Monday, 02 March

Parliament divided over Mahama’s State of the Nation Address

Politics
Parliament of Ghana

 

Parliamentarians on both sides of the House have expressed sharply divergent views following President John Dramani Mahama’s second State of the Nation Address delivered on Friday.

 

In an interview with Class Media Group, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, lauded the administration’s performance, highlighting what he described as significant progress in stabilising Ghana’s economy.

 

According to Mr. Ofosu Kwakye, key economic indicators show marked improvement under President Mahama’s leadership. He pointed to a reported 2.1 percent reduction in the country’s debt stock, improved currency stability, and a decline in inflationary pressures.

 

“All those indicators have changed. The country’s debts have reduced by 2.1 percent and the cedi exchange rate is more stable.

Prices are falling,” he stated, attributing the gains to government policies and prudent economic management.

 

He further emphasised investments in critical sectors such as education, noting that the administration’s interventions are yielding tangible benefits for Ghanaians.

 

 

However, the Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Sammy Awuku, offered a contrasting assessment, criticising the address as a catalogue of broken promises and unmet targets.

 

Mr Awuku questioned what he described as inconsistencies between government assurances and citizens' lived realities.

He cited the recent increase in electricity charges as a major concern, arguing that it contradicts earlier promises of flexibility and relief for consumers.

According to him, rising power costs continue to strain households and businesses.

 

The Akuapim North lawmaker also challenged the government’s delivery record, claiming that only 38 percent of its stated commitments have been fulfilled.

He said the President’s address failed to adequately account for progress on key projects, including the construction of fish landing sites intended to support coastal communities.

 

Additionally, Mr. Awuku cast doubt on government claims of creating one million jobs, calling for verifiable data to substantiate the figure.

He maintained that unemployment, particularly among the youth, remains a significant national concern.

 

He urged the administration to prioritise transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes, stressing that Ghanaians deserve clear timelines and concrete results rather than repeated assurances.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Gordon Desmond Sackitey