Dr. Solomon Fokuo Kwarteng, a senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, has launched a scathing critique of the current administration led by President John Dramani Mahama, accusing the government of perpetuating a pattern of deception that began during the 2024 election campaign. Dr. Fokuo argues that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured power through a deliberate strategy of disseminating falsehoods and is now trapped in a cycle of maintaining this deceptive approach to governance. This, he asserts, undermines the administration’s legitimacy and contributes to poor governance, as the mandate itself is built on a foundation of misinformation. He further contends that governments built on deception lack the moral authority and public trust necessary to effectively address the nation’s challenges.
Dr. Fokuo’s concerns extend to the escalating crime rates, particularly armed robbery and murder, which he views as a serious threat to public safety and national stability. He calls upon security agencies to implement proactive measures rather than reactive responses to curb the rising tide of criminal activity. He emphasizes the need for a robust and visible security presence to restore public confidence and deter potential criminals. The lecturer warns that without significant intervention, the current security situation will continue to deteriorate, further eroding public trust and potentially destabilizing the country.
Furthermore, Dr. Fokuo highlights the pressing issue of infrastructure deficiencies, specifically focusing on the growing traffic congestion plaguing major urban areas. He urges road authorities to prioritize addressing this challenge, arguing that the persistent traffic jams contribute to decreased economic productivity and significantly disrupt daily life. The time lost in traffic translates to lost productivity and increased costs for businesses, ultimately hindering economic growth. The inconvenience also impacts the quality of life for citizens, adding stress and frustration to daily commutes.
Beyond these specific concerns, Dr. Fokuo appeals to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the opposition party, to maintain internal unity. He stresses that a cohesive and united front is essential for the party’s strength and its long-term prospects. He believes that internal divisions weaken the party’s ability to effectively challenge the ruling government and offer a viable alternative to the electorate. A unified NPP, according to Dr. Fokuo, is crucial for a healthy democracy and provides a necessary check on the power of the ruling party.
In a separate instance, Dr. Fokuo ignited public debate by characterizing the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the US dollar as “artificial and misleading.” He argues that this apparent strengthening of the currency is a deliberate manipulation designed to project a false image of economic progress, masking the deep-seated economic hardships faced by ordinary Ghanaians. He dismisses the government’s claims of economic recovery, asserting that the lived realities of the majority contradict the official narrative being presented.
Dr. Fokuo further challenges the government’s claims of food price reductions, particularly in the case of rice. He alleges that instead of actual price reductions, the government has implemented a deceptive practice of reducing the quantity of rice in bags while maintaining the original price. This, he argues, creates the illusion of a price decrease while effectively increasing the cost per unit of rice. He contends that this tactic is another example of the government misleading the public and failing to address the genuine economic hardships facing the population. He concludes that the government’s pronouncements of economic improvement are disconnected from the everyday experiences of Ghanaians, who continue to struggle with rising costs and economic hardship.
