The Minority in Parliament has accused President Nana Akufo-Addo of shying away from the spiralling unemployment figures under his watch during his latest and final State of the Nation Address to Parliament delivered on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. 

In a notable development, however, Mr Richard Ahigbah, the Director of Communication for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has jumped to the president's defence, providing some employment figures.

In an X post on Wednesday, Mr Ahiagbah explained that Ghana's One-District-One-Factory (1D1F) initiative has successfully generated 170,000 jobs, showcasing positive strides towards economic growth.

However, he said “recent challenges have surfaced, with allegations that exemptions for companies under the initiative are being hindered by opposition members”.

He contended that further job creation opportunities are at stake due to what his party claims is obstruction from National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs). 

He added that the NDC and former President John Mahama are impeding the smooth implementation of the initiative by blocking crucial exemptions for participating companies.

“The 1D1F initiative, aimed at promoting industrialisation and creating jobs across the nation, has been a flagship programme for the current administration,” he stressed.

He noted that 170,000 jobs created thus far mark a significant milestone, but the current dispute over exemptions threatens to impede further progress.

He called for cooperation and bipartisan support, urging the NDC and its MPs to reconsider their stance on the exemption matter. 

He was worried the debate surrounding the 1D1F initiative has now become a focal point in the political discourse, with the upcoming decisions having potential ramifications for the employment landscape in the country. 

“As Ghanaians navigate this complex scenario, the call to "say NO to Mahama & the NDC" echoes through the corridors of political debate, underscoring the urgency for collaboration to ensure the continued success of the 1D1F initiative,” he concluded.