Pundits and opinion leaders often spearhead public opinions on governance but the reality of what citizens’ think about the government can be realized when the people are made to voice out their sentiments.
The curtains for the year 2018 has finally been drawn and some Ghanaians have assessed the performance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regime as well as their expectations from government in the coming year.
Speaking on the current state of the economy, governance, and the issue of corruption, a cross section of the public assert that the Akufo-Addo-led administration, although trying its best to make the country better, has a lot more to do.
On the current state of the country’s economy, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has admitted the economy is going through some trying times but however, dismissed concerns these difficulties amount to a crisis and assured citizens that the government is on top of the situation.
Akufo-Addo attributed the difficulties in the system to the “dramatic increase in crude oil prices” and the strengthening of the US dollar, at a meeting with the Ghanaian Community in New York, USA.
But citizens, in a recent interview with Ghanaweb expressed their displeasure about the hardships they have experienced in the past few months while hoping that 2019 becomes better for them.
“As for the economy, it is not good at all. Government must intervene and release money into the system because we are suffering. Look at my bags, I used to sell many but now I have been reduced to only a handful of customers because times are hand,” a business woman appeals.
The government has also been notified about the wide spread of prostitution among young women, especially between the ages of 12 and 16 who practice the illegal trade of selling their bodies through self-initiation, friends and family members to raise revenue.
Commenters, who were appalled surge in the trade, suggest Members of Parliament, Gender Ministry, and other government officials take quick measures in controlling the situation before it gets out of hands.
Bursting out his anger, a man who seemed to be in his mid-thirties said, “Lately, prostitution has become rampant and it you be surprised to find out that girls as young as 12, 16 years are indulging in the practice. When you go to Rawlings Park for instance, it is more like the headquarters of prostitution. It is very disgusting to say the least.”
Corruption has been a huge worry for many as the menace seems not to vanish soon. Immigration officers and the Police were the most mentioned culprits to indulge in the practice.
“Corruption is one of the most important areas government must tackle come next year. Immigration officers are one of those officials who frustrate people a lot at the borders. They charge us exorbitant fees claiming it’s for the government. Meanwhile, most of the monies charged go to their pocket. I’m really pleading with government to do something about this,” another citizen details his experience in an interview with Ghanaweb.
Other sentiments included the strengthening of the office of the Special Prosecutor, high employment rates, and huge investments in the agriculture sector in 2019.
