The former communication officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Ayinbisa has intensified criticism of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, arguing that past NPP programmes delivered more tangible benefits to the poor than those of its social democratic rivals, while accusing the current government of generating unprecedented public disillusionment.
Speaking on the Bluewaves Breakfast Show, Ayinbisa highlighted flagship initiatives implemented during previous NPP administrations, including the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) cash transfer scheme, the school feeding programme, Metro Mass Transit services, and free maternal healthcare. “We are a capitalist party, but when we are in power, we implement policies that are more social than those of the social democrats,” he said. “Every government builds roads, schools, and health centres, but we focus on what benefits the soul.”
He contrasted these measures with what he described as unmet expectations under the present NDC government. Ayinbisa recalled campaign messaging that suggested each job created would employ three people, a claim he said has not materialised. He further pointed to internal NDC discontent, citing Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande’s reported complaints that the government is not assisting party supporters, and General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey’s earlier remarks that some people do not want the government to succeed.
According to Ayinbisa, grassroots organisers who worked to bring the NDC to power are now expressing regret. He claimed one constituency women’s organiser feels ignored by the administration. He also stated that figures such as Dennis and Abor have “taken over the streets of Accra,” leaving some of those who campaigned for the NDC disillusioned enough to call for their votes to be withdrawn.
Particular criticism was directed at the recruitment process for the security services. Nearly one million people applied, approximately 500,000 were shortlisted, yet only about 10,000 positions were ultimately available. “From the onset, they knew they would recruit only 10,000, yet they allowed close to one million people to apply,” Ayinbisa asserted, presenting the episode as emblematic of raised and then dashed hopes.
Ayinbisa framed the current atmosphere as one of deep disappointment extending beyond the NPP into sections of the NDC itself. He maintained that while infrastructure projects are common to all governments, the NPP’s social interventions had a more direct impact on ordinary citizens’ daily lives.
The NDC has not yet issued a formal response to the specific claims.
By Gayheart Abraham
Source: Mybluewavesonline.com|Maurice Duncan/ Bolgatanga
