The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has laid the blame for Ghana’s worsening economic conditions, which have resulted in untold hardships, suffering, and unbearable costs of living, on the doorstep of the Mahama government.

According to him, Ghana, which was once referred to as Gold Coast, has become a pale shadow of itself under the leadership of President Mahama, ensuing in widespread despondency amongst the populace.

“There is hardship and suffering everywhere in Ghana today. Once referred to as Gold Coast, Ghana, a nation blessed with an abundance of human and natural resources, is now drenched in poverty – levels never witnessed before in our history. Bad leadership is the reason for the suffering Ghanaians are currently going through,” he said.

Day 3 of Nana Akufo-Addo’s tour of the Greater Accra Region took him to the Trobu constituency, where he visited Pokuase, Ofankor, ‘Mile 7’, Tabora and Omanjor.

At the main Pokuase/Ayawaso GPRTU station, the NPP flagbearer urged taxi and trotro drivers, as well as petty traders to take a look at their circumstances, which continue to deteriorate under President Mahama, and vote in an Akufo-Addo-led NPP government in this year’s elections.

“This year, I want all of you to decide that this government, which has proven to be incompetent and incapable of doing the job, has to be changed and replaced with a good government, headed by Nana Akufo-Addo. My job, when you give me the mandate, will be the creation of the hundreds of thousands jobs needed for the teeming masses of unemployed youth. That will be my number one focus, when you vote for me,” he noted.

He assured the electorate of the creation of a new District for Trobu, “so we can hasten the process of providing potable water, good roads and development for the people of Trobu.”

At Ofankor, addressing a gathering of small business owners, taxi drivers and petty traders, Nana Akufo-Addo indicated that Ghana’s deteriorating monetary system, which has led to a weak currency, rising levels of inflation and high interest rates, is destroying businesses and resulting in job losses.

“It is only when we fix our monetary system that we can create a conducive environment where businesses will thrive. When businesses succeed, jobs will be created. So please support and vote for me. The NPP has the men and women to give this country a first class government. All we need is your support and I assure you that we will not disappoint you,” he added.

He also urged the electorate to retain the NPP’s candidate and incumbent MP for the constituency, Moses Anim, in the parliamentary election, so the party can achieve total victory in this year’s polls.

Nana Akufo-Addo’s next port of call was Omanjor, where residents emerged out of their homes, traders abandoned their wares, and taxi and trotro drivers jumped out their vehicles just to catch a glimpse of the NPP flagbearer.

Witnessing at first hand the deplorable nature of the road network leading to area, Nana Akufo-Addo assured the residents that his government, God-willing from January 2017, will ensure the construction of the road to aid in enhancing economic activity and also bring relief to residents and users of the road.

Drivers, Traders Lament

Drivers and traders at the various areas visited by Nana Akufo-Addo lamented about the difficulties they face with each passing day, brought about by the deteriorating nature of Ghana’s economy.

Gawusu Banda, the Chairman of the Pokuase/Ayawaso GPRTU station stated that “we all know what is going on in Ghana. Insurance premiums have increased, prices of petroleum products continue to increase by the day. When petrol prices are increased, the price of kenkey also goes up. There are complaints every day from drivers who use this station about their inability to make sales. I can say for a fact that there used to be a time when we used to make money in this station, and that was under the NPP.”

He therefore urged his colleague drivers to vote for Nana Akufo-Addo and Hon. Moses Anim in the elections, so the change they desire will come to fruition.

“Let us change this year and hope for the best from God. If you are a driver, you are a trader or you sell pure water in this station. From this day, make up your mind that you are going to vote for Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP in this year’s elections,” he concluded.