Rashid Ibrahim, a member of the National Communication Team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has raised serious concerns about Ghana's current economic state, attributing the nation's hardships to the mismanagement of resources by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking on Think Tv's political talk show, SE NO PEI , Ibrahim asserted that Ghana is undeniably facing challenging economic times—a reality that requires no soothsayer to discern.
Reflecting on Ghana's past, Mr. Ibrahim noted that the country once had ample resources at its disposal, but poor management and excessive borrowing have squandered these opportunities.
"We have squandered our wealth and are now forced to borrow extensively," he said, emphasizing that the consequences of this mismanagement are becoming increasingly evident, particularly in the financial sector.
Mr. Ibrahim recalled the NDC's approach to struggling banks during its tenure under President John Mahama. Rather than collapsing these institutions, the NDC government sought to stabilize the banking sector and preserve jobs.
In stark contrast, he accused the NPP government of overseeing the collapse of several banks, which he claims has led to a significant increase in unemployment across the nation.
"The blame for this disastrous outcome lies not only with the Bank of Ghana but primarily with the government," Ibrahim stated.
He criticized the government's decision to spend GHS 25 billion to close down banks rather than providing the necessary funds to sustain them, describing the move as "short-sighted" and "deeply damaging" to the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.
Adding to the economic critique, Rasgid Ibrahim highlighted the government's recent scramble to secure GHS 700 million for disbursement.
He argued that this is a clear indication that due diligence was not observed during the so-called clean-up of the banking sector.
Transitioning to issues of national security and justice, Rashid Ibrahim expressed the NDC's enduring commitment to peace.
However, he stressed that peace must be accompanied by justice, particularly in light of the violence that marred recent elections. Ibrahim accused the government of failing to hold accountable those responsible for the killings at polling stations, where military personnel allegedly shot and killed several Ghanaians.
"The violence that marred the recent elections, where military personnel shot and killed several Ghanaians at polling stations, cannot be brushed aside," he insisted.
Mr. Ibrahim pointed to the tragic killings at Ayawaso West Wuogon, where eight innocent lives were lost, as an example of such violence.
He noted that similar atrocities occurred at Odododiodio and other constituencies, and emphasized that these incidents should not be dismissed simply because the victims were not NDC members.
Given these unresolved issues, Ibrahim questioned the viability of the NDC signing any peace pact when there has been no accountability for the election-related violence.
"Peace is non-negotiable, but it must be accompanied by justice," he asserted, adding that neither former President Mahama nor NDC Chairman Asiedu Nketia would ever incite violence, but they demand that the rule of law prevail.
Rashid Ibrahim reaffirmed the NDC's commitment to peace but urged the government to match this commitment with a genuine effort to ensure justice for those who lost their lives.
"Only then can Ghana move forward with both peace and justice as pillars of our democracy," he concluded.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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