Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi and former minister for works and housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has urged the government to capitalize on its current goodwill to take tough economic decisions before public sentiment shifts.
Speaking to Joshua Kodjo Mensah on State of Affairs on GHOne TV, he warned that delaying difficult but necessary actions could see the administration lose the support it currently enjoys.
“When we went on and the economic conditions were biting, we lost a lot of the goodwill. I am hoping that the government will be able to channel its goodwill into doing the difficult things early enough and not just bask in its euphoria that people are happy with them,” he stated.
Oppong Nkrumah who was speaking on expectations before the 2025 budget noted that Ghanaians expect action, not just rhetoric, on pressing economic challenges.
“People are saying they are expecting something to be done about escalating fuel prices and transport fares. People are expecting something to be done about the energy situation—both supply and pricing. They are expecting that the tax regime will be dealt with and employment will be tackled,” he said.
He cautioned that failure to act on these expectations could cost the government its current goodwill. “If you don’t deliver on these things, no matter the causes, the Ghanaian people will tell you that we are not impressed with you,” he warned.
He also criticized the NDC for spending too much time celebrating its victory instead of focusing on governance.
“The election was three months ago. The people have already passed their judgment. If you spend all your time jubilating over that and you don’t focus on the work ahead, time will catch up with you very quickly,” he said.
Calling for immediate policy action, he urged the government to engage Parliament and stakeholders to push through economic recovery measures.
“Bring those programs, let’s assist you with the necessary laws, the necessary financing, and deliver. Don’t be too excited about the victory. The people expect results.”
Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to present to parliament the country’s 2025 budget at 10 a.m. today.
