Hon. Matthew Nyindam, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kpandai and of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has delved into concerns about President Mahama’s governance, affirming that the president has lived up to his word on key commitments.
He dismissed allegations from the opposition NPP that President Mahama intended to purge the public service, asserting that the president had remained inclusive in his approach.
“Nobody will say that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is not a man of his word. I will not say that. He’s not new to me. I know him. Ghanaians know him”
Hon. Matthew Nyindam, MP for Kpandai
He acknowledged that the President has made efforts to fulfill promises, particularly in ensuring representation across all sectors.
He maintained that the president has committed to being a leader for all Ghanaians, despite opposition claims that his administration has engage in mass dismissals.
However, he noted that there has been reports of individuals losing their jobs following directives from the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah.
He attributed these dismissals to misinterpretations of the government’s official letter communicating the revocation of all post Dec 7 appointments.
“By the time we end the first quarter, people that he (President Mahama) has sacked per the directives from the Chief of Staff will be numbering thousands. Because people are taking undue advantage of that particular write-up, and they are sacking people”
Hon. Matthew Nyindam, MP for Kpandai
He questioned whether those affected were not Ghanaians and called on the public to judge whether President Mahama has fully upheld his promise of job security.
Hon. Nyindam also reflected on the economic challenges facing Mahama’s administration, drawing comparisons to the early days of the NPP government.
“When you promise people and you come to the government, it is easy. Your first days are normally good days.”
He recalled that when the NPP took office, it abolished multiple taxes but had to find alternative revenue streams to sustain government operations.
He suggested that President Mahama’s government was now facing a similar predicament, particularly as it sought to implement tax reforms.
He acknowledged the economic measures being introduced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, including adjustments to tax thresholds and efforts to ensure more targeted spending.
Yet he expressed cautious optimism about these strategies, hoping they would yield positive outcomes, lest the NDC government find themselves wanting.
Mahama Praised for Honesty and Efficiency
Meanwhile, Hon. Titus Beyuo, the MP for Lambussie, commended President Mahama’s leadership, describing him as a rare example of a leader who follows through on his commitments.
He emphasized that President Mahama’s consistency in governance was a trait that deserved recognition.
“So the credit is that you have a leader who says A and does A. He’s faithful to the people of Ghana. He’s sincere and honest to the people of Ghana. We cannot take that as ordinary”
Hon. Titus Beyuo, MP for Lambussie
He contrasted the President’s leadership with previous administrations, highlighting instances where past presidents had failed to fulfill promises made to their own party members.
He pointed out that President Mahama has set a precedent by maintaining a lean government, staying within his commitment to appoint no more than 60 ministers.
“As of today, he’s around 54. He’s not even reached the 60,” Hon. Beyuo noted.
He referenced past governments where initial promises to reduce the size of government were later abandoned.
He recalled that former President John Agyekum Kufuor initially criticized the size of government before increasing it, and President Nana Akufo-Addo later expanded his administration significantly.
Hon. Beyuo argued that Mahama’s ability to maintain a reduced cabinet demonstrated his commitment to efficiency and prudent governance.
He also noted that the current administration had set up its cabinet in record time, ensuring that governance proceeded without delays.
Economic Management and Budgetary Adjustments
Hon. Beyuo also addressed concerns about the government’s economic policies, particularly regarding the cancellation of the E-levy.
He dismissed opposition claims that the removal of the E-levy would create a budget deficit, asserting that the finance minister has identified alternative revenue sources to compensate for the loss.
“They were surprised when just by tinkering with the ceiling on the tax refund account, he’s been able to generate enough resources to fill a lot of the vacuums. He did justify it before the house and everybody saw it”
Hon. Titus Beyuo, MP for Lambussie
He credited Dr. Forson’s financial strategies, particularly his ability to generate resources by adjusting tax refund policies and minimizing government losses.
He asserted that these measures have ensured fiscal stability despite the removal of the E-levy and other controversial taxes.
Beyuo further pushed back against claims that a lean government would lead to an expanded presidency.
“They tried to argue that it means we are appointing several more people to the presidency, and we proved the data wrong. With their over 88 ministers, they still had more appointees at the presidency and the vice president’s office than we are having with our 54 ministers”
Hon. Titus Beyuo, MP for Lambussie
President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership has drawn both praise and scrutiny as he continues to navigate the complex landscape of governance.
His administration has been marked by a strong commitment to delivering on campaign promises, with some lawmakers emphasizing his sincerity and effectiveness.
Hon. Titus Beyou emphasized that the President’s achievements by far, should not be taken for granted.
He urged Ghanaians to recognize the distinction between the NDC and the NPP when it comes to governance.
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