Michael Nangena, the Talensi Constituency Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has defended President John Dramani Mahama’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA), arguing that Ghana’s economy has significantly improved within a year of the NDC returning to office.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East show with host Seidu Mutawakil, Mr. Nangena responded to criticisms by the New Patriotic Party’s Upper East Regional Communications Directorate member, Daniel Agengre, who had questioned the government’s performance.
Mr. Nangena said key economic indicators and the cost of living show marked improvement compared to conditions before the NDC assumed office in 2025.
He cited fuel prices as an example, arguing that the purchasing power of consumers has improved. According to him, GH¢50 previously bought less than four litres of fuel when prices were around GH¢17 per litre, but now buys about four litres at roughly GH¢10 per litre.
He also pointed to a reduction in maize prices, claiming a bag that previously sold for as much as GH¢950 can now be purchased for less than GH¢400. “With 1,000 Ghana cedis today, you could buy two bags and still have change,” he said, contrasting it with what he described as hardship under the previous administration.
Mr. Nangena attributed the earlier high fuel prices partly to international crude oil prices, which he said reached about $86 per barrel at the time, compared to between $65 and $67 currently. He added that exchange rate instability and what he described as excessive taxes and levies under the previous government also contributed to high pump prices.
On the broader economy, Mr. Nangena said Ghana inherited a debt-distressed economy that had been downgraded to “junk” status and locked out of international capital markets. He accused the previous administration of defaulting on debt payments and implementing a domestic debt exchange program that affected pensioners and investors.
“Today, this economy is repaying its debts. We have honored our coupon obligations, both externally and domestically,” he said, adding that credit rating agencies have upgraded Ghana’s ratings, restoring investor confidence.
He further noted that inflation, which he said rose above 50 percent at its peak and remained above 23 percent when the NDC took office, has now fallen to below 4 percent. While acknowledging that not all prices have adjusted downward, particularly for locally produced goods, he said imported goods are reflecting reductions due to exchange rate stability.
Mr. Nangena argued that the current economy is more resilient to global shocks, referencing tensions involving major oil-producing countries as an example of external pressures that Ghana has managed without severe disruption.
Responding to comments about LGBTQ-related legislation, Mr. Nangena said a bill passed by Parliament under the previous administration was not assented to before the end of its term and therefore lapsed. He rejected claims that the issue reflects inaction by the current government.
Mr. Nangena described the president’s address as an accurate reflection of the state of the nation, saying the economy is “strong, robust and resilient” compared to the conditions the NDC inherited.
He urged critics to compare the current situation with the period before the NDC assumed office, rather than dismissing improvements based on partisan considerations.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
