While the government toasts the cedi's rise, farmers are drowning in a sea of surplus crops with no buyers—a stark contrast that has sparked fierce criticism from the opposition. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this economic 'success' truly worth celebrating when it leaves a critical sector like agriculture in crisis? The Minority in Parliament certainly doesn’t think so, and they’re pulling no punches in their assessment of President John Dramani Mahama’s first year in office.
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THU, 08 JAN 2026
In a scathing critique delivered to the Parliamentary Press Corps at Accra's Parliament House, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei painted a grim picture of the administration’s performance. She accused the government of reverting to what she called “reckless economic experiments, disregard for the rule of law, and partisan favoritism that undermines national unity.”
Among the issues raised, Appiagyei highlighted the alleged $214 million loss tied to the Gold for Reserves program—an initiative inherited from the previous NPP government. And this is the part most people miss... While the program was initially designed to bolster the nation’s reserves, its mismanagement under the current administration has reportedly led to staggering financial losses. “Farmers are reeling from bumper harvests that should be a blessing but have turned into a curse due to lack of government support,” she explained. This surplus, instead of boosting the economy, has left farmers struggling to sell their produce, exacerbating their financial woes.
On the security front, Appiagyei warned of a deteriorating situation, citing increases in armed robberies, murders, and kidnappings. “The streets are becoming less safe, and citizens are living in fear,” she noted. Additionally, she pointed to the persistent unemployment crisis, with over a million young Ghanaians either jobless or underemployed. “This is a ticking time bomb that the government cannot afford to ignore,” she warned.
The Minority has demanded parliamentary investigations into the Gold for Reserves program, insisting on full accountability for the reported losses. But here’s the question that divides opinions... Is this call for transparency a genuine effort to protect public funds, or a politically motivated attack on the ruling party? The debate is heating up, and both sides are digging in.
President Mahama, who marked his first year in office on January 7, 2026, following his reelection in 2024, has yet to respond directly to these allegations. As the nation watches, the clash between economic optimism and on-the-ground realities continues to unfold. What do you think? Is the government’s focus on cedi appreciation overshadowing more pressing issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below!