Hon. Kwadwo Damoah, MP for Jaman South, has delivered a scathing critique of the President’s State of the Nation address, saying the high hopes pinned on his leadership have been dashed. Speaking during the 2026 State of the Nation Address debate, Damoah emphasised the pressing issues of unemployment, particularly in the private sector, and the struggles of cocoa farmers who’ve been overtaxed.
“Cocoa farmers have been overtaxed more than any other group in this country,” Damoah said, his voice laced with concern. “If you take a thousand cedis from a bag of cocoa, I don’t think the Ghana Revenue Authority can talk about unfairness. Who are we kidding?”
Damoah urged the president to shift focus towards local production, agriculture, and industry to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area. “We want emphasis on local production, Mr Speaker,” he stressed. “We need to produce for local consumption and exports. That’s the way to create jobs, reduce unemployment, and grow our economy.”
On the security front, Damoah welcomed the President’s plan to retool the Ghana Armed Forces but cautioned, “We want quality equipment, Mr Speaker. Not like the broken armoured personnel carriers between Brekoum and Genjine. We need equipment that works, not just any equipment.”
The MP also highlighted issues with pension payments, saying soldiers are still waiting for their dues. “They’re still waiting for their gratuities and pensions, Mr Speaker. It’s not right.”
He also expressed disappointment with the stalled Vasin Institute project, urging the government to invest more. “The former president initiated this project, and we gave it $25 million in seed money. Now, it’s just promises, promises… nothing’s happened. Invest in Vasin, mister speaker.”
Mr Damoah concluded by emphasising the need for tangible progress, saying, “The people deserve better, Mr Speaker. We need action, not just words.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
