The Member of Parliament for New Juaben North, Nana Osei-Adjei, has called on the government to provide tangible evidence that its economic promises are benefiting Ghanaians, amid growing concerns over high living costs, job creation, and access to affordable finance.
Speaking during a debate on the President’s message on the State of the Nation address to Parliament, Mr. Osei-Adjei argued that while the President repeatedly highlights economic achievements, ordinary citizens are yet to see the results.
“The State of the Nation is actually, most often than not, the health of the nation—where we were and where we are going,” he said, pointing out troubling similarities between the 2025 and 2026 addresses.
The MP questioned the government’s claims on job creation, noting that while officials boast of one million jobs, the Ghana Statistical Service reports only 600,000. He emphasized that macroeconomic indicators, however brilliant on paper, must translate into real-world outcomes, including jobs, accessible credit facilities for businesses, and growing industries.
“We are not eating macro indicators,” he said, pressing the government to ensure that economic gains reach the people.
Nana Osei-Adjei also criticized the government for what he described as a lack of transparency in acknowledging the work of previous administrations.
He cited government praise for vessels fighting piracy, which were actually purchased under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration.
“In everything that we do, you need to give to Caesar what Caesar deserves,” he said, urging accurate representation of achievements.
The MP’s strongest criticism focused on access to affordable loans, challenging the government to provide proof that banks are lending at 10–11 percent interest rates, which were touted as enabling women and small businesses to access capital.
“If the deputy finance minister cannot name the banks offering these rates, our women cannot benefit from these promised opportunities,” he said, urging the need for accountability in programs such as the proposed women’s development bank.
The lawmaker further questioned the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative, noting the absence of new industries, a national framework, or budget lines supporting continuous production and job creation.
“Promises alone will not sustain an economy,” he said, urging the government to focus on practical, measurable results.
The New Juaben North MP called for honesty and clarity, insisting that while macroeconomic successes must reflect in the daily lives of Ghanaians through jobs created, businesses thriving, women accessing affordable loans, and citizens witnessing genuine economic growth.