The National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi Esq., has painted a bleak picture of the current economic situation in Ghana, attributing the struggles Ghanaians face to policies implemented by the NPP’s financial management team, led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
According to Sammy Gyamfi, Ghanaians are in dire straits, dealing with escalating prices, unaffordable loans, and high inflation.
“Life has become increasingly difficult if you wake up in the morning and you have to buy a gallon of fuel at over 65 Ghana Cedis. And you have to buy 1 US dollar at 17 Cedis 20 Pesewas, you have to pay [an] interest rate of over 35% all the way to 40% on monies you borrow from the bank.”
You have to cope with the several draconian tax measures that has been imposed on us by the Bawumia-led economic management team. Here, I’m talking about COVID levy, Bola levy, emissions levy, e-levy, betting levy, and so on and so forth.”
Sammy Gyamfi Esq. National Communications Officer of the NDC
Despite these struggles, Gyamfi sees a glimmer of hope in the upcoming elections.
“Our hope is fortified by the fact that in the next 23 days, we’ll be going to the polls. And that will be our opportunity as Ghanaians to either pass a vote of confidence or a vote of no confidence in this government.”
Sammy Gyamfi Esq. National Communications Officer of the NDC
Sammy Gyamfi called for a “rescue” of the nation from the current “economic quandary” characterized by “suffering, joblessness, [and] hopelessness for the youth.”
He envisioned a new leadership that would use Ghana’s resources wisely, prioritizing productive sectors over “wasteful ventures” like the construction of swimming pools for the National Cathedral.
Ernest Adade on Economic Progress under the NPP
In contrast, Ernest Adade, an NPP’s communication team member, defends the party’s economic record, highlighting recent growth despite global challenges. Adade remained optimistic, pointing to quarterly growth figures as evidence of the economy’s resilience:
“… Second quarter, we are growing at 6.7, the third quarter has not come yet. But I am optimistic that no matter what the situation is, if you look at the gains that are happening now, there is no way you can compare the person who took what His Excellency the former President referred to as an economy that is bone without meat.”
Ernest Adade NPP’s communication team member
Adade also critiqued the NDC’s handling of the economy under John Dramani Mahama, accusing the former president of leaving the economy in a poor state.
He highlights the financial struggles of the past, such as delayed statutory payments and the infamous “dumsor” (power outages) crisis.
He insists that Mahama’s administration missed an opportunity to foster growth during a period without significant global crises.
“In his case, he had 4 years plus 6 months in one row. we expected that he could have done better because, at that time, there was no confusion anywhere in the world. Like the kind of crisis that we went into that ran the whole world into a recession.”
Ghana’s Debt Burden: Perspectives from Both Parties
Debt is another focal point in Adade’s critique of the NDC. He contrasted the debt levels accumulated during Mahama’s tenure with the current debt, arguing that the NPP’s management was more restrained until the recent global crises.
“His Excellency President Kuffour before he left…we had eight billion and seven two point seven USD. Fast forward 2016, we have 29,000,000,000 the highest ever in the history of this country until we are talking now.”
Ernest Adade NPP’s communication team member
Adade suggested that Mahama’s administration was not as fiscally responsible as the NPP under President Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia, implying that the current debt levels are an outcome of necessary spending during unprecedented times.
Sammy Gyamfi and Ernest Adade offer contrasting narratives about Ghana’s economic challenges and the paths forward.
While Sammy Gyamfi attributed the hardships to recent policies and tax measures under the NPP, Adade credits the current administration with steady economic progress and accused the NDC of exacerbating the nation’s financial struggles.
As the election approaches, both perspectives underscore the choices facing Ghanaians: a call for transformation and change by Sammy Gyamfi, versus a defense of recent economic management and gradual recovery from global crises by Adade.
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