A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications team, Mr. Philemon Laar Esq. has accused the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government of causing a high cost of living in the lives of Ghanaians.
He argued that the country’s economic decline is not just theoretical but a lived reality for many citizens, especially those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. His remarks focused on the cost of living, unemployment, and the government’s failure to alleviate the burdens faced by ordinary Ghanaians.
Mr. Laar opened his segment by addressing the broader national audience, expressing his deep concern for the economic hardships many Ghanaians endure daily. He did not mince words in describing the current state of the economy. He emphasized; “The people of this country daily are feeling the weight of this useless economy of Ghana.”
He explained that the economy has become a national security issue, one that the government must address immediately. According to him, the financial difficulties faced by Ghanaians are not just numbers on a spreadsheet but have real, devastating impacts on people’s lives.
The Cost-of-Living Crisis: A National Security Concern
Mr. Laar emphasized that the cost of living has become a pressing concern, particularly for those in the most vulnerable regions of the country.
“The issue about the cost of living is something that is a national security issue. We must take it seriously. It’s not about you and I who can afford breakfast. It’s about the people in the nook and crannies of this country who cannot feed.’’
Mr. Philemon Laar Esq. the member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications team
He pointed out that many Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas like Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo in the Upper East Region, among other rural areas are struggling to provide for their families. According to him, this struggle is a direct result of the government’s failure to manage the economy effectively. Mr. Laar attributed this situation to economic mismanagement, referencing international assessments of Ghana’s economic standing. He added; “The economy is crumpled, crushed, and you all know that Fitch had once declared our economy as junk.”
Moving beyond individual hardships, Mr. Laar highlighted the challenges facing local businesses.
“We are talking about the businessmen at Abossey Okai, at Magazine in Suame, who today cannot import into the country because of the excruciating duty costs.”
Mr. Philemon Laar Esq. the member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications team
He also pointed to the challenges facing students, particularly with the reopening of schools. Due to ongoing strikes and economic instability, many students find themselves unable to pay their tuition fees.
“That is why President Mahama is saying that when he comes, at least the fees for first-year students will be free. Disabled people will not pay fees at all for the entire period of their university education.”
Mr. Philemon Laar Esq. the member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications team
The Unemployment Crisis: An Unavoidable Issue
Mr. Laar described the state of the economy as a national crisis that has worsened under the current administration, resulting in a sluggish economy. He used the relative lack of traffic in urban areas as a metaphor for the broader economic slowdown.
“There is also the massive issue of unemployment. I’m just looking at the video on your screen. It’s a Friday morning, but see, very little traffic. People cannot even move from their homes to work.”
Mr. Philemon Laar Esq. the member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications team
For Mr. Laar, the absence of heavy traffic in urban centers, typically bustling with activity, is indicative of a deeper economic malaise.
In response to an attempt to point out potential areas of improvement in the economy, such as inflation control and gradual stabilization under the IMF program, Mr. Laar remained unconvinced. He questioned the validity of these claims, suggesting that any improvements were minimal and not reflective of the broader economic reality experienced by the average Ghanaian.
He particularly questioned the government’s assertion that food prices were reducing, highlighting how the purchasing power of citizens had been diminished. He reiterated; “The fact of the matter is that you can measure the real state of the economy by the pocket of the people. What is your purchasing power today? Has it not reduced?”
Mr. Laar’s rhetorical question aimed to illustrate the disconnect between the government’s claims and the real economic conditions experienced by citizens.
The Exchange Rate Crisis: A Historical Perspective
Mr. Laar turned his attention to Ghana’s currency, the cedi, which he argued had never performed worse in the country’s history.
“The dollar is still at 16 cedis as we speak. Never in the history of this country has the cedi been raped so mercilessly by trading currencies.”
Mr. Philemon Laar Esq. the member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications team
According to Mr. Laar, the depreciation of the cedi was the ultimate sign of the government’s economic failure.
“We are looking at the overall well-being of the Ghanaian people and overall, nothing suggests progress. Everything suggests retrogression.”
Mr. Philemon Laar Esq. the member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications team
In his view, the current administration has failed to improve the lives of ordinary Ghanaians, and a change in leadership is necessary to reverse the country’s economic decline. Mr. Philemon Laar’s critique of Ghana’s economy under the Akufo Addo-Bawumia government offers a grim assessment of the nation’s financial health. From high unemployment and skyrocketing living costs to a weakened currency, Mr. La argued that the current administration has failed to manage the economy effectively.
His passionate defense of the NDC’s proposed solutions, including free tertiary education for first-year students and disabled persons, as well as a focus on empowering local businesses, forms the core of his message for a better Ghana under new leadership.
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