Member of Parliament for Weija Gbawe and Second Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has criticised the NDC government’s “reset” agenda, saying it is eroding public confidence in state institutions rather than restoring it.
In a statement addressed to his “dear NDC colleagues in government”, Hon. Shaib said the much-advertised “reset” was “proving to be quite something”.
“If the aim was to reset public confidence in state institutions, then you are achieving that — but in the wrong direction,” he stated.
The MP argued that while “reset” and “24-Hour Economy” were powerful slogans, “slogans must translate into conduct.”
“Increasingly, the gap between message and method is raising concern,” he added.
Hon. Shaib cited the recent arrests of critics, naming Abronye and Baba Amando, as examples that “add to the impression of intolerance and the arrogance of power”.
He urged the government to “learn from Akufo-Addo and Bawumia and show restraint, particularly under provocation”, adding that “the true test of leadership is not how it plays to the gallery but how it responds to dissent.”
On national security, the Weija-Gbawe legislator questioned why the country still lacks a substantive minister of defence following the death of Dr Omane Boamah in August 2025.
“The nation, especially our men and women in green, are wondering why they still don’t have their substantive minister of defence,” he said. “They feel disrespected. They worry about toying with such a strategic portfolio.”
Hon. Shaib said leaving a vacuum at the Defence Ministry for such a long time “is not exactly reassuring” and noted that Finance Minister Ato Forson, who is acting in the role, “has more than enough on his plate”.
“Some even worry that there is some fetish around it in your mind; that is why you are afraid to act decisively on appointing someone,” he stated.
While noting that he could “step back and watch how this plays out politically” as “our formidable candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, leads the NPP’s reorganisation towards 2028″, Hon. Shaib stressed that “Ghana’s democracy is bigger than any party.”
“If you cannot build, at the very least, do not set us back,” he said.
He concluded by addressing President John Dramani Mahama directly: “The responsibility to reassure the nation through both action and tone rests with you.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
