Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has delivered a resounding endorsement of the party’s contributions to Ghana’s national development. He argues that the 2025 Budget presented by the current Mahama-led administration serves as a testament to the enduring relevance and effectiveness of policies originally conceived and implemented by the NPP. Dr. Opoku’s analysis centers on the premise that the NPP’s core principles, enshrined in its constitution, have laid the groundwork for much of Ghana’s economic and social progress. These principles, including the promotion of a free-market economy, the encouragement of private enterprise, and a commitment to equitable wealth distribution, have, according to Dr. Opoku, consistently positioned the NPP at the forefront of shaping Ghana’s developmental trajectory. He contends that these foundational principles distinguish the NPP from other political parties, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and provide a more robust framework for national advancement.
A key element of Dr. Opoku’s argument rests on the continuity of several flagship programs initiated by the NPP, which have been carried forward by the current administration. He highlights the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy, the School Feeding Programme, the Capitation Grant, and the payment of Teacher and Nursing Trainee Allowances as prime examples of NPP policies that have become integral to Ghana’s social fabric. These programs, he argues, demonstrate the NPP’s commitment to investing in human capital and ensuring equal opportunities for all Ghanaians. Furthermore, Dr. Opoku points to the continued implementation of the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act, 2017 (Act 947), which ensures the proper allocation of funds to critical sectors like the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), the Road Fund, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). This, he asserts, is another testament to the NPP’s prudent fiscal management and its focus on channeling resources towards essential developmental priorities.
Dr. Opoku extends his analysis to the amendments made to the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Act, 2018 (Act 978), which aim to direct more resources towards infrastructure development. He credits the NPP with laying the groundwork for these amendments, which he sees as crucial for driving economic growth and improving the lives of Ghanaians. Similarly, he highlights the expansion of the Growth and Sustainability Levy and the Special Import Levy, both introduced and refined under NPP leadership, as further evidence of the party’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable economic growth. These policies, he argues, are designed to generate revenue for critical development projects and strengthen the nation’s financial position.
The continued support for key social protection programs, including the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program, the School Feeding Programme, and the Capitation Grant, is another area where Dr. Opoku credits the NPP’s enduring influence. These programs, first introduced under President Kufuor’s NPP administration, are viewed by Dr. Opoku as cornerstones of the NPP’s commitment to social welfare and poverty reduction. He commends President Mahama for maintaining these initiatives, along with the ongoing progress of the Agenda 111 Hospitals Project, emphasizing the importance of policy continuity for sustained national development.
Dr. Opoku’s central assertion is that the current government’s budget, even after just 120 days in office, demonstrates a clear reliance on policies originally conceived and implemented by the NPP. He argues that the sustainability and functionality of Ghana’s economic management are firmly anchored in the groundwork laid by successive NPP administrations. This, he believes, underscores the NPP’s pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s economic and social landscape. He emphasizes that despite the challenges faced during both the Kufuor and Akufo-Addo administrations, these governments made significant strides in advancing Ghana’s development agenda. The continued implementation of these policies, he contends, is a validation of the NPP’s vision and its effectiveness in driving positive change.
Looking ahead to the 2028 elections, Dr. Opoku expresses optimism about the NPP’s future prospects. He calls for unity within the party and emphasizes the importance of selecting strong presidential and parliamentary candidates. He believes that the legacies of former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo represent the party’s greatest strengths and will serve as a powerful foundation for the NPP’s campaign in the next general elections. He concludes by stressing the importance of building on the party’s achievements and presenting a united front to the electorate, highlighting the NPP’s continued commitment to national development and the well-being of all Ghanaians.
