The criticism of the ruling government by the minority party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has prompted me to recall a topic addressed in my political studies course. The discussion centered on the notion that ‘the primary function of the opposition is to oppose. However, a robust and well-organized opposition is not just about opposing but about offering constructive criticism and alternative solutions. This is a crucial component of a functioning multiparty democracy, empowering citizens to participate in the democratic process.
The NPP, as a key component of governance in Ghana, has the responsibility to help strengthen democratic governance by holding the governing party accountable publicly and questioning its measures and priorities. This aims to increase government transparency, enabling Ghanaians to clearly see how their government is functioning. These crucial roles ensure our democracy remains robust and effective.
However, this is not the case in Ghana today. Since President Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office following the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the opposition has consistently criticized various initiatives undertaken by the NDC. These initiatives include the proposed establishment of a 24-hour economy, the “no-academic-fee” policy, the “Mahama Cares” fund, the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools, the ORAL program, the suspension of the Chief Justice, and the Dumsor Levy (D-Levy), among others. This is distracting the President and his team to from doing the good works they have for Ghanaians.
In light of the NPP’s persistent criticism, it is essential to recall that they governed the nation for eight years. During this time, they faced significant economic challenges. Their tenure concluded without delivering viable solutions to the country’s pressing issues.
A significant factor that motivated me to write this piece is the response from numerous supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Dr. Bawumia concerning the government’s endorsement of the D-Levy. For instance, Dr. Bawumia asserts that the Dumsor Levy proposed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is eight times more burdensome than the E-Levy. Other supporters of the NPP contend that the D-Levy is considerably more detrimental than the E-Levy.
Ghanaians should consider Dr. Bawumia’s economic theory: “If the fundamentals are weak, the dollar rate will expose you.” In light of the ongoing discussions led by Dr. Bawumia and his supporters regarding the Dumsor Tax (D-Service Tax), it is not unexpected that they have voiced their dissatisfaction. Their comprehension of the levy and its potential advantages for the nation appears to be inadequate, as demonstrated by their arguments in terms of Dr. Bawumia’s theory, which reflects a lack of knowledge on the subject.
Now, let’s delve into numbers with a bit of straightforward arithmetic to make Ghanaians appreciate the D-Levy. When the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was in power, the price of a gallon of petrol stood at GH¢16. For an individual looking to fill up their car with 50 liters of fuel, this translates to a hefty expenditure of GH¢800. However, the president, along with his economic team, conducted a thorough assessment and concluded that the prevailing petrol prices were excessively high. In response, they made the bold decision to decrease the price to GH¢12 per gallon. This reduction significantly lowered the cost for those 50 liters to just GH¢600, resulting in a notable saving of GH¢200 for consumers.
In a further effort to enhance funding for vital improvements in the energy sector, the government introduced an additional charge of GH¢1 for every liter sold. Consequently, purchasing those same 50 liters now resulted in a total cost of GH¢650. This adjustment reduced the overall savings from GH¢200 to a still commendable GH¢150. Is this not a more favorable outcome compared to the previous administration, which offered no such discounts and left consumers grappling with the full brunt of GH¢800?
It is a fact that a significant number of Ghanaians would prefer to contribute to a single fuel levy aimed at addressing pressing issues rather than supporting a modest E-Levy that appears to benefit individuals who have misappropriated pensions intended for older people the opposition must give us a break.
Looking at the current economic and political events in the country, it is disheartening to hear NPP communicators claim that they know where Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister for Finance under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo’s government, is hiding and that they would not allow him to appear in Ghana to face the law for his financial crimes until the NDC brings Sedina Tamakloa, former CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Center (MASLOC), to justice.
Didn’t the NPP hold power for eight years? Why didn’t they declare her a wanted person during that time and make efforts to apprehend her from wherever she was so that she could face justice?
Some NPP communicators and supporters also argue that since Ken Ofori-Atta has traveled overseas for medical treatment, the government must allow him time to recover; hence, summoning him to Ghana to face prosecution is considered a form of political persecution. This argument does not hold water.
Has the NPP forgotten that Victor Salormey, a former Deputy Finance Minister in the Rawlings government who was seeking medical treatment overseas, was compelled to return to Ghana to stand trial? He was taking his medicine in court, and the government of the day (NPP) showed no compassion. This guy, who had heart difficulties and a pacemaker, was jailed and died while serving his sentence. My question is, “How special is Ken Ofori Atta?” Is he a better human being than Victor Salormey?
Is it appropriate for a political party that advocates for the rule of law to suggest that Ghanaians should disregard Ofori Attah’s severe financial transgressions due to Sedina Tamaklo’s crime? This is a moment for all Ghanaians to demand accountability from their political leaders, ensuring that no one is above the law.
It was distressing to observe some minority legislators vacate parliament to conduct a sit-in protest on the floor in front of the court in response to the arrest of their party chairman. They contended that the GHC 50 million bail amount set for their party chairman was excessive and constituted a deliberate attempt to deny him bail.
Have they forgotten the bail conditions established for Alfred Agbesi Woyome? On February 13, 2012, the Financial Division of the Accra Fast Track High Court mandated his bail at GHC 54 million, requiring two sureties whose qualifications had to be justified.
Chairman Wontumi’s bail was set at GHC 50 million, and the NPP planned to burn the sea. Isn’t this the guy who showed gold bars on national television? Is the NPP telling Ghanaians that they cannot get bail for their chairman, who bid $3.1 billion to buy the English football club Chelsea? Oh! The opposition in the country can do better than this so let us not undermine the government so that it can be unpopular and they can take over easily.
In conclusion, it is imperative for all citizens of Ghana to recognize that the success of our nation is rooted in inclusivity and collective responsibility. The oscillation of power among political factions serves as a reminder that no single entity possesses enduring control over our country. As we navigate the current political environment, it is crucial to promote open dialogues and cultivate a spirit of collaboration, ensuring that all voices are acknowledged. By emphasizing unity and cooperation, we can foster a prosperous future for Ghana that embodies the values and aspirations of all its people. Together, let us commit to a course of mutual respect and understanding, thereby laying the foundation for a brighter future.
By Kwame Aduhene-Kwarteng (PhD, MA)
