A recent address by President John Mahama outlining his 120-day social contract with Ghanaians has sparked mixed reactions from the public. Emmanuel Senyo Amekplenu, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, has criticized the President’s speech, calling it “not anything new or extraordinary.”
During an appearance on the Prime Morning Show on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Amekplenu expressed his disappointment with the President’s address, stating that it lacked substance and failed to impress the Ghanaian public. He compared Mahama’s renewed commitment to a struggling student trying to redeem himself after repeated failures, suggesting that the President is attempting to make amends for past shortcomings.
In a sarcastic tone, Amekplenu also accused the Mahama administration of deceiving Ghanaians and manipulating public perception to create the illusion of progress. He highlighted the irony of some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) criticizing the Akufo-Addo administration for tariff increases while implementing similar hikes themselves, such as a 14% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.0% rise in water tariffs.
Touching on the issue of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which regulates mining operations in forest reserves, Amekplenu reminded Ghanaians that President Mahama had promised to repeal the law rather than amend it. He emphasized the importance of holding the President accountable for his promises and ensuring that genuine progress is made.
Overall, Amekplenu’s critique of President Mahama’s address highlights the skepticism and scrutiny that political leaders face from both their opponents and the public. As Ghana continues to navigate its political landscape, it is essential for citizens to engage critically with government policies and hold elected officials accountable for their actions.
