NDC has failed on key campaign promises – Kwabre East MP

The Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Onyina Akwasi Acheampong, has criticised the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the administration of failing to deliver on some of its campaign promises and effectively tackle illegal mining, while mishandling the economy.

Speaking on the sidelines of a birthday celebration for the newly elected Kwabre East Youth Organizer, Nana Appiah, the MP said 21 months into the administration, many Ghanaians were still struggling with economic challenges while several campaign commitments remained unfulfilled.

Acheampong cited the government’s pledge on cocoa farmgate prices, saying the NDC promised to increase the price to between GH¢6,000 and GH¢6,500 but had failed to meet that commitment.

He also mentioned what he described as delays in automatic postings for health and education workers, as well as the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy.

“The much-publicised 24-hour economic policy framework, Formula 1-3-3, has yielded no measurable practical outcomes on the ground,” he said.

The 24-Hour Economy was a major NDC campaign policy and was subsequently launched as the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme in July 2025.

The MP also raised concerns about the cost of living, taxation and illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

“They gave a bold promise to stop illegal mining (galamsey) within two weeks. Today, galamsey is devastating our lands and water bodies. It has been one year and nine months, and nothing significant has been achieved,” he said.

On the economy, Acheampong criticised what he described as efforts to artificially strengthen the Ghana cedi, arguing that this could make locally produced goods less competitive in international markets while making imported products cheaper.

“The only indicators they cling to are inflation and the exchange rate. But when you artificially stimulate the cedi and inject it with steroids without organic economic production, it carries grave consequences,” he said.

“Our exports have dropped because our goods have become too expensive abroad, while cheap foreign food floods our markets.

“Today, there is an influx of foreign corn, beans, soybeans and rice that is killing our local farmers and businesses. Local farmers have grains and produce sitting in storage with no buyers because imports have undercut them. Even the Gold Board is saddled with heavy debts,” he added.

Acheampong also said the current economic situation could improve the NPP’s prospects of returning to government, but stressed the need for unity within the party.

“Our chances are bright, extremely bright because the current economic hardship is felt in every household. All that remains is for the NPP to unite as one cohesive family, select the best national leaders in our upcoming elections, and execute clear-cut strategies to restore the faith and love Ghanaians have for the party,” he said.

Acheampong, a former Kwabre East Constituency Organiser, also congratulated Nana Appiah on his birthday and his election as the constituency’s Youth Organizer.

He said Nana Appiah had broken the record for the highest vote tally secured by a constituency youth organiser, a record he previously held.

“It is a tremendous task and a major responsibility that has been placed on his shoulders. I know he has the capacity to deliver.

“We need him actively mobilising the ground so that the party unites to secure victory in the constituency and extend that victory across the entire nation. I also wish him a happy birthday and all the best as he celebrates today,” the MP said.