The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson did not mince words, describing the current state of the nation as "a gargantuan mess" and "a big fat mess."
According to him, the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration has been characterized by recklessness and cluelessness, leading to widespread joblessness and hopelessness among Ghanaians.
Ato Forson speaking during the official launch of the NDC Election Campaign in Tamale on Saturday went on to list a series of failures, including "poor governance," "massive uncontrolled corruption," and "state capture."
He criticized the administration for its nepotism, referring to it as a government run by "family and friends," and decried the "arrogance of power" displayed by those in authority.
Addressing the apathy some Ghanaians feel towards politics, Forson made a compelling case for why they should reconsider their stance.
He cited alarming statistics, including the fact that 11.5 million Ghanaians, or 33.3% of the population, have been plunged into extreme poverty due to the government's policies.
Additionally, he mentioned that 8.4 million Ghanaians, representing 24.5% of the population, reportedly went without food for a day in 2023, according to the Ghana Statistical Service.
The World Bank has noted that 2 million Ghanaians are facing acute food and nutrition insecurity.
Ato Forson also highlighted the dire employment situation, stating that 35% of employable youth are unemployed—the highest rate in the Fourth Republic.
He pointed out that 1.9 million young people are idle, with no work, training, or education, and about 22 million Ghanaians are jobless overall.
"This means 2 out of every 3 Ghanaians are jobless, Furthermore, 4.5 million people have given up searching for jobs out of sheer frustration," he emphasized.
Ato Forson accused the government of bankrupting the country through excessive borrowing, leading to painful financial cuts even for pensioners.
"The Bank of Ghana is now bankrupt and policy insolvent," adding that the cocoa sector has collapsed and almost all state-owned enterprises are recording huge losses.
NAY/MA
