In a candid discussion on “The Hot Seat” with Eamn from NSG News, Hon. Kwadwo Siaw, the NDC Regional Interparty & Civil Society Organization Chairman, criticized the ruling NPP government on several key issues, including healthcare, electoral integrity, and the escalating galamsey crisis.
Neglect of Healthcare: Unfinished NDC Projects
Hon. Siaw lambasted the NPP for failing to complete hospitals initiated by the NDC, arguing that finishing these projects could have alleviated the strain on the healthcare system and created job opportunities for nurses. He stated, “If the NPP had allowed the hospitals started by the NDC to be completed, Ghana would be employing more nurses by now,” highlighting a perceived lack of commitment to public health and employment.
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
Reflecting on the controversies of the 2020 election, Hon. Siaw expressed the NDC's dissatisfaction with the Electoral Commission, particularly its inconsistent reporting of election results. He affirmed the party's commitment to peace, noting that despite feeling the election was unfair, they chose not to protest out of respect for the law. However, he voiced concerns about the current electoral process's integrity, suggesting that the multiple result declarations have eroded public trust. “We did not take to the streets when we felt the election was rigged. But we cannot trust an electoral commissioner who declared over six different results for the same election,” he asserted.
Crisis Management: Ebola vs. COVID-19
Hon. Siaw compared the NDC’s response to the Ebola threat with the NPP’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the latter of being ill-prepared. He claimed that the NDC was better structured and financially equipped to manage emergencies without harming the economy. He criticized the NPP’s alleged mismanagement of funds set aside for crises, accusing them of deceit in their handling of the pandemic.
Galamsey and Environmental Concerns
Addressing the galamsey issue, Hon. Siaw discussed the severe impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s water resources. He condemned the practices of some miners and called for military intervention to protect water bodies from further damage. “The destruction of our water bodies by galamsey is a crisis. I suggest the government deploy the military across the nation to protect our waters,” he stated, acknowledging the difficulties faced by regulatory bodies due to poverty.
The NDC’s Vision for Mining Reform
Should the NDC regain power, Hon. Siaw promised strict measures to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources, including halting community mining and banning mining in rivers and forest reserves. He criticized the NPP for issuing too many mining licenses, asserting that an NDC government would reassess and limit such licenses.
A Call for Accountability and Change
Hon. Siaw’s remarks have sparked renewed discussions about the accountability of elected officials and the need to prioritize national development over party politics. The NDC’s commitment to tackling mining issues and their criticisms of the NPP’s governance raise important questions about the future of Ghana’s resources, healthcare, and democratic integrity.
NSG News will continue to track these developments, providing Ghanaians with the insights needed for informed discussions on the nation’s pressing challenges.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0