Mahama Issues Strong Warning to NPP and Their Minority in Parliament After They Boycotted Forums

President John Dramani Mahama has urged the NPP and members of Parliament on the Minority side to participate in the National Economic Dialogue, insisting that the country’s economic challenges cannot be solved by government alone.

Mahama made the appeal while delivering his State of the Nation Address, where he recalled the Senchi Economic Forum and noted that the NPP had previously chosen not to participate.

According to the President, the opposition should seize the opportunity presented by the new economic dialogue rather than stay away from discussions aimed at finding ways to restore and strengthen Ghana’s economy.

His invitation comes at a time when opposition MPs have intensified their criticism of the government’s approach to borrowing and public expenditure.

Nhyiaeso MP Stephen Amoah has accused the administration of borrowing approximately GH¢59 billion over a relatively short period. He questioned the source of funding for government projects and other financial obligations and contrasted the figure with what he described as the borrowing record of the former Akufo-Addo government.

President Mahama also drew attention to the growing problem of unemployment among Ghana’s youth. He warned that if young people continue to struggle to find jobs, frustration could deepen and eventually have implications for national security.

As part of efforts to tackle the problem, the President announced plans to establish a Ministry of Youth Development. The new ministry is expected to concentrate on creating opportunities for young people and addressing the difficulties they face.

Mahama said he remained optimistic that the economic policies being implemented by his government would eventually deliver the desired results. He further called on Ghanaians and key stakeholders to contribute to the process of rebuilding the economy.

The National Economic Dialogue is expected to serve as a broad platform involving government officials, political parties, businesses, civil society groups, economists and other relevant stakeholders.

The discussions will focus on Ghana’s economic difficulties and possible measures to address them. It is also expected to give the opposition and other stakeholders an opportunity to present alternative ideas, despite the Minority’s continued scrutiny of government borrowing and expenditure.