regard despite borrowing over $50 billion”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
The Minister reminded Parliament that it was the NDC under President Mahama that introduced the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA) to address the energy sector’s financial challenges.
“The same NPP that opposed ESLA in 2016 has benefitted from over GHS 45 billion in accruals from it since taking power. Yet, they failed to use it to pay the energy sector’s legacy arrears”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
NPP’s Betrayal of the Private Sector
The Education Minister further accused the NPP of crippling Ghana’s private sector through exorbitant interest rates and poor economic policies.
He urged members of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) to reflect on how government policies have stifled business growth.
“Under this government, the private sector has struggled with high interest rates and an unfavorable business climate. Ask the AGI whether they have benefited from NPP’s governance”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South
In his closing remarks, Haruna Iddrisu called for a shift in Ghana’s economic direction, urging responsible governance and prudent financial management.
He emphasized that the NDC’s administration under President Mahama’s leadership remains committed to policies that will transform Ghana and create sustainable economic opportunities for all.
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