By Leo Nelson
The governing National Democratic Congress has defended its performance after 17-months in office, insisting that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama has delivered steady economic and social progress while accusing the opposition New Patriotic Party of spreading misinformation and propaganda.
Speaking during the party’s “Setting the Record Straight” engagement, Deputy Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn, stated that the Mahama administration has taken decisive steps to stabilize the economy, restore investor confidence, and implement policies focused on improving the welfare of Ghanaians.
According to him, governance must go beyond policy implementation and include strong communication aimed at countering what he described as deliberate distortions by political opponents.
“The government has, within just 17 months in office, taken decisive steps to stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence, and implement people-centred policies”.
He commended the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu,, for the ongoing Government Accountability Series but argued that political misinformation requires a direct political response.
“Political misinformation requires a political response, firm, direct, and unapologetic. That is why setting the record straight is back.”
Falsehoods and Propaganda
Godwin Ako Gunn stressed that while the NDC welcomes criticism and public scrutiny, the party would not tolerate what he described as coordinated propaganda and misinformation campaigns.
He accused unnamed political actors of engaging in “character assassination” and attempts to mislead the public through false narratives about the government’s performance.
“Every line will be confronted with facts; Every distortion will be corrected with evidence,” he stated. According to him, the NDC remains committed to ensuring that Ghanaian voters receive accurate information about government policies and national developments.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Ghanaian voter is informed, not misled,” he added. Godwin Ako Gunn further urged party appointees and government officials to maintain discipline and professionalism in office to strengthen public confidence in the administration.
“In government, the most challenging aspect of public communication is having to justify avoidable missteps. So far, we have avoided that, and we must maintain that standard.”
Economic Indicators Highlighted
As part of the party’s defense of the Mahama administration’s performance, the NDC highlighted several economic indicators which it says demonstrate improvement in the economy over the past 17-months.
According to the party, Ghana’s economy reached an estimated value of 113 billion dollars in 2025, placing the country among the ten largest economies in Africa.
The NDC also pointed to inflation trends, claiming that the administration had recorded 15 consecutive months of decline, with inflation at 3.4 percent as of April 2025.
On fiscal management, the party stated that the government achieved a primary surplus of 2.6 percent of GDP, surpassing the original target of 1.5 percent, while recording a fiscal deficit of 3.1 percent.
The administration also highlighted tax reforms undertaken in early 2026, including the repeal of the E Levy, Betting Tax, COVID-19 Levy, Emissions Levy, and reforms to the Value Added Tax system.
According to the NDC, these measures were intended to reduce financial burdens on citizens while encouraging economic growth and investment.
Infrastructure and Energy Projects
The party also defended the government’s infrastructure agenda under the “Big Push” programme, which received allocations of GH¢13.6 billion in 2025 and GH¢30.8 billion in the 2026 budget.
The NDC stated that the government had settled outstanding contractor certificates under the initiative as of April 2026 to accelerate project execution across the country.
On road infrastructure, the party noted that over GH¢12 billion had been paid toward inherited road projects, including ongoing expansion works on the Kasoa Winneba highway.
The government’s handling of the energy sector was also highlighted during the presentation. The administration has paid approximately 1.47 billion dollars toward clearing energy sector arrears as part of efforts to resolve Ghana’s long-standing energy debt challenges.
Governance and Social Interventions
The NDC also defended government accountability and governance measures introduced since assuming office. According to the party, President Mahama directed all State Owned Enterprises to submit audited accounts and annual reports by April 2026, warning of sanctions for non-compliance.
The administration further pointed to austerity measures such as the ban on fuel allowances for ministers, reduction in the number of ministries, and the cancellation of satellite television subscriptions in government offices.
On security recruitment, the NDC stated that the government had doubled its target for security service recruitment from 20,000 to 40,000 personnel over a four year period.
The party also highlighted ongoing social intervention programmes, including the rollout of Free Primary Healthcare in 150 deprived districts with plans to extend coverage nationwide by 2028.
According to the NDC, the Mahama Cares medical trust fund is now operational with a 2026 budget allocation of GH¢2.259 billion to support treatment for non communicable diseases.
The party further stated that National Health Insurance Scheme coverage increased to 20 million people within one year, while tariffs paid to healthcare providers were increased by 120 percent to improve confidence within the health sector.
On transportation, the government said it had accelerated the deployment of 100 new Metro Mass Transit buses mandated to offer lower fares in response to rising fuel prices.
Godwin Ako Gunn concluded by urging party members to remain united and continue supporting the administration’s agenda. “Let us remain united, stay grounded, and continue to honour the trust Ghanaians placed in us through their decisive mandate,” he stated.