Things Must Change Now!

What is happening today in the country can best be understood if one reflects on the statement made by the 2012 running mate of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia that “you cannot play propaganda with the economy because the figures will expose you.”

When President John Dramani Mahama appeared before Parliament recently to deliver his State of Nation address, he confidently told the House that the economy is very stable and that it is only going through minor challenges.

But here we are as a country experiencing the worse economy performance in the history of Ghana with virtually everybody in Ghana complaining that the cost of living is very high.

About two weeks ago, there was a massive demonstration dubbed “ya ye den” in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. This was to demonstrate to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) the hardships Ghanaians are going through.

Today, the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distribution Companies is telling us that the diesel and petrol they have in store is woefully inadequate and they cannot supply to their dependable fuel stations because the government owes them.

Again, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has ordered all their members to close down their stores because of some unfavorable policies by the government and the way foreigners have taken over retail business in the country.

Today, there are indications that the price of petrol per gallon would be increased from GH12.00 to GH15.00 whilst the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has increased Electricity Tariff to 12.09% and 6.1% for Water.

Not to talk about the arrears in the statutory funds, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), GETfund, and Capitation grant among others.

Of all these problems, it seems it is only President Mahama, his Ministers and party supporters who don’t feel the hardships that is why they are constantly preaching their own gospel that the country is only facing minor challenges.

Things have already gotten hands. We think it is high time the government swallow its pride and admit that the country is going through economic crisis so that others can offer support. Things Must Change Now!