NPP loyalist Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong, popularly known as P.K. Sarpong, has strongly criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s administration for what he describes as a betrayal of the Ghanaian youth.
According to Sarpong, while the scrapping of the controversial betting tax has been widely celebrated, it masks the grim reality of widespread job losses under the new government.
He argued that President Mahama’s campaign promises, which painted a hopeful picture for young people, are now proving to be empty.
“Ignorance is indeed bliss. Here is a President who promised the youth hope and appealed to them to support his party to come to power to give us the Ghana we want.”
Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong
Sarpong acknowledged that Mahama has fulfilled his pledge to remove the betting tax, a move that has been met with excitement among many young people.
However, he was quick to point out the confusion that surrounded its repeal, suggesting that Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson had misrepresented the distinction between the betting tax and withholding tax on lottery winnings.
According to Sarpong, while some young Ghanaians are rejoicing over the removal of the betting tax, many others are grappling with unemployment.
He highlighted the plight of teacher trainees and nurses who remain jobless, despite expectations that Mahama’s government would create new employment opportunities.
“In the same budget that made these people happy as a result of the retrenchment of the betting tax, thousands of Ghanaians are going to remain unemployed.
“Teacher trainees, nurses who are still at home, and those who were expecting to land jobs because a new government has come, will all be struggling to find their feet.”
Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong
He lamented that several young individuals who had secured employment and diligently worked for months have now been dismissed solely based on directives from President John Dramani Mahama.
This development has raised concerns about job security and the potential impact on livelihoods, especially for those who had relied on these opportunities to sustain themselves and their families.
The decision has sparked criticism, with many questioning the rationale behind the dismissals and calling for greater transparency in employment policies under the new administration.
Mahama Fails to Deliver 24-Hour Economy Promise
Furthermore, Patrick Sarpong criticized President Mahama, accusing him of misleading voters, especially those who had placed their hopes in his promise of a 24-hour economy designed to generate more employment opportunities.
According to Sarpong, rather than delivering on this commitment, Mahama’s administration has instead dismissed workers who were employed under the previous government, worsening the plight of many struggling Ghanaians.
He argued that Mahama’s actions contradicted his campaign message, leaving many disillusioned.
Sarpong questioned the sincerity of the 24-hour economy pledge, suggesting that it was merely a political gimmick rather than a genuine plan to tackle unemployment.
This, he warned, could erode public trust in the new administration if immediate corrective measures are not taken.
“In fact, when we in the NPP cautioned those who were being employed and recruited by the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration not to vote for Mahama, he clapped back with the assurance that he wouldn’t sack or dismiss them and that he would keep them in service and also recruit his party members as well. He has done the opposite of his promise to the youth.”
Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong
Sarpong expressed disappointment that Mahama is being widely praised for repealing the betting tax while making life more difficult for thousands of Ghanaians by cutting jobs.
He questioned the logic behind celebrating the removal of a tax that only benefits those who win bets while ignoring the more pressing issue of employment. “This is like exchanging your diamond ring for a mere stone. Pure ignorance, if you ask me.“
He maintained that the current administration is failing the youth, and while some may be distracted by short-term gains such as tax cuts, the long-term economic consequences will be severe.
He urged young people to pay attention to the broader implications of government policies rather than being swayed by isolated decisions.
Sarpong’s remarks have sparked reactions from both sides of the political spectrum.
While some agree with his position that Mahama’s administration must be held accountable for employment policies, others argue that repealing the betting tax was necessary to ease the financial burden on young Ghanaians.
The conversation continues as citizens watch to see how Mahama’s administration will address the growing concerns about unemployment, even as it implements policies aimed at winning public approval.
