“The NPP Has Brought Unparalleled Disappointment to Ghana” – Frank Otoo Acheampong
Frank Otoo says the NPP has brought unparalleled disappointment to Ghana.
In 2020, Ghanaians entrusted the New Patriotic Party (NPP) with power, hoping for transformative policies and sustainable economic growth. This mandate came with high expectations, particularly for job creation and entrepreneurship among the youth. However, Frank Otoo Acheampong believes the NPP has failed to deliver on its promises, leaving Ghanaians in a state of disillusionment.
Speaking on the Kessben Maakye show with Kwabena Owusu Dankwa, Acheampong did not hold back in his criticism of the ruling party. He recalled that when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) handed over power to the NPP, the cedi-to-dollar exchange rate stood at 4:1. The NPP, during its campaign, had criticized the NDC heavily and assured Ghanaians of a better economic future. Today, the exchange rate has soared to 17 cedis to a dollar a development he described as catastrophic.
He highlighted several broken promises made by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP. He reminded viewers of Bawumia’s pledge to reduce fuel prices, which he claimed were exorbitant under the NDC. He lamented, “During our time, one gallon of fuel was 14 cedis. Compare that to today, and you’ll understand the betrayal”.
He also touched on the infamous “dumsor” crisis, which plagued Ghana during the NDC era. Acheampong explained that the crisis, though often linked to former President John Mahama, actually began during the Rawlings administration and persisted through Kufuor’s tenure.
Moreover, He said, “When Mahama came, he decided to fix the problem. He brought in the Ameri and Karpowership plants to stabilize the power supply”. He refuted claims that Mahama failed to resolve the power challenges, calling such allegations baseless.
He further accused the NPP of plunging Ghana into unprecedented economic hardship. Under Mahama, Ghana’s national debt stood at 120 billion cedis. However, under the NPP, the figure has ballooned to 765 billion cedis. He also criticized the government’s inability to support local businesses, pointing to the collapse of major companies due to the harsh economic environment.
He added, “Bawumia called Mahama heartless, but who is heartless now? Spare parts dealers in Abossey Okai were promised tax reductions, yet nothing came of it. Today, the cost of living is unbearable, and the ordinary Ghanaian is struggling to survive”.
He concluded by urging Ghanaians to vote for John Mahama in the upcoming December 7 elections. He expressed confidence in Mahama’s ability to restore the nation’s economy through policies such as the 24-hour economy initiative, the Women’s Development Bank, and the National Youth Apprenticeship Program.
He warned, “No matter how much the NPP has drained Ghana, Mahama can bring us back to our feet. If we don’t act now, the NPP will lead us straight into the grave”.
Story by: Joyce Owusu Dankwah
