The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has called for the erection of billboards displaying enlarged photographs of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta at strategic locations across Ghana. This initiative aims to remind citizens of the economic record of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. Mr Koomson believes that the proposed billboards would serve as a visual reminder of the economic difficulties Ghana experienced during the NPP's eight-year tenure in government.
Mr Koomson's proposal was made on Ahotor FM's Yepe Ahunu programme on Saturday, September 26, 2026. He argued that the initiative would help keep the country's recent economic history in the public consciousness. This would enable Ghanaians to better appreciate the circumstances inherited by President John Dramani Mahama's administration. The public should be reminded of the economic conditions that preceded the current administration, particularly as the government implements policies aimed at addressing the challenges facing the economy.
The proposed billboards should be placed at prominent and strategic locations across the country where they would attract public attention. This would encourage citizens to reflect on Ghana's recent economic history. Mr Koomson explained that the initiative was intended to provide context to the economic policies and interventions being pursued by the current government. These efforts focus on stabilising the economy and addressing the consequences of previous fiscal and economic decisions.
Mr Koomson maintained that public discussion of the country's economic situation should not focus only on the measures being introduced by the current administration. It should also take into account the conditions under which it assumed office. Mr Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister under the NPP administration from 2017 until January 2024. His tenure covered a period during which Ghana experienced significant economic challenges, including high inflation, rising public debt, and a debt restructuring programme.
The country's economic difficulties became a major subject of public debate during the latter part of the NPP administration. This was particularly evident in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, with economic management emerging as one of the key issues discussed by political parties, organised labour, and other stakeholders. Mr Koomson's proposal comes amid continued debate over Ghana's economic recovery, fiscal management, and accountability, as the Mahama administration works to implement its economic programme.
Mr Koomson believes that keeping the previous administration's economic record before the public would help Ghanaians understand the scale of the challenges confronting the current government. This would also enable citizens to assess its efforts within the broader context of the country's recent economic history. The call adds to ongoing discussions about how governments should account for their economic records and how citizens can be provided with sufficient information to assess policy decisions and their impact on the country.
The proposal has sparked a national conversation about the importance of transparency and accountability in economic management. As the government continues to implement its economic programme, citizens are eager to engage in informed discussions about the country's economic future. The billboards, if erected, would serve as a constant reminder of the country's economic history and the challenges that lie ahead.
Key points
- Abraham Koomson proposes erecting billboards with Ken Ofori-Atta's photos to remind Ghanaians of NPP's economic record.
- The proposed billboards aim to provide context to the economic policies and interventions being pursued by the current government.
- The initiative seeks to promote transparency and accountability in economic management.
