Cudjoe Slams NPP's Economic Narrative
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Accra, Ghana - February 28th, 2026 - Franklin Cudjoe, the prominent policy analyst and founding president of Imani Ghana, has launched a sharp critique of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government's handling of the Ghanaian economy, directly challenging recent assertions of improving economic conditions. In a statement released today, Cudjoe dismissed what he termed attempts to "rewrite the narrative" surrounding Ghana's ongoing economic difficulties, insisting that current hardships are a direct result of policy choices made by the NPP administration.
Cudjoe's comments come amidst a backdrop of increasingly complex economic realities for Ghanaians. While the government has recently emphasized signs of stabilization - including modest GDP growth reported in the last quarter of 2025 and a slight decrease in inflation - Cudjoe argues that these figures mask a far more precarious situation for ordinary citizens. He contends that the positive metrics do not reflect the lived experiences of a majority of the population still grappling with high costs of living, unemployment, and diminished purchasing power.
"The attempt to portray a rosy picture is, frankly, a disservice to the Ghanaian people," Cudjoe stated. "We need honest, transparent assessments of the challenges we face, not spin and selective data presentation. The problems are not external shocks alone; they are rooted in domestic policy failures."
Specifically, Cudjoe points to several key areas of concern. He highlights the substantial increase in public debt under the NPP government, citing a lack of fiscal discipline and an over-reliance on borrowing to fund infrastructure projects and recurrent expenditure. This debt burden, he argues, has severely constrained the government's ability to invest in crucial social services like healthcare and education, while simultaneously diverting resources away from productive sectors of the economy.
"The debt situation is unsustainable," Cudjoe explains. "Servicing this debt consumes a disproportionate share of our national revenue, leaving very little for development. We've essentially mortgaged our future."
Furthermore, Cudjoe criticizes the government's approach to managing the cedi, Ghana's national currency. While interventions have temporarily stabilized the exchange rate, he asserts that these measures are unsustainable in the long run and fail to address the underlying structural issues that contribute to currency depreciation. He suggests that a more fundamental overhaul of the economic model is necessary to foster a competitive and resilient economy.
The analyst also took aim at policies relating to the banking sector, suggesting that inadequate regulation and oversight contributed to the recent instability experienced by several financial institutions. He called for greater transparency and accountability in the financial system to prevent future crises and protect depositors.
Imani Ghana has been a vocal advocate for economic reform in Ghana for years, consistently publishing research and analysis on key policy issues. The organization's reports often provide alternative perspectives to those presented by the government, challenging conventional wisdom and promoting evidence-based policymaking.
Cudjoe's latest statements are likely to further fuel the ongoing debate about the state of Ghana's economy. Opposition parties have consistently criticized the NPP government's economic policies, and public dissatisfaction remains high. A recent survey conducted by the Afrobarometer research network indicated that a majority of Ghanaians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction economically.
Looking ahead, Cudjoe urges the government to prioritize inclusive growth, invest in human capital, and promote diversification of the economy. He believes that Ghana has the potential to achieve sustainable economic development, but only if policymakers are willing to acknowledge the challenges and embrace bold, innovative solutions. He specifically recommends a focus on strengthening local industries, promoting agricultural productivity, and investing in renewable energy sources.
"We need to move beyond short-term fixes and focus on building a robust and resilient economy that benefits all Ghanaians, not just a select few," he concluded. "That requires honesty, transparency, and a commitment to sound economic principles."
The government has yet to respond directly to Cudjoe's criticisms, but officials have consistently defended their economic record, citing external factors like global economic slowdown and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Ghana can overcome its economic challenges and regain a path to sustainable prosperity.
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[ https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Franklin-Cudjoe-slams-NPP-over-economic-record-rejects-revisionist-narrative-2023732 ]