Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Saturday took its critique of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) directly to the streets, arguing that improved macroeconomic indicators have failed to ease the cost of living after 12 months of NDC rule.
At a “People’s Forum” held in Koforidua on Jan. 11, the NPP said it was seeking views from ordinary citizens, including market women, traders, commercial drivers, teachers, nurses and students on living conditions beyond official discussions of inflation and exchange rates.
The forum forms part of the opposition’s broader assessment of the NDC’s first year in office, which it describes as marked by “optics and goodwill management” rather than solutions to everyday economic pressures. Government officials have rejected that characterisation, saying opposition criticism is driven by partisanship.
Speaking at the event, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, spokesperson for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team in the NPP’s flagbearership race, accused the government of failing to address illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, despite campaign promises.
Aboagye alleged that illegal mining activities persist in areas linked to President John Mahama, including Bole in the Savannah Region, and have spread to sensitive river bodies such as the Black Volta. He questioned why galamsey continues despite the repeal of a legislative instrument that previously allowed mining licences in forest reserves.
“They promised to fight galamsey within weeks, even using artificial intelligence, and to stop mining in forest reserves,” Aboagye said. “Those promises have not been fulfilled.”
He further claimed the government has not introduced any new measures to combat illegal mining since taking office, describing current efforts as a continuation of previous security-led operations. Aboagye also alleged that state gold purchasing arrangements have inadvertently created a market for illegally mined gold, accusations the government has previously denied.
The NPP spokesperson argued that public frustration is growing as environmental damage worsens and living costs remain high, despite signs of macroeconomic stabilisation. He said the People’s Forum is intended to amplify public voices and warn of political consequences if concerns are ignored.
The NDC has consistently maintained that it inherited deep economic and environmental challenges and is pursuing reforms within legal and institutional constraints. The debate over living standards and illegal mining is expected to intensify as Ghana’s political season gathers pace.
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