Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, has vehemently defended former President John Dramani Mahama’s assessment of the Ghanaian economy, characterizing it as a truthful portrayal of the economic challenges inherited from the preceding New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. Agbana argued that Mahama’s address, far from being mere complaints as suggested by the opposition, provided an accurate, even understated, depiction of the economic difficulties faced upon assuming office. He emphasized that Mahama’s account resonated with the reality of the situation left behind by the NPP.
Agbana highlighted what he perceived as inconsistencies within the opposition’s stance, recalling that even former President Akufo-Addo himself admitted to leaving behind a challenging economic landscape. Akufo-Addo’s acknowledgment, made in August 2023, expressed his expectation that a new leader would navigate the country out of these difficulties. This admission, Agbana asserted, served as compelling evidence of the pre-existing economic hardship, directly contradicting the current opposition narrative that sought to downplay the severity of the situation.
Further solidifying his argument, Agbana pointed to a petition signed by 98 NPP Members of Parliament during Akufo-Addo’s tenure, which demanded the dismissal of the then-Finance Minister due to the worsening economic conditions. This petition, Agbana argued, exposed the hypocrisy of those now defending the NPP’s economic record, as they themselves had previously acknowledged and protested against the very issues Mahama was now addressing. The inconsistency between their past actions and current pronouncements undermined their credibility, reinforcing the validity of Mahama’s assessment.
In addition to the internal contradictions within the NPP’s stance, Agbana cited external data to corroborate Mahama’s claims. He referenced reports from the World Bank and the Ghana Statistical Service, which indicated a rise in both poverty and unemployment rates under the NPP government. The World Bank, according to Agbana, reported that over 850,000 Ghanaians had been pushed below the poverty line due to escalating inflation, a stark indicator of the economic hardship faced by ordinary citizens. Furthermore, he highlighted a significant increase in unemployment, with nearly 2 million Ghanaian youth lacking access to education, employment, or training opportunities.
Agbana’s argument centered on the premise that Mahama’s assessment was not merely political rhetoric, but rather a factual representation of the economic realities supported by both internal acknowledgments within the NPP and external data from reputable institutions. The confluence of these factors painted a clear picture of an economy struggling under the weight of high inflation, rising poverty, and widespread unemployment, particularly among the youth. This, he contended, validated Mahama’s description of the inherited economic challenges.
In concluding his remarks, Agbana appealed to the Ghanaian populace to acknowledge the undeniable economic realities and to place their trust in Mahama’s leadership to guide the nation towards economic recovery. He emphasized the importance of facing the economic challenges head-on, rather than engaging in denial or political posturing. By accepting the current economic situation, Ghanaians could then collectively work towards solutions and support the necessary measures to rebuild and revitalize the economy under Mahama’s leadership. This, he believed, was the pathway to a more prosperous and stable future for Ghana.
