On November 29, 2024, during the Presidential Encounter with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), he shared a candid reflection on Ghana’s political and economic situation.
Mahama emphasized the importance of the upcoming election on December 7, describing it as crucial, not just for the future of Ghana’s democracy, but for the urgent decisions needed to tackle the nation’s severe economic crisis and governance challenges.
Mahama framed this election as a decisive moment in Ghana’s history, given the current economic instability, unsustainable debt, inflation, and the lack of trust in key institutions like the judiciary.
He highlighted the significant debt burden left by the incumbent government, pointing to a rise in the debt-to-GDP ratio from 55.6% to 104% under the current government’s watch.
He also stressed the economic mismanagement under the current administration, particularly focusing on how the government’s borrowing spree, without adequate investment in infrastructure or productive sectors, had worsened the country’s fiscal health.
Mahama highlighted the detrimental impact of poor governance on critical sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, and agriculture. He described the energy sector as a “ticking time bomb,” with unsustainable debts and mismanagement threatening the country’s power supply.
Mahama outlined the NDC’s plans to restore fiscal discipline, improve governance, and create a more favorable environment for business and investment.
He reiterated the need to scrap certain regressive taxes like the e-levy and reduce government expenditure to create more opportunities for Ghanaian businesses. He also promised to hold government officials accountable, stressing that those who have looted state resources will face prosecution under an NDC government.
In conclusion, Mahama called on Ghanaians to recognize the urgency of the moment and vote for change, warning against vote-buying and the long-term consequences of continuing with the current administration.
He underscored the NDC’s commitment to addressing the country’s economic challenges, creating jobs, and implementing social programs to support Ghanaians, including free tertiary education for persons with disabilities and assistance for young entrepreneurs.
