Flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2016 elections, Nana Akufo-Addo says "bad leadership, coupled with the introduction of amateurish and panic measure financial policies," introduced by the John Mahama-led administration, have destroyed the economy.

According to the opposition leader, "Ghanaians, and most especially workers, are bearing the full brunt of the mismanagement of the Ghanaian economy".

Nana Akufo-Addo made the statement in a message to commemorate 2016 May Day celebrations which falls on Sunday.

Below is the full statement:

AKUFO-ADDO’S MAY DAY MESSAGE TO GHANAIAN WORKERS

The New Patriotic Party and I wish to extend our deepest gratitude to all Ghanaian workers, both in the formal and informal sectors, for their hard work and contribution to Ghana’s development, on the occasion of May Day.

This year’s celebration is coming at a crucial time when Ghanaians are preparing to go to the polls to elect a President who will manage effectively the affairs of the nation for the next four years.

Year after year, especially over the last 7 years, workers have been promised “Better Times Ahead”, “A Better Ghana”, only to be confronted with the stark reality of today’s Ghana under President Mahama – low wages, rising cost of living, deteriorating living conditions, economic hardships, and job losses as a result of collapsing businesses brought about by an unfavourable economic environment, amongst others. Our economy is in decline, evident in last year’s 3.9% growth rate, the lowest in 15 years. Ghana, a country blessed with an abundance of human and natural resources, is where she is today because bad leadership, coupled with the introduction of amateurish and panic measure financial policies, have destroyed our economy. Ghanaians, and most especially workers, are bearing the full brunt of the mismanagement of the Ghanaian economy.

In spite of these difficulties, my message on Workers’ Day to the anxious Ghanaian workforce, once again, is this: stay faithful to the Ghanaian enterprise, Ghana will work again. We, in the NPP, remain committed to the enhancement of the dignity of the Ghanaian labour force, by providing competent and progressive leadership that will bring about the transformation of our national economy, driven by Ghanaians for the good of Ghanaians. It is through rapid industrialisation and value-addition that our economy can create the needed pool of good jobs with good pay across Ghana to enhance the dignity of Ghanaian labour.

The NPP is resolute in its commitment to building a society of opportunities for the Ghanaian people, which will provide good education, good skills, good jobs and good pay for all its citizens.

In this election year, the security and unity of our country are crucial and we appeal humbly to each and every one of us to say and do things that will keep our politics healthy, clean, and constructive. Maintaining law and order is key and we must all encourage those tasked with this duty, to do so professionally, without fear or favour. Maintaining a safe and peaceful environment necessary for the progressive programmes and policies that we have for the people of Ghana is of the utmost importance for us in the NPP.

We salute Ghanaian workers on this day and wish you God’s blessing. We have all to remember that it is only by the hard work of all of us that we can build a bright future, the Ghana of our dreams. Join the NPP in our quest to bring change to our country and prosperity for our people.

May God bless the Ghanaian worker! May God bless Ghana!

……signed……

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

2016 NPP Presidential Candidate