Sammi Awuku, National Organiser of the NPP
The Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led administration has largely received commendations, both home and abroad, for its handling of the novel coronavirus pandemic. This, the National Organiser of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammi Awuku, says will be a major campaign tool in the December elections.
The government, as part of its handling of the pandemic, has devoted GH¢1.2 billion Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) to support households and businesses. Out of this amount, GH¢280 million is being used to provide food for the vulnerable and free water for all Ghanaians for three months, i.e. April, May and June; GH¢323 million is being used to motivate health workers; and GH¢600 million of assistance is being provided to micro, small and medium-scale businesses.
Government, during the lockdown, spent at least GHC2 million daily to feed some 400,000 vulnerable people in the affected areas. Also to mitigate the hardship, the policy rate has been brought down by about 150 basis points to support businesses.
According to Mr Awuku, the Akufo-Addo government has proven beyond reasonable doubt that it is up to any challenge, given the success chalked in fighting the pandemic.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, on Tuesday April 28, the NPP National Organiser said, while the government had not anticipated the pandemic, its successful handling of the situation will feature prominently in the governing party’s campaign for re-election.
Accusation
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the government of poorly handling the pandemic. The opposition party singled out the social intervention programme, during the lockdown, and accused the government of sharing food on partisan lines.
The party’s flagbearer, former President Mahama, who said the sharing of the cooked meal was shambolic, also started feeding some households whom he claimed were neglected by the government.
Ugly noises
But, according to Mr Awuku, the ‘ugly noises’ being made by the NDC is because they are alarmed at the goodwill the NPP is enjoying few months to the elections.
He explained that, due to the praises being heaped on President Nana Akufo-Addo for his handling of the pandemic, the opposition party is moving heaven on earth to demonise him.
“The NDC will not see anything good in how government is handling COVID-19, but they failed in handling cholera outbreak,” he jabbed.
The NPP National Organiser is certain Ghanaians will renew the mandate of President Akufo-Addo for his proven track record and how effective he is leading the coronavirus fight.
Mr Awuku said the government will not be distracted in the COVID-19 fight to save lives and property.
