The Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Yandoh, has accused President John Dramani Mahama of misleading Ghanaians over the true state of debt at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Speaking on the Wontumi Morning Show hosted by Kweku Kyeremanteng Nkansah, Mr. Yandoh questioned the President’s claim that the previous NPP administration left a debt of GH¢32 billion at COCOBOD.
“The figures being put out by the President simply do not add up. You cannot tell Ghanaians there is a GH¢32 billion debt and then turn around to say only GH¢755 million has been paid,” he stated.
He described the situation as “totally disappointing,” insisting that the President has failed to meet expectations regarding the management and clearance of the debt.
“Ghanaians were promised clarity and action, but what we are seeing now is far from what was assured,” Mr. Yandoh added.
Mr. Yandoh also took aim at the National Democratic Congress (NDC), criticizing what he described as the party’s inconsistent position on the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy introduced under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
According to him, the policy has significantly improved access to secondary education, particularly for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
“Free SHS has changed lives. Many children who would have stayed at home are now in school because of this policy,” he emphasized.
He further criticized the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, accusing him of previously opposing the policy but now benefiting from its outcomes. He cited activities tied to the upcoming Ashantifest, where students benefiting from Free SHS were reportedly engaged in painting exercises.
“If not for Free SHS, would these students even be in school to take part in such activities? We must be honest with ourselves,” he questioned.
Additionally, Mr. Yandoh expressed disappointment in residents of the Ashanti Region, claiming they have not shown sufficient appreciation for infrastructure projects undertaken by the previous NPP administration, particularly the construction of interchanges.
“It is embarrassing that major projects like interchanges are overlooked, yet we celebrate relatively minor activities,” he remarked.