Kwame Asare Obeng, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, has vehemently refuted criticisms directed at President John Dramani Mahama’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), particularly the accusations that it was characterized by excessive complaining. Obeng argues that the President’s address simply mirrored the prevailing sentiments of the Ghanaian populace, reflecting the economic hardships and challenges they have been experiencing. He contends that rather than introducing a new narrative of hardship, Mahama was merely amplifying the concerns already widely expressed by citizens across the country. Obeng pointedly recalled instances during the previous administration where similar anxieties about the economy were articulated, even by members within the ruling party. He highlighted a specific example of a press conference held by lawmakers from the then-ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) urging President Akufo-Addo to dismiss his Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, due to the worsening economic situation. This, Obeng argues, demonstrates that the concerns raised by Mahama in his SONA were not novel but represented a continuation of pre-existing public anxieties.
Furthermore, Obeng emphasized that the widespread public discontent with the previous government’s handling of the economy was decisively demonstrated in the last elections. He noted that the electoral outcome, which he characterized as the worst performance for a ruling party in the Fourth Republic, served as a clear indication of the public’s frustration and disapproval. This electoral rebuke, according to Obeng, validated the concerns expressed by Mahama in his SONA, reinforcing the argument that the President was merely echoing the widespread public sentiment. Therefore, Mahama’s address should not be interpreted as an isolated lament but rather as a reflection of the collective national mood, a sentiment that had been consistently expressed leading up to and culminating in the election results.
Obeng also addressed criticism directed at the proposed 24-hour economy initiative outlined in the SONA. Some critics have questioned the practicality and potential benefits of this initiative, expressing skepticism about its ability to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Obeng urged these critics to approach the proposal with an open mind and to thoroughly understand its potential before dismissing it outright. He argued that the initiative holds significant promise for boosting employment and driving economic growth, counteracting the doubts raised by some lawmakers. Obeng stressed the importance of attentive listening and careful consideration of the proposal, suggesting that a deeper understanding of its intricacies would reveal the inherent opportunities it presents for job creation and economic expansion.
Elaborating on the potential of the 24-hour economy, Obeng highlighted the possibility of increased productivity, expanded business operations, and the creation of new employment opportunities across various sectors. He envisioned a dynamic economy operating around the clock, utilizing existing infrastructure and resources more efficiently, and generating new avenues for economic activity. This continuous operation, according to Obeng, would not only boost overall output but also create a more vibrant and resilient economy. The increased demand for goods and services in a 24-hour economy would necessitate increased production and staffing, leading to a natural rise in employment opportunities.
Addressing the skeptics, Obeng countered their arguments by emphasizing the transformative potential of the 24-hour economy. He suggested that the traditional understanding of economic activity may need to be broadened to accommodate the possibilities presented by this new model. He pointed to examples of other economies that have successfully implemented similar initiatives, demonstrating the viability and positive outcomes of extended operational hours. Obeng urged lawmakers and the public to embrace innovation and to consider the long-term benefits of adopting a more dynamic economic approach. He reiterated that the 24-hour economy is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical strategy for stimulating growth and creating jobs.
In conclusion, Obeng defended Mahama’s SONA as a realistic portrayal of the economic challenges faced by Ghana and a reflection of the public’s concerns. He argued that the President’s address was not a lament but a candid assessment of the prevailing situation, echoing sentiments previously expressed by both citizens and members of the former ruling party. Furthermore, Obeng championed the proposed 24-hour economy as a viable solution to the country’s economic woes, urging critics to engage with the proposal constructively and to recognize its potential for generating employment and fostering economic growth. He emphasized the need for open-mindedness and a willingness to embrace innovative solutions to address the nation’s economic challenges.
