Minority Leader Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Slams Mahama’s 2026 SONA as “Settings and Propaganda,” Questions 1 Million Jobs Claim
Ranking Member on the Committee on Economy and Development and former Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has sharply criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, describing it as largely “settings” a term implying polished but disconnected rhetoric — and accusing the government of relying on its own propaganda rather than addressing the lived realities of ordinary Ghanaians.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme shortly after the President concluded his address to Parliament, Mr Oppong Nkrumah directly challenged several key claims made during the SONA, most notably the assertion that over one million jobs were created between Q1 and Q3 2025.
“Where are the one million jobs the President claimed have been created? This does not reflect the reality of people’s lives,” he stated. “It has been one year and two months, and they still have the opportunity to stop the spread of false narratives.”
He argued that the government has become “convinced of its own propaganda” and urged a major course correction:
“They need to go into the communities and listen to what people are actually saying and respond accordingly. The President should not rely on those who tell him that one million jobs have been created; everyone knows that is not true. If you express this belief publicly, you could face backlash. It’s time to reject that narrative.”
Broader Critique
Oppong Nkrumah’s remarks reflect the Minority’s overall assessment of the address as heavy on optimistic framing but light on tangible, verifiable solutions to persistent challenges such as:
- High cost of living and electricity tariffs
- Persistent unemployment and underemployment among youth
- Ongoing difficulties in the cocoa sector following producer price cuts
- Power supply reliability and prepaid meter complaints
- Environmental and security threats from galamsey
He reiterated the Minority’s earlier position that many of the government’s flagship promises — including aspects of the 24-hour economy lack grounding in effective demand and real economic fundamentals.
The Minority Leader’s response sets the tone for what is expected to be a robust parliamentary debate on the SONA over the coming days, with opposition MPs likely pressing for detailed breakdowns of job creation figures, poverty reduction metrics, and evidence supporting claims of macroeconomic stability and investor confidence.
The government and Majority Caucus are anticipated to defend the President’s assertions, pointing to Ghana Statistical Service data, current account surpluses, cedi appreciation, and structural reforms as proof of progress despite inherited challenges.
