The Chairman of the Finance Committee and Member of Parliament for OKaikwei Central, Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah has shared his perspectives on President Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA).
He reflected on the highlights of the President’s presentation, touching on various sectors of the economy, health, education, and infrastructure. He began;
“The president came to the house to perform a very important constitutional duty, which is to give an account on the state of the nation as he exits office.
“Not everyone will be enthused about the presentation that he made, but I believe that he used the opportunity to touch on every aspect of the economy.”
Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah MP for OKaikwei Central
The President’s focus on the economy drew mixed reactions. Hon. Boamah recounted key points made, including the robust growth before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The growth rate before COVID, which was over 6.5%, was being touted as the fastest growing economy in the world at a certain point.
“COVID struck, and we suffered a lot. We had to even go through a banking sector cleanup. We spent thousands of cedis to clean this financial sector.”
Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah MP for OKaikwei Central
On the President’s claim about improved gross international reserves, Hon. Boamah added;
“Our gross international reserves being over $8.1 billion as against $6.2 billion that he inherited. The facts are there at the Central Bank to check.”
Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah MP for OKaikwei Central
While acknowledging progress, he admitted that the figures presented might not resonate with everyday Ghanaians. He reiterated;
“If you throw out data and it’s not reflective on their day-to-day activity, they have cause to complain.”
Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah MP for OKaikwei Central
The Agenda 111 project, a key healthcare initiative aimed at building hospitals across districts, was discussed. Hon. Boamah acknowledged its ambition but recognized delays in its implementation. He added;
“Whether the president completed it or not, every serious government – would want to ensure that the districts whose health facilities are being constructed are duly completed.”
Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah MP for OKaikwei Central
President Akufo-Addo’s assertion of leaving the lights on sparked discussions. Hon. Boamah eulogized the administration’s efforts in maintaining energy supply but acknowledged the sector’s lingering challenges.
He also highlighted financial allocations to address energy sector debts. He emphasized;
“Government also has allocated out of the 68 billion Ghana cedis, 20 billion to take care of the Energy Sector Levy Account (ESLA) and to help pay the IPPs.
“Nobody has been able to settle our energy sector debts – we’ve always had issues with energy sector debts since time immemorial.”
Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah MP for OKaikwei Central
The 24-Hour Economy Promise
“ Power [must] be sustained to enable industry and every Ghanaian, both domestic and industrial, to have power at all times. The NDC is promising a 24-hour economy; You cannot undertake a 24-hour economy [with] the power sector having challenges.”
Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah MP for OKaikwei Central
In summing up the Akufo-Addo administration’s performance, Hon. Boamah remarked; “He’s done his best. Posterity will judge him.”
While acknowledging the efforts made, he expressed optimism about the NDC’s capacity to build on the foundation laid.
“I believe President Mahama with his economic team will also look at, revise, or review it, and ensure that we stay the course on a growth path for the good of all of us.”
Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah MP for OKaikwei Central
Hon. Patrick Boamah provided a balanced view of the State of the Nation Address, acknowledging achievements while pointing out areas for improvement.
As the Akufo-Addo administration is brought to an end, he emphasized the importance of continuity in governance to address lingering challenges and ensure sustained growth in key sectors.
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