Assembly Member Scores President John Mahama’s First Year in Office with High Marks

Kikam: Mr. Paul Kodwo Kwaw, the Assembly Member for the Kikam electoral area in the Ellembelle District, has praised President John Dramani Mahama's performance in his first year in office. He stated that the President's efforts have provided significant economic relief to many Ghanaians. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kwaw, in an interview at Kikam in the Western Region, emphasized that a majority of the President's campaign promises have been fulfilled within the first year. Legislative Instruments, Regulations, and other measures have been enacted to initiate key promises such as the 24-hour Economy, Women's Bank, and Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities and vulnerable groups. Mr. Kwaw noted positive signs in the current economy but acknowledged that certain commodities did not reflect these improvements, leading to public dissatisfaction. Specifically, in the mining sector, concerns have arisen due to the sharp appreciation of the cedi against the dollar. Additionally, he pointed out that the reduction in fuel prices has not translated into lower transportation costs, causing further complaints among commuters. He proposed that the government should enhance the consumer protection agency by upgrading it to an Authority to enforce a price control regime. Mr. Kwaw expressed hope that the new Value Added Tax (VAT) regime would benefit all, particularly those dealing in import-driven commodities like cement and spare parts. Despite the constant reductions in fuel prices, Mr. Kwaw remarked that transportation costs have not decreased correspondingly. Addressing the absence of major corruption scandals during the year, he, as the focal person of the anti-corruption group at the Ellembelle District Assembly, mentioned that they are awaiting the 2025 Auditor-General's report.