Mahama slams NPP over 'debt-driven' economic hardship.

The Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has lambasted the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly pushing many Ghanaians into poverty through reckless borrowing and economic mismanagement. 

Speaking at a rally in Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Constituency in the Central Region, the former President highlighted the tragic story of the late CEO of Kama Group of Companies, Dr Michael Agyekum Addo, who struggled financially due to the government's debt exchange program.

Mr Mahama emphasised that the debt exchange program, necessitated by the government's $11.5 billion overborrowing, had devastating effects on many citizens, including the Karma Group CEO, who lost his life savings and eventually passed away. 

Mr Mahama told the charged crowd that the heartbreaking incident underscores the broader struggle numerous Ghanaians face under the current administration.

“Before then, the man had come out to speak about the debt exchange programme, which only became necessary due to the government’s reckless borrowing. 

“The man said his life savings had been affected by the exchange, and the man was crying on TV that he was going through hardship and just last week he died,” Mr Mahama said. 

Mr Mahama contrasted the current economic woes with the gradual development achieved during his tenure. 

Citing Kasoa as an example, he noted the construction of interchanges, schools, and lorry stations, which transformed the town and created opportunities. 

"In 2016, I wouldn't say all was rosy, but it was better than now," he stated.

He assured the crowd of better days under an NDC government, stating that the NDC aims to revitalise the economy through investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and the creative economy, as outlined in their 2024 manifesto. 

Mr Mahama said the next NDC administration was bent on implementing a 24-hour economy for business development, growth, and job creation.

During their previous term, he said the NDC focused on building infrastructure, including roads, power generation, ports, hospitals, schools, and tertiary education institutions. 

This foundation, Mr Mahama argues, will support Ghana's economic resurgence.

He said throughout his interactions with citizens across the country, he had been told of the urgent need for economic reform and responsible governance to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Ghanaians.

Story Credit: Daily Graphic.