The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration for their “Ghana Beyond Aid” policy.
With that policy, the former president claimed the Akufo-Addo administration had made the nation a nation of beggars.
Mahama stated that the Ghana Beyond Aid policy has not been successful during his speech at the 9th Ghana CEO Network Business Cocktail.
He said, “Unfortunately, the present government discarded the 40-year plan and replaced it with a Ghana Beyond Aid plan that has turned Ghana into a beggar nation.”
Mahama put forth his alternate plan, the “24-hour economy,” which he describes as a carefully considered project.
He explained, “The 24-hour economy initiative was well-thought-through and captured on page 105 of the NDC’s 2020 People’s Manifesto. Indeed, its roots emanate from the 40-year National Development Plan, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) put together when I was President.”
The NDC Flagbearer underlined that the government is to blame for Ghana’s current economic woes.
He stated, “Undoubtedly, the economic catastrophe we face is self-inflicted and caused by this government. However, for the sake of Ghanaians and the future of our dear country, we cannot allow the status quo to continue.”
Mahama also voiced worries about the budget for 2024, saying that it imposes onerous taxes that are detrimental to businesses.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Budget Statement & Economic Policy has been approved by Parliament.
On Thursday, December 7, 2023, the Speaker carried out a headcount before making this decision.
On Wednesday, November 15, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta delivered the actual budget.
Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu initially objected to today’s headcount.
The Speaker, however, remained unwavering in his assertion that choosing that modality was within his authority.
Nonetheless, there was a dramatic journey to get to this passage.
The Majority staged a walkout on November 29 during the statement’s approval, arguing that the Speaker was acting in an unfortunate and inappropriate way.
