NPP Honeymoon Over - Gov't Faces Hard Times

Just two years, after entering office, the enormous good will, which the New Patriotic Party (NPP) enjoyed from most Ghanaians at the start of their term, seems to have evaporated.

In 2001, the NPP administration enjoyed a cozy honeymoon with the public, workers and the press and it seemed they could do no wrong. Even early potentially damaging scandals like the Mallam Issa issue and the Sahara Oil saga, which would have become major issues in the previous NDC government, were brushed aside as mere mistakes. Even the astronomical increase in utility and fuel prices which would have triggered massive demonstration and outcries in the NDC era were accepted in the spirit of goodwill by most Ghanaians. However, this spirit of goodwill is wearing thin in the face of certain government actions and inactions.

Recent developments in the public arena indicate that the plain ground offered to the NPP administration is gradually turning rough as within the last four months, workers of more than five state institutions have gone onto the street to advertise their displeasure about certain policies of government. While some of the workers union made their move to call for the removal of their bosses and Board of Directors while others were calling for better remuneration. Barely two months ago the Volta Region Branch of the Trade Union Congress went onto the street to protest against the government’s proposed minimum wage and their demonstration was followed with subsequent ones including that of the Tema branch.

A section of the workers union of State Housing Company also demonstrated against their management who they claimed were not treating them well. Workers of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority registered their misgivings about their management and unflavoured treatment meted on their colleague workers by management. Polytechnic teachers association of Ghana (POTAG) has just gone on negotiation table to join UTAG who are already on negotiation table with the government after some days of strike actions. Perhaps the most serious one was the last week’s massive demonstration by VRA workers in Accra and Akosombo at the end of which the government was given an ultimatum to remove the CEO of the Volta River Authority. Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby by Friday or the country faces the consequences.

Free Press followed closely the development and the inaction on the part of government especially the agitation of the VRA staffs over the mismanagement of the VRA. The VRA workers bitterly complained about the diminishing of the corporate image they enjoyed over the years. Two days ago, the Ghana Highways Authority workers presented their petitions to TUC executives and the Ministry of Roads and Transport agitating for a fair remuneration from the government.

Despite al these agitation the government seems unconcerned about the issues being raised by the groups. It can be recalled that in the later days of the NDC’s administration there were demonstration upon demonstration which made their government unpopular to the electorates. It is therefore penitent for the NPP government to wake up to the calls of these workers which represents a cross-section of electorates if its want to maintain and keep power for some period in Ghana.