Accra: Aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kofi Tonto, has voiced strong criticism against the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the party of economic mismanagement and failure to adequately support public sector workers.
According to Ghana Web, Tonto made these remarks during an appearance on Good Afternoon Ghana on Metro TV, where he rejected claims that the previous administration left behind a "junk economy."
Tonto emphasized that despite economic challenges, the Akufo-Addo administration managed to pay teachers and nurses, and supported government workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing full salaries with an additional 50 percent tax-free bonus. He contrasted these actions with the current government's performance, led by President John Dramani Mahama, highlighting issues such as the inability to pay teachers and nurses, and significant increases in electricity, water, and sustainability taxes.
Tonto also criticized the extension of the sunset clause and new charges on insurance, which he claimed have further burdened citizens. Furthermore, he took aim at the government's anti-corruption efforts, particularly the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative, dismissing it as ineffective. He referenced statements by Attorney General Dominic Ayine, suggesting that figures associated with ORAL were not based on thorough investigations, and questioned the approach to fighting corruption.
Additionally, Tonto criticized President Mahama for allowing unverified figures to be published, particularly those presented by Okudzeto Ablakwa. He also expressed skepticism over reports that the government intended to recover $240 million from the Bank of Ghana, questioning the rationale behind such claims.
Tonto concluded by questioning the seriousness of the government's actions, using the phrase "frakadam, awam at one government" to describe the NDC's approach.