Eminent Hardship Awaits Ghanaians Under a Third Term of the NPP Government
Press Statement by Francis Kwesi Badu-MelloProject Manager | Youth ActivistDate: 17/11/2024
Thank you for the opportunity to address the nation on a matter of urgent importance—our collective future as Ghanaians under the potential third term of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
It is with deep concern that I present this address, underscoring the hardships Ghanaians have endured under the Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia-led administrations. The government’s inability to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, coupled with questionable governance practices, poses a significant threat to the prosperity and well-being of our nation.
Rising Economic Hardship
The data speaks volumes about the dire economic situation Ghanaians face:
- Poverty Levels: Over 800,000 Ghanaians have fallen below the poverty line since 2017, with the World Bank estimating that nearly 24% of the population now lives in extreme poverty.
- Inflation: Food inflation hit a record 54.8% in 2024, according to the Ghana Statistical Service, pushing basic commodities like maize, cooking oil, and bread out of reach for the average Ghanaian.
- Unemployment: Youth unemployment stands at 34.1%, one of the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa, as per the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS).
These figures are not mere statistics but reflect the daily struggles of millions of families who can no longer afford rent, food, water, or utilities.
Environmental Degradation from Galamsey
The government’s complicity in illegal mining (galamsey) has exacerbated environmental degradation:
Farmland Destruction: An estimated 1.2 million acres of arable land have been destroyed, jeopardizing food security and livelihoods.
Water Bodies Affected: Over 30 rivers, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin, have been polluted beyond recovery, forcing communities to rely on costly water treatment solutions.
Forest Reserves Wiped Out: Ghana loses 135,000 hectares of forest cover annually, largely due to galamsey activities.
Despite these alarming figures, the government has failed to enforce meaningful reforms or hold the perpetrators accountable, raising questions about its true priorities.
Erosion of Democratic Values
The NPP government has systematically undermined the pillars of democracy:
- Judicial Bias: The appointment of judges with clear party affiliations raises concerns about impartiality in critical national cases.
- Electoral Manipulation: The installation of party loyalists at the Electoral Commission threatens the credibility of the 2024 elections.
- Institutional Capture: Key public institutions, designed to serve all Ghanaians, have been infiltrated by party sympathizers, compromising their effectiveness.
These actions are not isolated but part of a broader strategy to consolidate power at the expense of ordinary Ghanaians.
Call to Action
I urge all Ghanaians to recognize the imminent danger of entrusting the NPP with a third term. This is a government that has failed to create jobs, alleviate poverty, or protect our natural resources. Instead, it has prioritized the interests of a few cronies while the majority suffer.
The 2024 elections are our chance to choose a leader who prioritizes the well-being of Ghanaians over personal and political gain. I call on all citizens to vote for transformative leadership—one that will rebuild our economy, protect our environment, and restore trust in our democratic institutions.
Let us rise to this moment and reject the continuation of a government that has brought us so much hardship. Together, we can chart a new path for our beloved Ghana.
Thank you.
Signed:
Francis Kwesi Badu-Mello
Project Manager | Youth Activist
0244045062
