The spokesperson for John Mahama’s inauguration team Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu highlighted the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s position regarding appointments and significant payments made during the transition period before the new government takes office.
He emphasized the party’s commitment to reviewing and potentially reversing any irregular actions taken during this time which is likely to jeopardize government business in the incoming administration.
Mr. Felix Kwakye noted that it was in line with the NPP’s own precedent in 2016 that the NDC called for a halt on major appointments and payments. He added;
“It was imperative that all appointments and significant payments in this period be held on to. Pending the official assumption of office of the new government. We have made that position very clear. The government dug in and insisted that, they had demanded to do so. We subsequently said that we’ve made our position clear and that if these things are not halted and we come into power and we find that they are irregular and it is necessary to reverse them, we will do so.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson, John Mahama’s Inauguration team
Mr. Felix Kwakye expressed confidence that conscientious public and civil servants had adhered to the NDC’s directive, resisting irregular directives during the transitional period.
He painted a grim picture of the economic situation, dismissing claims that the government was leaving behind substantial financial resources. He explained the real state of the nation’s finances.
“When the president speaks about gross international interest, he’s simply talking about monies that are incumbent. Monies that are only passing through the accounts because they will be used for specific payments.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson, John Mahama’s Inauguration team
Mr. Felix Kwakye disclosed alarming figures related to Ghana’s debt servicing obligations, He indicated;
“For instance, I think last week, Tuesday, the 2nd of January, 2025 if I’m not mistaken, that would be Wednesday or Thursday, I believe. The government of Ghana was due to pay $364,000,000 in debt servicing.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson, John Mahama’s Inauguration team
He emphasized that the government had to borrow to meet these obligations, undermining claims of a healthy fiscal position.
Mr. Felix Kwakye criticized the outgoing government’s management of the economy, citing high debt levels, inflation, and a weak currency. He emphasized;
“As we speak, our currency has been in flip flop for some time. If you exchanged, a dollar for a cedi today, you would have to cough up 16.6 Ghana cedis to get 1 dollar. That is not a country in good shape.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson, John Mahama’s Inauguration team
He pointed out that the government’s failure to clear energy sector debts and other financial commitments had left the country in dire straits.
“Indeed, Esla must have accrued 40,000,000,000 by now. Now we still owe 2.5,000,000,000 Ghana cedis to various players in the energy sector. There are serious problems in the energy sector.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson, John Mahama’s Inauguration team
Despite the challenges, Mr. Felix Kwakye assured that John Mahama’s administration would address the economic decline with experience and a clear plan. He emphasized;
“He [John Mahama] understands the situation already. He knows the ins and outs of governance and is prepared to implement measures to address the problems that will confront [him].”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson, John Mahama’s Inauguration team
He highlighted the need for tough decisions to stabilize the economy, emphasizing honesty and transparency as key principles of the incoming administration.
A New Governance Approach, Commitment to Economic Recovery
Mr. Felix Kwakye assured Ghanaians that Mahama’s governance would differ significantly. He added;
“Governance that levels up with the people, governance that is truthful, governance that is modest, governance that takes responsibility.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson, John Mahama’s Inauguration team
He mentioned Mahama’s proactive engagement with other African leaders to restore Ghana’s standing in the international community.
In conclusion, Mr. Felix Kwakye called on Ghanaians to support Mahama’s government and its programs for national recovery. He added;
‘’So that in the long run, it will be seen that he’s made a clear difference in the lives of the people.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson, John Mahama’s Inauguration team
This statement by Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu underscores the NDC’s commitment to rectifying what they perceive as economic mismanagement by the previous government, while setting a tone of transparency and accountability for the incoming administration.
READ ALSO; John Dumelo Announces Death of Father
