In a strong and detailed defence of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to decline the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) request to recall Parliament, Louisa Kwakye, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, has lauded the Speaker for what she termed as an “incredible show of patriotism.”
Louisa Kwakye, in a scathing critique of the NPP government’s handling of critical national issues, strongly expressed her opposition to a recall of Parliament in less than ten 10 days before the upcoming elections.
“When you read the memo that was sent by the leader of the government’s business Afenyo Markin, he says that he would want the parliament to be recalled based on urgent issues.
“Then I asked myself one thing. If it is an urgent issue and if you look at the issues the one major thing that I would have been very interested in was the budget but that was not part”.
Louisa Kwakye, Member of the NDC Communications Team
She pointed out that the issues listed, including revoking Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462 on mining in forest reserves and granting tax exemptions, highlight a lack of planning and prioritization by the ruling government.
She also argued that giving Members of Parliament two days to address 22 critical issues was simply not in the interest of the nation.
Focusing on LI 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves, Louisa Kwakye expressed frustration over the timing of its proposed revocation. She highlighted the adverse environmental impact the regulation has had over the past seven years.
“Civic organizations, the opposition, and concerned Ghanaians have consistently raised alarms about the destruction of our water bodies and ecosystems. Yet, the government chose to act only days before an election. This is not about national interest; it’s political expediency.”
Louisa Kwakye, Member of the NDC Communications Team
On the issue of tax exemptions, the Member of the NDC Communications Team alleged that the government’s flagship One District, One Factory initiative had largely benefited politically connected individuals.
“About 90% of the companies supported under this initiative were not selected on merit. They were cronies’ businesses receiving small funding and labelled as government achievements. Now, as they exit office, they are pushing for tax exemptions to bail out these companies.”
Louisa Kwakye, Member of the NDC Communications Team
A Government of Broken Promises
Louisa Kwakye delivered a biting critique of the government’s performance over its two terms, describing it as riddled with broken promises and poor policy implementation.
“What has this government’s so-called urgent business achieved? They promised jobs but delivered a 14.7% unemployment rate. Their nepotistic appointments have undermined independent institutions, leaving governance in shambles”.
Louisa Kwakye, Member of the NDC Communications Team
She cited the controversial Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP) as a glaring example of the government’s failure to prioritize citizens’ welfare. “Pensioners and the elderly, who should have been protected, became victims of harsh haircuts on their investments. Families are now struggling to support their parents who can no longer rely on their pensions,” Louisa Kwakye lamented.
Turning her attention to social programs, Louisa Kwakye described the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy as “shambolic,” accusing the government of subjecting students to substandard conditions.
“Children were fed expired and repackaged rice, compromising their health and well-being. This is a government that lacks accountability and compassion,” she said.
She further decried the state of healthcare and environmental degradation, attributing the pollution of water bodies and poor management of public health to the government’s mismanagement.
“Over 60% of citizens in various zones cannot afford basic medications for hypertension and diabetes, while our rivers and farmlands are polluted beyond recognition. This is the legacy of the NPP,”
Louisa Kwakye, Member of the NDC Communications Team
Louisa Kwakye praised Speaker Bagbin for prioritizing national interest by rejecting the recall of Parliament. “Parliamentarians are not there to rubber-stamp government proposals. They must critically scrutinize every bill to ensure it serves the nation’s interest. Giving MPs two days to review 22 issues is an insult to the democratic process,” she asserted.
In a closing call to action, Louisa Kwakye urged citizens to hold the government accountable and prepare for change in the upcoming elections. “As the NDC, we uphold probity and accountability. December 7 is around the corner. Let us vote for leadership that will truly serve the people,” she concluded.
