The Minority in Parliament has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s first year in office, accusing his administration of economic mismanagement, weak governance and worsening security conditions.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei dismissed government claims of economic recovery, saying recent gains in inflation, GDP growth and the cedi were mainly due to an IMF programme and high global gold prices initiated under the previous administration. She warned that the sharp appreciation of the cedi is hurting exporters, farmers and local manufacturers.
A major concern raised was what the Minority described as a $214 million loss under the Gold-for-Reserves programme, based on IMF findings. The Minority said the programme became loss-making after it was expanded under the current government and accused authorities of poor management and high intermediary fees. They called on the Bank of Ghana Governor to explain how the losses occurred.
The Minority also accused the government of neglecting farmers, pointing to post-harvest losses of crops such as rice and tomatoes. They said illegal mining remains widespread, with continued damage to water bodies and forests despite government assurances.
On security, the Minority warned of rising armed robbery, murder, kidnapping and communal conflicts, describing government responses as slow and ineffective. They also raised concerns about job losses in the public sector and demanded accountability over a deadly stampede during a recruitment exercise at El Wak Stadium.
The Minority is calling for a parliamentary investigation into the Gold-for-Reserves programme to ensure transparency and accountability.
Story By: Sheila Otuo-Baffour