Opinions of Sunday, 7 January 2018

Columnist: Omane Boamah

Omane Boamah writes: One Year of President Akufo-Addo’s government

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the swearing-in ceremony a year ago President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the swearing-in ceremony a year ago

A year ago today, President John Dramani Mahama, the democrat, handed over political office to President Nana Akufo-Addo.

It has been one year full of intrigues from the NPP Government. The hopes of Ghanaians have been dashed.

Following closely after the inauguration, President Mahama was evicted from his official residence, a place agreed between him and President Akufo-Addo in the presence of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to be used as his retiring Home.

The eviction is not as disingenuous as the reason cited. Ghanaians were told Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia needed to use the facility as his official residence. Others pointed to a befitting alternative- the Australia House- but the NPP remained adamant. One year on, the residence from which President Mahama was ejected is not occupied by Vice President Bawumia. And the facility is hardly used.

One year on, the brouhaha about alleged stolen vehicles by former appointees remains a mirage.

One year on, NPP’s partisan vigilantism has exerted its ugly footprints on the political map of Ghana whiles Government looks on helplessly.

One year on, not even one constituency has received the promised US$1 million every year.

One year on, Free SHS for All has become ‘Beggar-Thy-Neighbour’ Free SHS for a few, and congestion in schools is causing serious morbidities and mortalities.

One year on, DKM victims have not received their much publicized refunds.

One year on, the jobs are not being created, yet over 10,000 Ghanaians have been sacked and or displaced from their place of work.

One year on, the Ghana cedi has been weakened, fuel prices are over the roof and taxes are skyrocketing.

One year on, a running poll on myjoyonline.com patronized by over 80,000 Ghanaians have voted President Akufo-Addo and his administration as untrustworthy in the fight against corruption. And anti-corruption watchers are questioning the government’s commitment to dealing with the numerous cases of corruption under its watch.

Today marks 25 years of the 4th Republic, which has come to stay.

Mr President, lots and lots of terrible mistakes have been made by your government in this short period.

Mr President, cost of living has worsened for many a Ghanaian.

Mr President, the hopes of Ghanaians have tapered.

Mr President, Ghana is the only country we do have and has been an oasis of peace in a turbulent sub-region.

Mr President, as we observe 25 years of the 4th Republic, please put your feet down, for the ship of state is sinking.

Edward Kofi Omane Boamah Dr)

7th January, 2018