Address rising utility tariffs, unemployment challenges – Mornah to President Mahama

A leading member of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to address the rising utility tariffs and youth unemployment.

“These pressures risk eroding public confidence if not addressed with urgency and empathy, particularly given the social cost they impose on vulnerable households,” he stated.

Speaking in an interview about the performance of President Mahama’s first year in office, Mr Mornah said the first year could best be described as one of cautious confidence, a deliberate reset and restored engagement. 

Posture

He said the President’s posture on structural and constitutional reform had resonated with key stakeholders.

“His openness to dialogue on governance reforms, decentralisation and accountability has created space for national consensus-building—an essential prerequisite for sustainable development,” he said.

Mr Mornah, however, said the flagship campaign promise of Operation Recover All Loot, once a cardinal electoral bargain, increasingly appears illusory, with little visible progress to justify public expectations.

Infrastructure

He said the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure prioritisation over political symbolism signals a shift toward value-for-money investments.

He said while the approach was prudent, “tangible results will inevitably take time to materialise.

“Similarly, the much-touted Big Push agenda remains attractive in concept but insufficiently tangible in execution at this stage,” he pointed out.

To sustain momentum, Mr Mornah urged the President to translate policy intent into visible and measurable outcomes.

“This requires deepening fiscal reforms without imposing disproportionate burdens on the poor, accelerating job creation—especially for the youth—and strengthening state institutions to reduce corruption and waste.

“Equally important is consistent, honest communication with citizens to manage expectations and preserve social cohesion,” he said.

Extractive sector

Mr Mornah stressed the need for the country to reclaim full ownership and strategic control of the extractive sector, ensuring that natural resources serve national development rather than narrow interests.

He pointed out that Ghana’s steady development would depend on discipline, inclusiveness and policy continuity.

“If President Mahama maintains reform consistency, takes ownership of the natural wealth of Ghana, while delivering practical improvements in livelihoods and public services, his first year in office may well be remembered as the foundation of a more resilient and self-confident Ghana,” he said.

Policies

He said President Mahama’s emphasis on fiscal consolidation, expenditure discipline and institutional reform had helped stabilise expectations and rebuild a measure of trust in economic governance.

On the international front, he said, President Mahama’s familiarity with global diplomacy and development finance had reassured partners and repositioned Ghana as a country serious about reform, predictability and cooperation.