The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Haruna Mohammed, says the party remains committed to playing its role as a responsible opposition, holding the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) accountable for what he describes as unmet promises and worsening economic hardship facing Ghanaians.
Speaking on Joy Prime on Wednesday, January 14, Haruna Mohammed said the NPP has consistently kept the government in check, particularly over commitments made to the people of Ghana, which, according to him, have not translated into improved living conditions.
“We have remained a very responsible opposition party,” he said. “We are checking the government with the kind of promises they made to the people of Ghana and the failures we are seeing today.”
He noted that despite the festive season, many Ghanaians were unable to meaningfully celebrate Christmas and the New Year due to economic challenges.
“People are crying,” he said. “Even during Christmas and the New Year, families could not celebrate the way they used to because of the hardship.”
Mr Haruna Mohammed cited a recent interaction at a College of Education, where he attended a programme and engaged with students who raised concerns about worsening living conditions on campus.
“The students told me that this time around, they are taking one meal a day instead of the usual three,” he revealed, describing the situation as “very worrying.”
He expressed concern about the declining standard of living of teachers, warning that the trend reflects a broader deterioration in the socio-economic conditions of workers in the country.
“We are deteriorating,” he said. “The standard of living of our teachers is going down, and that tells you that something is seriously wrong.”
According to him, these realities underscore the need for a strong, vigilant opposition to continuously demand accountability from government.
“As long as we are in Ghana, we will remain a responsible opposition party to keep the government in check,” he stressed.
Touching on internal party discipline, Mr Haruna Mohammed said the NPP remains firm in enforcing its rules, insisting that no member is above the party’s constitution.
“That is why when someone misbehaves, the party calls the person to order,” he stated.
He explained that during the party’s recent National Council meeting, following deliberations with the National Executive Committee (NEC), leadership considered the cases of members who had appeared before disciplinary committees or had been suspended.
“We took a decision to grant amnesty to those who were before the disciplinary committee or had been suspended in one way or another,” he said, adding that the move was aimed at promoting unity within the party.
However, he was quick to caution that the amnesty should not be mistaken for tolerance of indiscipline.
Mr Haruna Mohammed said the party has since empowered its national leadership to deal decisively with any future acts of indiscipline.
“Some people have openly said they will not submit themselves to the rules of the party,” he noted. “Once you cross the line, definitely the party will issue a statement.”
He warned that any member who defies party rules going forward should expect firm and immediate action.
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