The palpable sense of disillusionment permeating the Ghanaian populace, following the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) electoral defeat, formed the crux of Dr. Stephen Amoah’s address to Parliament. The Nhyiaeso MP, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, articulated his frustration with what he perceived as the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s disarray, particularly targeting their flagship 24-hour economy policy. Dr. Amoah’s critique centered on the perceived lack of clarity and cohesive understanding within the NDC’s ranks regarding the policy’s actual implementation and intended outcomes. He highlighted this perceived confusion by referencing his own research, claiming to have gathered varied interpretations of the policy from 31 NDC MPs, each offering a distinct definition of the 24-hour economy concept. This apparent lack of consensus, he argued, underscored a deeper issue within the administration – a lack of a clear vision and a comprehensive understanding of their own policy initiatives.
Dr. Amoah’s assertion that the NDC government lacks a clear path regarding their 24-hour economy policy was further reinforced by his claim of collecting diverse interpretations from within the party itself. By showcasing the varying definitions offered by the 31 MPs, Dr. Amoah sought to demonstrate the absence of a unified understanding and, consequently, a coherent strategy for implementation. The 24-hour economy, a key promise during the NDC’s election campaign, ostensibly aimed at boosting economic activity and creating jobs through extended operational hours for businesses. However, according to Dr. Amoah, the government’s inability to articulate a consistent definition of this policy casts doubt on its feasibility and effectiveness. This ambiguity, he argued, contributes to the growing public sentiment of regret over the electoral outcome.
The apparent disconnect between the NDC’s pre-election promises and their post-election actions was a recurring theme in Dr. Amoah’s parliamentary address. He emphasized the growing dissatisfaction among Ghanaians, attributing it to the NDC’s failure to deliver on their campaign pledges and effectively manage the national economy. He portrayed the public as feeling misled by the NDC’s promises, now grappling with the consequences of what he described as the government’s policy failures. The rising fuel prices, according to Dr. Amoah, served as a tangible manifestation of the government’s economic mismanagement and contributed to the widespread public regret he described. This economic hardship, he argued, was directly linked to the NDC’s inability to implement effective economic policies, further solidifying the sense of disappointment among the electorate.
The focal point of Dr. Amoah’s argument rested on the alleged disconnect between the NDC’s campaign rhetoric and their governance in practice. He presented a picture of a government struggling to translate their promises into concrete action, leading to disillusionment and hardship among the citizens. The rising fuel prices, he contended, served as a stark reminder of the government’s perceived economic missteps, further fueling the public’s growing regret over electing the NDC. This narrative of broken promises and economic hardship painted by Dr. Amoah aimed to highlight the perceived incompetence of the current administration and underscore the NPP’s argument for a return to power.
The depth of public discontent, as portrayed by Dr. Amoah, was further emphasized by his claim that some Ghanaians were expressing their regret through tears. This emotional depiction served to underscore the severity of the situation, emphasizing the tangible impact of the government’s perceived failures on the everyday lives of citizens. The rising fuel prices, according to Dr. Amoah, were not just a matter of economic policy, but a source of genuine distress and hardship, driving some to tears. This evocative imagery was intended to resonate with the public and amplify the message of widespread discontent with the NDC’s governance.
In essence, Dr. Amoah’s parliamentary address painted a picture of widespread public regret over the NDC’s electoral victory. He attributed this sentiment to the perceived disconnect between the party’s campaign promises and their performance in government, particularly highlighting the confusion surrounding the 24-hour economy policy and the resulting economic hardship, exemplified by the rising fuel prices. His account sought to portray the NDC as a party struggling to govern effectively, leading to widespread discontent and a yearning for the previous administration. The emotional language used, including the depiction of citizens weeping over economic hardship, aimed to amplify the message of public regret and solidify the NPP’s position as a viable alternative.
