
Minority MPs are unenthused about the state of the Nation Address delivered by President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, President Akufo-Addo among other things stated that there had been no food shortages in Ghana despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said Ghana has made considerable gains in the management of the economy, “where we witnessed annual average growth of seven percent (7%), single digit inflation, reduced fiscal deficits with three consecutive years of primary surpluses, a relatively stable exchange rate, a significant improvement in the current account with three consecutive years of trade surpluses, strong foreign exchange reserve buffers, markedly reduced lending rates, and significant job creation.”
But the NDC MPs returned a negative verdict arguing that the country is rather retrogressing.
NDC MP for Asunafo South Eric Opoku who seconded the motion was not so charitable with the President. He accused the Nana Addo administration of borrowing over 165 billion cedis in 4 years with very little to show for it.
The minority spokesperson on Agriculture further disclosed that the IMF has cautioned the government it’s likely to default in the Sinohydro bauxite barter agreement with the Chinese government.
According to Eric Opoku, any such development will lead to the Chinese taking ownership of the said bauxite deposit at Atewa without the country realizing the benefits.
Bolgatanga Central MP Isaac Adongo also stated that the President’s attempt to blame the Covid-19 Pandemic for the poor showing of the country’s economy cannot stand.
According to him, the pandemic only exposed the underlying conditions of an already ailing economy due to mismanagement. Adongo argued that the country’s economy is retrogressing.
However, the majority argued otherwise hailing the President’s achievements over the past four years. MP for Okaikoi Central Patrick Yaw Boamah who moved the motion to set the ball rolling scored the president high marks in the management of the Covid-19 pandemic
Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh argued that moves to negotiate with the IPPs to bring down the cost of power should be lauded.
The former Education Minister further argued that the free SHS program which has brought relief to many is here to stay. He cited numerous requests for placements he’s been bombarded with from MPs of both sides of the house to buttress his point.
Source: Ghana/Kasapafmonline.com/102.5 Fm