Richard Ahiagbah, NPP Director of Communications
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has maintained that the administration of John Dramani Mahama has failed to build on the recovering economy it inherited in January 2025.
At a press briefing yesterday, the party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, stated, “The central issue today is this: What did President John Dramani Mahama inherit in January 2025, and what has he done with it?” emphasising that the matter “demands answers for the good of all Ghanaians.”
Failed
He contended that, contrary to the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s earlier claims of economic collapse, available data pointed to a period of recovery before the transition of power. He asserted that “by the end of 2024, data showed inflation had fallen from over 54 percent in December 2022 to the mid-20s, GDP growth projections exceeded 3 percent, and the exchange rate had stabilized,” adding that “these figures signal a period of stabilization and recovery.”
According to the party’s communication director, the Mahama administration has failed to sustain these gains. He maintained that “it is inarguable that President Mahama inherited a recovering economy, but has failed to sustain and translate that recovery into improved living conditions”. He pointed to what he described as worsening conditions in key sectors including cocoa, youth employment and fuel prices.
Cocoa
On the cocoa sector, he accused the government of mismanaging a window of opportunity created by rising global prices. He claimed that “the Cocoa Board hesitated and missed the chance to secure a good forward sale contract,” and criticised the subsequent policy response, noting that “the COCOBOD imposed price haircut of about 29 percent,” which he said translates into losses for farmers. He questioned the fairness of the decision, asking, “How is this fair to cocoa farmers?”
He further argued that the government’s handling of employment had fallen short of campaign promises, particularly the much-publicized 24-hour economy policy. Mr. Ahiagbah noted that “over a year in office, little action has been taken,” and alleged that instead of job creation, “the main move was passing a law to create bureaucracy and allocate benefits to cronies.”
He also challenged the credibility of job creation figures announced by the President, stating that “Ghana Statistical Service records suggest only 330,000 jobs in 2025,” contrary to higher claims.
Rising fuel prices also came under criticism, with the NPP attributing the increases to weak economic management despite global pressures. The party’s Director of Communications observed that “fuel prices in Ghana have risen rapidly in a short time, driving up transportation costs and spilling over into food prices”. He argued that “the lack of a clear mitigation plan would worsen the burden on Ghanaians.”
Environment
On environmental governance, he claimed the situation had deteriorated, particularly in relation to illegal mining. He stated that “increasing reports of galamsey activity, water pollution and weak enforcement indicate a decline in regulatory effectiveness,” contrasting this with earlier criticisms the NDC had made while in opposition.
The briefing also highlighted tensions within the public sector, citing multiple industrial actions as evidence of strained labour relations. According to the NPP Director of Communications, “public sector workers are essential to policy implementation, and strained relations… can undermine administrative effectiveness, service delivery, and staff morale.”
Concerns about governance ethics and potential conflicts of interest were also raised. Mr. Ahiagbah referenced “allegations regarding the President’s brother’s involvement in strategic sectors such as gold,” as well as the “use of a private jet linked to him by the president for official purposes,” arguing that such developments “create the perception of blurred lines between public authority and private interests.”
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