Former Sekondi legislator, Andrew Egyapa Mercer says the current administration’s celebrated economic stability is a direct result of the “difficult” and foundational work undertaken by the previous NPP government, led by former President Akufo-Addo.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, the former NPP MP argued that governance is a continuum and urged for credit to be given where it is due.
His comments directly challenge the narrative that the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration rescued an economy in ruins.
“I am glad that we are experiencing the kind of things that we are experiencing. The economy is looking good. The macroeconomic indicators are obviously looking in the right direction,” Mr Mercer began.
“But to suggest… that ‘dog status’ is what they inherited and that an economy… [is] able to recover within a short period of time, a lot of the work had started.”
Mr Mercer pinpointed the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) as the pivotal, painful reform that set the stage for recovery.
He recalled President Akufo-Addo’s own description of it as “one of the darkest periods in his presidency,” which “created huge difficulties for the people of Ghana.”
“It was necessary,” Mr Mercer stated unequivocally.
“And the effect is what is leading to the reduction in our debt profile today.”
He also highlighted that the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, which the government has “stuck with,” was approved and commenced under the previous administration in May 2023.
“We rolled out the post-COVID program of economic growth… which is still running,” he noted.
The former legislator presented data to back his continuity claim, citing how inflation “peaked to 54% in 2022-23” and had dropped “by a 30-point difference to 23%” by the time the NPP was exiting office.
He also noted strong quarterly GDP growth in 2024 before the handover.
His core argument was a plea for factual recognition over political point-scoring.
“I give credit where credit is due… But to suggest that the current success is solely their making is not a matter of fact,” Mercer argued.
“The bottom line is they shouldn’t take sole credit for the performance.”
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
