By Nana Asare Baffour
In the history of Ghana’s democracy, there has never been a greater deception, a more calculated betrayal of trust, than what the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unleashed upon Ghanaians under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama. Just six months into power, the very party that promised relief has instead delivered unbearable hardship, broken promises, and a trail of dishonesty that should leave every Ghanaian questioning their commitment to truth, justice, and progress.
Not long ago, Mahama and his team were on campaign platforms, clad in white and preaching hope to a nation grappling with the economic aftermath of COVID-19. They condemned the NPP’s introduction of the E-Levy and other taxes as wicked and insensitive. They painted a picture of a government that didn’t care about the poor Ghanaian, the suffering market woman, the struggling taxi driver, and the unemployed youth. And they swore without shame or hesitation that they would abolish these taxes if voted into power.
Ghanaians listened. Ghanaians believed. Ghanaians gave Mahama another chance, hoping for compassion, fairness, and economic salvation.
But what have we received in return?
In just half a year, utility bills have been hiked by an alarming 18.74%. The cost of living, which was already a burden, has now become a nightmare. The NDC government has imposed a new GHS 1.00 levy on every litre of petrol and diesel adding to an earlier GHS 0.95, making it a total of GHS 2.00 per litre. This means that every driver, trotro operator, and struggling worker must now pay more to survive, all while salaries remain stagnant and job opportunities vanish like mist at dawn.
This is not just an economic issue. It is a moral issue. It is about honesty. It is about leadership. It is about a party that rode into power on the back of lies and is now choking the very people it promised to save.
What’s worse is the chaos and contradiction within the NDC government itself. The Energy Minister claims the fuel levy will be used to buy fuel for generators. Meanwhile, the Finance Minister says the money will be used to settle energy sector debts. So which is it? Where is the truth? Or has truth become a luxury this government can no longer afford?
The tragedy of it all is that many of the NDC’s supporters and sympathisers continue to defend this betrayal. Some out of blind loyalty. Others out of ignorance. But a significant number do so because they believe they must support the party even when it is wrong because it is “their party.”
Let us be clear, poverty does not know party colors. High fuel prices do not ask whether you are NDC or NPP. Electricity tariffs don’t care about who you voted for. What Ghanaians need is leadership that tells the truth, governs with integrity, and puts the people first.
Unfortunately, John Mahama and the NDC have proven once again that they are not that kind of leadership. Their first six months in power have exposed their lack of direction, their thirst for control, and their disregard for the very people who entrusted them with a second chance.
Let this be a wake-up call for every Ghanaian who loves this country. Leadership is not about sweet words and empty promises. It is about sacrifice, responsibility, and service.
And if what we’ve seen in just six months is any indication of what the next four years under Mahama would look like, then God save Ghana.
