NPP delivers damning verdict on President Mahama's 120-day social contract

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticized President John Mahama’s 120-day social contract. They call it a failed promise, marked by ongoing power cuts and worsening economic hardship for Ghanaians.

This criticism follows President Mahama's national address. He highlighted what he claims are fulfilled commitments in his social contract. This document includes 25 major pledges made during his first four months in office.

In his speech, President Mahama stated that his government has met these promises ahead of the elections. He discussed the 24-hour economy initiative and announced cabinet approval for amendments to key laws.

"The program rollout has begun," he said. The 24-hour secretariat is working with the Development Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund to finance this initiative.

President Mahama also mentioned updates on financial institutions. The Minister for Finance is investigating the collapse of indigenous banks. An independent audit of the National Cathedral project is also underway, with results expected by May's end.

"This war against corruption continues," he stated. The Minister for Health is reviewing COVID-19 expenditure reports, and actions will follow after this review.

He added that investigations into the Sputnik V scandal are ongoing. The Minister for Energy is looking into the PDS scandal as well.

However, the opposition dismissed the President’s address as self-congratulatory. They believe it ignores harsh realities faced by Ghanaians.

At a press conference on May 8, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticized the President’s claims. “Mr. President marked his own script,” he said, referring to how questions were posed by him before answering them.

Afenyo-Markin accused Mahama of using the social contract as a political strategy. He described it as a "political bait and switch" filled with unfulfilled promises meant only for show.

He pointed out that key promises remain unmet, such as banning illegal mining and scrapping COVID-19 levies.

“The hardship is real,” Afenyo-Markin emphasized. “Prices are rising, and Ghanaians struggle daily to make ends meet.”