The National Democratic Congress (NDC) said government’s absorption of water bills of Ghanaians for the next three months, among other measures to cushion the citizenry in throes of the coronavirus fight, began with its flagbearer John Dramani Mahama.
The largest opposition party said the former president had mentioned this on Friday, when he made a donation of some medical supplies for onward distribution to various health facilities in the country.
“It is time to utilize the Stabilization Fund to build some additional buffers for the economy, and cushion the population,” the NDC quoted its leader as saying.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had been praised for announcing social intervention measures as Ghana battles to fight the outbreak of coronavirus.
In a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, April 5, President Akufo-Addo said water bills of all Ghanaians for April, May and June will be paid for by government.
He also said small- and micro-businesses will have access to a loan sum of GH¢600 million, whose repayment has been planned for two years with a moratorium on the first year.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has also been tasked to ensure stable supply of power during the period of stringent measures to fight the deadly disease.
There was high praise on social media for the president.
To be honest Nana Akufo Addo has exhibited quality leadership in this trying times. Classic for a man his age and against all what was said.
No wonder he's been the envy and reference point for most of our neighbouring friends and even beyonf
It is not perfect but he's the MAN
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) April 5, 2020
The fact that health workers won’t pay taxes for the next 3 months and there’s a 50% increase in basic Salary is a big step in motivating our heroes at the front lines. Good one Nana Akufo Addo. My president ❤️
— Weffrey Jellington (@jeffwellz) April 5, 2020
But the NDC in a tweet immediately afterwards said: “This is where it all began”.
This is where it all began! pic.twitter.com/kN93ZYwrMC
— National Democratic Congress (@OfficialNDCGh) April 5, 2020
The Deputy National Youth Organiser, Edem Agbana, in a statement said the NDC Covid-19 Response Team had presented a proposal to President Akufo-Addo outlining all these recommendations.
“H.E JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA has also used every opportunity to call on the government to absorb utility tarrifs and increase the salaries of health workers as an incentive.
“We were advocating for these reliefs because we believe it was the right thing for government to do.
“Now that President Akufo-Addo has responded to the calls, albeit partially, I believe we should applaud the government and demand that more be done.”
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana