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NPP criticises Mahama Government, claims economic gains are being reversed
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The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticised the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, accusing it of reversing economic gains and failing to improve the living conditions of Ghanaians.
Addressing a press conference on March 24 at the party’s headquarters , the Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagba said the Mahama-led government inherited an economy that was recovering but has not sustained that progress.
He argued that by the end of 2024, key indicators such as inflation, exchange rate stability and GDP growth showed signs of recovery.
According to him, inflation had dropped from over 54 percent in 2022 to the mid-20 percent range, while GDP growth exceeded 3 percent.
He said, however, that these gains have not translated into better living conditions under the current administration.
“It is inarguable that President Mahama inherited a recovering economy, but has failed to sustain and translate that recovery into improved living conditions,” he said.
He also raised concerns about developments in the cocoa sector.
He accused the government of mismanaging pricing decisions, claiming that a reduction in producer prices has affected farmers’ incomes.
According to him, cocoa farmers are losing about GH₵1,038 per bag due to what it described as a price “haircut,” which it said could significantly affect rural livelihoods.
On employment, he mentioned that the government has failed to deliver on its promise to create jobs through its proposed 24-hour economy policy.
He questioned claims by the President that over one million jobs had been created, citing data it said suggests a much lower figure.
He pointed to rising fuel prices, arguing that the government has not put in place adequate measures to cushion citizens from global shocks.
He further raised concerns about illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, saying the situation has worsened despite earlier promises by the government to address it.
On labour relations,he noted increasing tensions between the government and several public sector unions, which it said could affect service delivery.
He questioned governance and ethical standards, citing allegations of conflict of interest involving individuals close to the President. It said such issues could undermine public trust if not addressed.
While acknowledging that global economic challenges exist, Richard Ahiagba insisted that leadership should focus on reducing the burden on citizens.
He concluded that the current situation reflects a gap between the government’s campaign promises and its performance in office.
He said the party will continue to hold the government accountable and urged Ghanaians to closely assess its performance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The 29th Annual Dagaaba-Frafra Friendly Games have once again demonstrated that sports can be a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation, business networking, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
Held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra last Saturday, the games brought together members of the two ethnic groups from across Ghana and abroad for a colourful celebration under the theme, “Unity in Diversity: The Dagaaba-Frafra Model for Peaceful Co-existence.”
The event, which has evolved from a friendly football match into a major annual gathering, featured football, volleyball, sack races, lime and spoon, tug-of-peace and a penalty shootout for senior citizens.
At the end of the competitions, the Frafra won four events, while the Dagaaba secured victories in five, with the men’s soccer match ending in a draw.
The Frafra triumphed in the men’s lime and spoon, men’s sack race, women’s sack race and women’s soccer, while the Dagaaba won the women’s lime and spoon, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, women’s tug-of-peace and the senior citizens’ penalty shootout.
However, the games extended far beyond the sporting arena. The stadium grounds and surrounding spaces became a vibrant marketplace, with patrons enjoying and purchasing a variety of traditional foods, drinks and cultural products.
Local delicacies, including TZ, tubaani, bambara beans, pork, guinea fowl, local fowls, dog meat and kosie, were sold alongside traditional alcoholic beverages. Traditional dresses and other culturally inspired items also attracted buyers, turning the gathering into an important platform for small businesses and vendors to make sales while promoting northern Ghanaian culture.
The cultural exchange continued long after the final sporting contests, as patrons remained at the venue to eat, drink, socialise, dance and party well into the night.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Dr Matilda Aberese-Ako, said the gathering represented much more than competition, describing the Dagaaba-Frafra relationship as a historic bond that had evolved into a modern sporting tradition and an instrument for peace.
MTN Ghana has been the headline sponsor for the games for the past 10 years.
By Gordon Wellu
By Gordon Wellu
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MTN Ghana has undertaken a tree-planting exercise at the Chipa Forest Reserve as part of its commitment to protecting the planet and support the restoration of degraded sections of the forest.
The activity forms part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration held under the theme “Small Actions: Big Impact,” and its 30th anniversary celebration.
It was held in partnership with the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Rainforest Alliance with MTN Ghana supporting the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees.
Due to the current dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 to be planted when the rain commences.
The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials from the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in driving environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, emphasized the critical role trees play in sustaining life and protecting the environment.
“Trees are essential to human survival and healthy ecosystems. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and provide habitats for many species. They also conserve water, reduce erosion and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change,” she said.
The District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, welcomed MTN Ghana’s support, describing it as a valuable contribution to efforts aimed at restoring degraded sections of the reserve.
The Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, also welcomed the partnership and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
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