NPP's Endless Excuses for Economic Failures: A Disservice to Ghanaians - Mantse Ayitey

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been increasingly criticized for its tendency to use external events as excuses for its governance failures, with many Ghanaians expressing frustration over what they perceive as a lack of accountability. The most recent target of public discontent is Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who has consistently attributed Ghana's economic challenges to the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Critics argue that these excuses are a shameful attempt to mask the government's incompetence. It is particularly disappointing, they say, to see a minister once hailed as intelligent and capable engaging in what they describe as "childish politicking." The repetition of these justifications, even within the NPP's own manifesto and official reports, has left many questioning the party's sincerity and effectiveness.

While it's undeniable that COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have had global economic repercussions, many other nations have managed to navigate these challenges without resorting to the same level of excuse-making. Countries like China, despite the pandemic, have seen their industrial sectors thrive. Ukraine, despite being under attack, continues to maintain a functional economy. In Africa, nations such as Mauritius and Rwanda are witnessing economic growth, with rising GDP and falling inflation rates, proving that it is possible to overcome adversity without blaming external factors.

The NPP's approach, however, has been to impose over 22 different taxes on Ghanaians, further burdening the populace. Even more frustrating is that the government has introduced a COVID-19 levy on virtually every product, despite receiving significant financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and other international donors.

The government's inability to implement effective economic policies, despite this influx of funds, has led to widespread dissatisfaction. Critics argue that the government's priorities are misplaced, pointing to the billions of cedis spent on projects like the National Cathedral, which remains unfinished, and initiatives such as the Nation Builders Corps (NAPCO), One District, One Factory, and One Village, One Dam, which have failed to deliver the promised benefits.

Many Ghanaians now believe that the NPP should consider stepping down if they are unable to manage the country's affairs in these challenging times. The argument is that Ghana needs leadership that can navigate crises and lead the nation to recovery, rather than one that continually blames external factors for its failures.

Past presidents faced significant challenges—John Agyekum Kufuor dealt with Dumsor (the energy crisis), John Atta Mills navigated the economic impact of the civil war in Côte d'Ivoire, and John Dramani Mahama confronted the Ebola outbreak and the ongoing energy crisis. Yet, these leaders did not constantly attribute their challenges to external events. Instead, they worked to address the issues head-on.

In contrast, the NPP's persistent complaints about COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, coupled with their continued desire to stay in power, have led many to question whether the party underestimates Ghanaians' intelligence. The people of Ghana deserve leadership that takes responsibility for its actions and delivers results, not one that hides behind excuses.

As the 2024 elections approach, the message from many Ghanaians is clear: if the NPP cannot rise to the occasion and lead effectively, they should make way for a government that can.