The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Abanga Yakubu Fusani, has announced plans for a nationwide protest over the rising cost of living, unemployment and alleged lack of accountability in public expenditure.
Dubbed “Yɛgye Yɛsika Demo”, the planned demonstration will also demand answers from government officials over the management of public funds, cocoa producer prices and the implementation of the government’s promised 24-hour economy policy.
In a statement shared on social media, Mr Fusani accused the government of failing to translate its reported macroeconomic gains into meaningful improvements in the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians.
He cited rising fuel prices, difficulties faced by students in paying hostel fees and financial constraints affecting businesses as evidence of the economic pressures confronting households and enterprises.
Demands for Accountability
The NPP Youth Organiser specifically called on Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Sports Minister Kofi Adams to account for public funds, declaring: “Enough is Enough! Okudzeto Ablakwa, bring our money! Sports Minister Kofi Adams, bring our money!”
He also questioned the cocoa producer price, demanding an explanation for the GH¢2,500 figure compared with GH¢3,100 referenced in his statement.
Mr Fusani further criticised the 20 per cent VAT on digital services, arguing that it would increase the financial burden on Ghanaians who depend on social media and other digital platforms for their livelihoods.
Questions Over Jobs and 24-Hour Economy
Turning to employment, he challenged the government to demonstrate progress in implementing its flagship 24-hour economy initiative.
“Where is the promised 24-hour economy: one job, three shifts, three people? Where are the jobs?” he questioned.
He argued that improvements in macroeconomic indicators would have limited significance if they were not reflected in increased employment opportunities, stronger businesses and improved household incomes.
“Celebrated macroeconomic indicators look artificial when ordinary pockets remain empty,” he stated.
Peaceful Protest
Mr Fusani said the planned demonstration would be peaceful and aimed at pressing the government to respond to public concerns about accountability, employment and economic hardship.
He maintained that arrests and other actions against political activists would not prevent citizens from demanding answers about the use of public resources.
“We are mobilising for a peaceful demonstration to demand accountability, jobs and relief. Arrests cannot silence these questions or divert attention from demands to account for public funds,” he declared.
The NPP Youth Organiser did not announce a date, venue or route for the proposed demonstration, indicating only that preparations were underway.
The claims and criticisms contained in the statement represent the position of the NPP Youth Organiser, and no government response was included in the announcement.
