Former President John Dramani Mahama has drawn sharp contrasts between his administration and the current Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, asserting that the economic indices he left behind are far superior to the conditions prevailing today.
Mahama, who is the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the upcoming elections, delivered this critique during a mini rally held in Kintampo as part of his tour of the Bono East region.
During his address to residents, Mahama focused on key economic indicators, including the exchange rate, fuel prices, and the cost of essential commodities such as cement and food, to highlight the stark differences between the state of the economy during his tenure and under the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
In his speech, Mahama argued that one of the most glaring examples of the NPP government’s mismanagement is the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar. Mahama described the ruling government as “clueless” in managing the economy, questioning the credentials of the self-proclaimed “economic messiahs” of the NPP.
“I, John Dramani Mahama, led this nation, and when I was in charge, a dollar was GHC4.00. But today, under this government, you need 16 cedis to get a dollar. This is a clear indication of how poorly they have managed our economy.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama
Fuel prices were another key point of contention for Mahama as he reflected on the significant disparity between fuel costs during his administration and those under the current government.
“When I was in charge of Ghana, with GHC14.00 you could buy a gallon of petrol. Today, with GHC14.00, you will only get a liter.
“This drastic increase in fuel prices has caused a ripple effect on the cost of transportation, goods, and services, affecting the daily lives of ordinary Ghanaians.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama
Mahama further argued that this stark rise in fuel prices is indicative of the broader economic mismanagement by the current government.
In addition to the currency and fuel issues, Mahama drew attention to the escalating prices of basic commodities such as cement. He noted that during his administration, a bag of cement sold for GHC26.00. However, under the current NPP leadership, the price has soared to approximately GHC100.00 in Kintampo and other parts of the country.
In his address, Mahama also questioned the NPP’s approach to Ghanaians’ growing dissatisfaction with the economic situation. He criticized the ruling government for downplaying the grievances of citizens and accused them of ignoring the real hardships that people are facing.
According to Mahama, the government’s repeated assertions that Ghanaians are better off today are disconnected from the everyday struggles that ordinary people endure.
A Call to Learn from Past Mistakes
Mahama’s speech in Kintampo was not just a critique of the current government but also a call to action for voters as the December 2024 elections approach. He urged Ghanaians to reflect on their personal experiences and the economic challenges they have faced over the last few years.
He encouraged the electorate to make informed decisions based on the realities they have witnessed under the NPP administration.
“It is our own stomachs, and we are saying we are hungry, yet the NPP claims we are full. How is that possible? We need to learn from what we have been through and make decisions that will truly reflect our needs.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama
John Mahama’s criticisms of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government were centered on the stark economic contrasts between his time in office and the current administration’s performance.
From the depreciating cedi to skyrocketing fuel prices and the increasing cost of essential goods, Mahama painted a picture of an economy in decline, questioning the NPP’s ability to lead Ghana forward.
His message to the people of Kintampo was clear: learn from the past, assess the current situation, and vote accordingly in the upcoming elections.
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