Former President and flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized the crucial need for the party to emerge victorious in the 2024 general elections, not just for the NDC’s sake, but for the future of Ghana.
“This year’s election is different. We must win this victory, not for the NDC but for Ghana,” Mahama said, addressing the inauguration of the NDC Aldershot branch of the UK & Ireland Chapter.
Mahama painted a dire picture of Ghana’s current state, citing deteriorating conditions in vital sectors like healthcare and education. He attributed this decline to the incumbent government’s mismanagement, labeling it a corrupt administration.
“Our country has deteriorated in every sector, including healthcare and education. State-owned enterprises that were making profits are all making losses, and that is because it is a ‘yenkyendi’ government in place,” Mahama stated.
He highlighted the alarming decline of state-owned enterprises, which were once profitable under his administration. He cited the Produce Buying Company (PBC) as an example, which previously purchased 30% of Ghana’s total cocoa exports but now buys nothing.
The company has failed to pay its workers for ten months, and banks are repossessing its properties due to unpaid credits.
“In the 2016/2017 crop year, the Produce Buying Company purchased 30% of the total cocoa exported from Ghana. Today, do you know how much PBC buys? 0%,” Mahama noted.
Another example he gave was GIHOC Distilleries, a thriving state-owned enterprise during his tenure. The company, he noted, had raised capital from its operations and invested in new production lines. However, under the current government, GIHOC is struggling to pay staff salaries and has become a shadow of its former self.
He urged party members to work together to secure victory in the upcoming elections so as to restore Ghana’s prosperity.
