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

President John Dramani Mahama has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its parliamentary Minority to reconsider any decision to boycott the proposed national economic forum and instead participate in discussions aimed at addressing Ghana’s economic challenges.

Mahama has repeatedly advocated for broad political and stakeholder participation in discussions on the economy. In his 2025 State of the Nation Address, he called for consensus-building and specifically appealed to the opposition to participate in the National Economic Dialogue, recalling the NPP’s boycott of the 2014 Senchi Economic Forum.

The renewed appeal comes amid continuing political debate over government borrowing, expenditure and the management of the economy.

Nhyiaeso MP Dr Stephen Amoah, a member of the NPP Minority, has raised questions about the level of borrowing under the current administration. He has alleged that the government borrowed about GH¢59 billion within a relatively short period and questioned how it intended to finance its expenditure commitments.

Amoah has also compared the figure with borrowing under the previous Akufo-Addo administration, although such comparisons depend on the periods, definitions and debt measures being used. His earlier public comments have included claims that the previous administration left a stronger economic foundation, claims the current government has disputed.

Beyond the borrowing debate, Mahama has highlighted youth unemployment as a major national concern. His administration has placed youth development and employment among its policy priorities, with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment tasked with coordinating programmes intended to expand opportunities for young people.

The President has argued that Ghana’s economic difficulties require contributions from political parties, businesses, organised labour, civil society and other stakeholders rather than being treated solely as a government responsibility.

The proposed engagement is therefore expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine economic policies, public finances, employment and other structural challenges.

Mahama’s appeal comes against the background of previous disagreements over the participation of opposition parties in national economic discussions. In 2025, the NPP’s absence from the National Economic Dialogue also attracted criticism from government officials, who argued that bipartisan participation was necessary for building consensus on economic policy.

The President has expressed hope that broader participation will help produce sustainable solutions and strengthen efforts to restore economic stability and create more opportunities for Ghanaians.

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