The National Democratic Congress Majority Caucus in Parliament has launched a strong rebuttal to recent criticisms from the Minority, accusing the New Patriotic Party of presiding over a period of severe economic decline and institutional breakdown while in government.
In a statement signed by Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, the caucus dismissed claims by the Minority as an attempt to deflect attention from what it described as the NPP’s record of mismanagement and corruption.
According to the Majority, Ghana under the NPP administration suffered a near collapse of its financial system, with unprecedented depreciation of the Ghana cedi and soaring inflation that eroded household incomes.
The caucus said the economic hardships experienced by ordinary Ghanaians were a direct consequence of poor fiscal discipline and reckless economic decisions taken during the NPP’s time in office. It argued that these conditions undermined public confidence and left the economy vulnerable at the point of transition.
“Senior High Schools (SHS) constantly failed to resume schooling because of lack of feeding for school children. Hospitals turned away patients because the NHIA was failing consistently in claims payments.
“The energy sector accumulated unprecedented debts and utilities faltered due, in part, to unprecedented levels of corruption.”
Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mahama Ayariga
On transportation, the Majority said the NPP left behind a dysfunctional public transport system whose limited capacity became evident during peak periods. It noted that the difficulties experienced during the first Christmas season after the change of government highlighted long standing neglect of public transportation infrastructure.
The caucus said the current government has already outlined measures to expand the fleet of state owned transport companies while creating conditions for private sector participation to improve mobility within urban centres.
The Majority also announced plans to pursue accountability for flagship policies of the previous administration. When Parliament reconvenes, it intends to request a comprehensive audit of the One District One Factory programme.
According to the caucus, the policy stands out as one of the most failed initiatives under the NPP, citing allegations of corruption, abuse of tax exemptions and limited job creation. It questioned claims of success surrounding the programme, arguing that widespread youth unemployment would not persist if the policy had delivered on its promises.
NDC’s Turnaround
In contrast, the Majority highlighted the policy direction of the current NDC government, particularly its push towards a 24 Hour Economy. It said work is underway to create a fiscal and legal framework that supports industrialisation and stimulates growth in the services sector.
The caucus indicated that legislation to establish a 24 Hours Economy Authority is expected to be passed when Parliament resumes in early February, formalising the policy and providing institutional backing.
The statement further criticised the state of decentralised governance inherited from the NPP, describing district assemblies as financially strangulated and unable to perform their mandates effectively.
It also reiterated earlier warnings by the NDC regarding the sustainability of free senior high school and the National Health Insurance Scheme, arguing that both had effectively collapsed by the end of 2024 due to funding shortfalls linked to broader economic mismanagement.
“The NDC Government’s exceptional performance in economic and financial management has been acknowledged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and all international credit rating institutions.
“Current exchange rate, rate of inflation and foreign reserves testify to this point. Smart economic and financial policies, fiscal discipline and prudence have been the underlying causes of this successful and exceptionally quick turnaround.”
Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mahama Ayariga
Goldbod as an Innovative Leverage
The Majority also defended key initiatives introduced by the NDC government, including the GoldBod, which it described as an innovative approach to leveraging Ghana’s natural resources to stabilise the currency. It suggested that the NPP’s economic management team lacked the creativity to conceive such measures while in office.
Foreign policy and environmental governance were also highlighted as areas of progress. The caucus commended the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for strengthening economic diplomacy and enhancing Ghana’s international standing.
It also said the government’s approach to combating illegal mining has been marked by unprecedented resolve, resulting in a slowdown in environmental degradation and increased investment in land and water restoration.
The Majority concluded by urging the Minority to focus on constructive engagement rather than what it described as political propaganda. It said the record of the NPP government remains clear in the minds of Ghanaians and insisted that the current administration will continue to prioritise accountability, economic recovery and social protection.
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