The Member of Parliament for New Juaben North, Nana Osei-Adjei, has called on the government to provide tangible evidence that its economic promises are benefiting Ghanaians, amid growing concerns over high living costs, job creation, and access to affordable finance.
Speaking during a debate on the President’s message on the State of the Nation Address to Parliament, Mr. Osei-Adjei argued that while the President repeatedly highlights economic achievements, ordinary citizens have yet to see the results.
“State of the Nation is actually, more often than not, about the health of the nation — where we were and where we are going,” he said, pointing out troubling similarities between the 2025 and 2026 addresses.
The MP questioned the government’s claims on job creation, noting that while officials boast of creating one million jobs, the Ghana Statistical Service reports only about 600,000.
He emphasised that macroeconomic indicators, however impressive on paper, must translate into real-world outcomes, including jobs, accessible credit facilities for businesses, and the growth of industries.
“We are not eating macro indicators,” he said, pressing the government to ensure that economic gains reach ordinary citizens.
The MP’s strongest criticism focused on access to affordable loans. He challenged the government to provide proof that banks are lending at interest rates of 10–11 percent, which officials claim are enabling women and small businesses to access capital.
“If the Deputy Finance Minister cannot name the banks offering these rates, our women cannot benefit from these promised opportunities,” he said, urging accountability in programmes such as the proposed women’s development bank.
Mr Osei-Adjei also criticised the government for what he described as a lack of transparency in acknowledging the work of previous administrations.
He cited government praise for vessels fighting piracy, which he said were actually procured under the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
“In everything that we do, you need to give to Caesar what Caesar deserves,” he said, urging accurate representation of achievements.
The lawmaker further questioned the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative, noting the absence of new industries, a national framework, or budgetary allocations supporting continuous production and job creation.
“Promises alone will not sustain an economy,” he said, urging the government to focus on practical and measurable results.
The lawmaker called for honesty and clarity, insisting that macroeconomic successes must reflect in the daily lives of Ghanaians through jobs created, thriving businesses, women accessing affordable loans, and citizens witnessing genuine economic growth.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com