The main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed great concerns about the lack of accountability and refusal of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to take responsibility for the economic situation in the country over the last seven years.
The NDC said such issues tend to erode the very fabric of Ghanaian society.
In a statement to celebrate Ghana’s Independence Day, the party criticised the NPP government for overseeing such a bad economy despite the many resources available to the government.
“Over the past seven years under the NPP government, Ghana has faced an economic nightmare punctuated by strangulating debts, erosion of disposable income, high levels of unemployment, poverty, inequality, and corruption.
“To add insult to injury, the leadership has refused to take accountability and continues to deflect every responsibility. These issues threaten to erode the very fabric of our society and impede the realization of our collective dreams and aspirations,” parts of the statement read.
The party added, “Independence Day is a moment for solemn reflection on our nation’s journey and resilience in the face of persistent challenges.”
As the main opposition party to the ruling government, the NDC reiterated its commitment to alleviate the plights of Ghanaians if voted into office in the December 7 elections.
It said, “The NDC is deeply committed to addressing these pressing challenges and championing the cause of all Ghanaians.”
“We advocate for policies that prioritize the welfare of our citizens and promote inclusive growth and development.”
The party is also confident that its two-time flag bearer and Ghana’s first one-term President, former President John Mahama, will ensure that the next NDC government builds the Ghana “envisioned by our forefathers.”
“Looking ahead, we are confident that under the leadership of HE John Mahama, the next NDC government will be committed to building the Ghana envisioned by our forefathers—a nation of prosperity, equality, and opportunity for all,” it said, adding, “We will implement policies that create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the lives of all Ghanaians. We will work tirelessly to restore hope and confidence in our nation’s future.”
The NDC therefore urged all Ghanaians to “remember the sacrifices of our forebears and recommit ourselves to the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality.”
Ghana’s 67th Independence Day
Ghana marks 67 years of colonial liberation today, March 6. The West African nation was the first in the sub-region to liberate itself from the shackles of the British in 1957.
Over six decades after colonial rule, the country still grapples with economic issues, rampant corruption, and staggering graduate unemployment, amongst others.
Currently, the country is under an IMF extended credit facility programme for a US$3 billion rescue loan.
Meanwhile, the world’s leading producer of cocoa and the continent’s leading producer of gold lose US$3 billion to corruption annually, according to the country’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).