Ralph Poku-Adusei, the Member of Parliament for Bekwai and a devoted Catholic, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 State of the Nation Address.

Poku-Adusei’s criticisms stemmed from the President’s claim of creating over one million jobs, which according to him, starkly contrasts with the Finance Minister’s report in the 2026 Budget (page 80, paragraph 573) indicating that only 9,553 job seekers had been placed in employment.

According to the MP, as a product of a Catholic upbringing and a former mass servant, his words carry a sense of moral urgency for the president to rectify the error.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, he questioned, “Is there no fear of God in man, Mr Speaker?" calling for accountability from the president.

The MP emphasised this discrepancy, highlighting the need for accurate and reliable data to inform policy decisions and public discourse.

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The MP reminded Parliament that Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution mandates a truthful and factual message on the current state of the nation, rather than a platform for campaign promises or a reiteration of the 2026 Budget.

He stressed that macroeconomic gains, such as lower inflation and a stronger cedi, must translate into tangible relief for ordinary Ghanaians.

He further noted that, despite the much-touted economic transformation, the purchasing power and household disposable incomes of most Ghanaians have been eroded by high utility tariffs and other rising costs.

As citizens, the MP suggested, there is a need for informed discussions about the nation’s progress and for leaders to be held accountable for their commitments.

AM

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