Nii Laryea says Mahama government’s performance should be judged by economic data

Deputy Director of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Nii Tetteh Laryea Cyril, popularly known as TLC, has defended the performance of the Mahama administration, saying its progress should be assessed using economic data rather than political rhetoric.

Nii Laryea, who is also seeking to become the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Greater Accra Regional Communications Officer, made the remarks during an interview on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu programme.

He argued that any assessment of the government’s performance must take into account the economic conditions it inherited when it assumed office.

According to him, several indicators that directly affect households and businesses have improved since the NDC returned to power.

On the cost of living, Nii Laryea cited food inflation, saying it was about 8% in 2017 when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took over the administration but had risen to approximately 27.8% by 2024.

He said the subsequent decline in food inflation under the current administration demonstrated what he described as an improvement in economic management.

The YEA Deputy Director also pointed to developments in the foreign exchange market, stressing that currency stability was important for businesses to plan, price their products and make investment decisions.

“A stable cedi allows businesses to forecast, price properly and invest. Without stability, you cannot expand and you cannot employ,” he argued.

On infrastructure development, Nii Laryea defended President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to turn the country into a construction site, saying the implementation of road and other infrastructure projects showed that the commitment was being pursued.

He said the infrastructure programme formed part of the broader Reset Agenda, which he described as encompassing economic stabilisation, infrastructure development, an improved business environment and job creation.

Touching on youth employment, he disclosed that more than 86,000 young people had so far secured jobs through various government interventions.

He described investment in employment opportunities for young people as an investment in Ghana’s future.

“Immediately you begin to build the youth of the country, then you are building the future of the country,” he said.

Nii Laryea further argued that creating decent employment opportunities locally could reduce the pressure on young Ghanaians to seek opportunities abroad. He said when young people earn and spend their incomes locally, they contribute directly to economic activity.

Turning to the opposition NPP, he called for introspection and urged the party to examine the factors that contributed to its defeat in the 2024 general election.

He said the NPP should reflect on its record in government, particularly the economic difficulties experienced during its tenure, as well as the concerns expressed by voters at the polls.

Nii Laryea recalled that the NDC had consistently criticised the NPP’s economic management while in opposition and said the opposition should similarly be prepared to account for its own record.

He urged the NPP to use its time in opposition to reorganise, reflect on its past performance and reconnect with the concerns of the electorate.

Nii Laryea maintained that the NDC administration’s performance should ultimately be assessed based on the implementation of its programmes under the Reset Agenda, including economic measures, infrastructure development and youth employment.