Why I prefer NDC to NPP

I am sad, and my sadness is more than justified. Ghana, our motherland, is bleeding under the watch of Akufo-Addo/Bawumia. We are suffering in our own country and have no option but to continue suffering under the shade of the NPP government. What wrong have we done to deserve this gruesome punishment? This is the question that continues to linger in the minds of Ghanaian citizens. We are conscripted in an unrestrained quagmire by the NPP government led by Akufo-Addo/Bawumia. The electorates will have no reason to vote for the NPP again because they have brought nothing but misery to the innocent citizens of Ghana. Voting for NPP will be a betrayal and an unpardonable sin committed against this country.

As a concerned citizen of Ghana, I have 10 irreproachable reasons why I prefer John Mahama and NDC to come back. Quick to mention:

The unemployment rate
The unemployment rate under John Mahama was 8.4%, but under Akufo-Addo/Bawumia, it's now 15%. This has been a great concern to the unemployed populace at a time when the prices of commodities are rapidly increasing, and yet there is no source of livelihood.

The exchange rate
This has also contributed largely to the continued increase in goods in the country, most especially imported goods. The exchange rate under John Mahama was 4.2 cedis against the Dollar, but under Akufo-Addo/Bawumia, it's now 16 cedis against the Dollar.

High Cost of Living
The prices of essential goods and services, such as food, housing, transportation, and utilities, have skyrocketed, making it challenging for people to afford them. For instance:

• Cement: GH¢28 in 2016, now GH¢100
• Petrol (per gallon): GH¢14 in 2016, now GH¢70
• A bag of Rice: GH¢150 in 2016, now GH¢480
• Four tubers of Yam: GH¢20 or less in 2016, now GH¢100

These drastic price increases have significantly impacted the standard of living, making it difficult for individuals to afford necessities.

The inflation rate
Inflation is the continued or persistent general increase in goods and services in an economy. The inflation rate under John Mahama was 15.6%, but under Akufo-Addo/Bawumia, it's now 23.2%, which recently dropped from over 56% due to the IMF intervention.

Public Debt
This refers to the amount owed by the different levels of government and used to finance public deficits resulting from a higher level of program spending to budgeted income. The public debt under John Mahama was 120 billion cedis, but under Akufo-Addo/Bawumia, it's now 742 billion cedis, 70.6% of the country's GDP.

The Budget deficit
This occurs when government expenditure or spending exceeds its revenue. The budget deficit under John Mahama was 6.1%, but under Akufo-Addo/Bawumia, it's now 12.1%.

The growth rate
An economic growth rate is the percentage change in the value of all goods and services produced in a nation during a specific period, as compared to an earlier period. The economic growth rate is used to measure the comparative health of an economy over time. The growth rate under John Mahama was 3.6%, but under Akufo-Addo/Bawumia, it's now 2.8%.

Taxes
This is a mandatory contribution levied on corporations or individuals to finance government activities and public services. The NDC government led by John Mahama introduced not more than 20 taxes, but the NPP government led by Akufo-Addo/Bawumia introduced 50 new taxes with no work to show.

Corruption
Oxford defined corruption as 'dishonest or fraudulent conduct of those in power, typically involving bribery'. Ghana's best Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score in the past 10 years was in 2014 when the country scored 48 under John Mahama. It dropped to 40 in 2017 and went up marginally to 41 in 2018 and 2019 before climbing marginally to 43 in the past four years under Akufo-Addo/Bawumia. Therefore, the worst performance of John Mahama's government is the best performance of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government.

Nepotism
This refers to the practice of employing relatives or close friends regardless of their merits and abilities. In the public sector, nepotism is particularly concerning because it undermines the public interest. Voters expect public employees to be hired based on merit, not personal connections. Unfortunately, the Akuffo Addo/Bawumia government has made nepotism a norm, appointing numerous relatives and friends to key positions. Despite President Akuffo Addo's pledge to combat nepotism and cronyism, he has appointed over 50 family members and friends to his government. In contrast, John Mahama, the NDC flagbearer, appointed only one family member, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Deputy Minister of Transport who is the current spokesperson for NDC's campaign.

The aforementioned points are the reasons why we find ourselves in this shambolic economy. It is now time for you as a discerning Ghanaian to read between the lines and make a better judgment when the momentum is gathered on December 7. You may also have a contradictory view to this but our views must be pointed out forcefully without insult for people to make good determination. Your attention is much appreciated, my gallant reader!

Abu Hafiz JT
Trained Teacher and Political Activist