BY Issah Olegor
National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress(NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has acknowledged growing frustrations among party supporters and ordinary Ghanaians over economic hardships, unemployment and delayed political rewards, as pressure mounts on the administration of President John Dramani Mahama about one and half years after returning to power.
Speaking during a meeting with constituency executives and party supporters in the Zabzugu Constituency on Tuesday, May 19, Asiedu Nketiah appealed for patience and loyalty among grassroots members who have become increasingly disappointed over limited job opportunities and the slow distribution of appointments under the current administration.
The NDC chairman admitted that not every supporter could immediately benefit from government after the party’s victory in the 2024 general elections, stressing that opportunities within government remain limited and cannot be distributed to everyone at the same time.
“You don’t all reap your benefit at the same time because whatever happens, you cannot have opportunities to go around everybody at the same time and in the same year. Some would have to benefit today, and then tomorrow will be your turn,” he told party supporters.
His comments come amid rising concerns within sections of the ruling party over what many grassroots activists describe as neglect and exclusion despite their sacrifices during the campaign season.
Across several regions, some supporters of the NDC have openly complained about unemployment, economic difficulties and what they see as growing disconnection between government appointees and the party base.
During his address, Asiedu Nketiah warned frustrated party supporters against abandoning the NDC or undermining the Mahama administration out of disappointment, arguing that switching political allegiance would not necessarily improve their circumstances.
In a direct political comparison, he referenced former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and questioned whether dissatisfied supporters genuinely believed they would secure better opportunities under the New Patriotic Party.
The NDC chairman insisted that despite current economic difficulties and frustrations, party unity remained essential if the government was to successfully implement its national recovery agenda and fulfil campaign promises.
His latest comments add to a growing internal conversation within the ruling party about the widening gap between improving national economic figures and the daily struggles facing ordinary Ghanaians.
While the Mahama administration has consistently highlighted signs of macroeconomic recovery, many citizens continue to complain about rising living costs, low spending power and limited economic opportunities at the household level.
Recent official economic data has pointed to significant stabilization in parts of the economy, including a decline in inflation, relative stability of the cedi and improvements in foreign reserves following Ghana’s exit from the International Monetary Fund Extended Credit Facility programme.
Government officials have repeatedly argued that these indicators demonstrate that the economy is gradually recovering after years of instability and debt restructuring challenges.
The administration has also promoted what it describes as a “national delivery agenda,” aimed at boosting local productivity, lowering borrowing costs and driving industrial growth through its proposed 24-hour economy programme.
However, despite the positive macroeconomic indicators, many Ghanaians say the impact has not yet been felt in their daily lives.
In several communities, traders, workers and small business owners continue to complain about high food prices, low business activity and reduced disposable income despite reports of falling inflation.
The concerns have been amplified by comments from some political analysts and local residents who insist that the improving economic statistics do not reflect the realities on the ground.
In parts of the country, residents continue to complain that there is “no money in the system,” with many businesses struggling to recover from recent economic shocks.
The frustrations have also been worsened by unresolved financial sector issues, particularly among customers affected by the collapse of some financial institutions who are still demanding full reimbursement of locked-up funds.
Despite the growing concerns, some pollsters and political analysts maintain that sections of the population remain optimistic about the direction of the economy.
Pollster Mussa Dankwah has recently suggested that some Ghanaians are beginning to show confidence in the improving economic environment under the Mahama administration.
Nevertheless, the contrast between official economic gains and the financial realities facing ordinary citizens continues to dominate national political discussions.
