John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, has strongly condemned the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange ProgramME (DDEP), asserting that it has caused widespread hardship among Ghanaians.

Speaking at Kasoa, in the Awutu Senya East Constituency as part of a campaign tour of the Central Region, Mr. Mahama highlighted the silent suffering many are enduring due to the DDEP which he claims the government has handled with indifference.

Mr. Mahama referenced the recent passing of Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo, CEO of Kama Group, a vocal critic of the DDEP, to illustrate the programme’s negative impact.

“Government bonds are supposed to be the safest investments in the world, but not in Ghana under the NPP,” he stated, emphasising the unprecedented financial strain on citizens who previously trusted in government-backed securities.

He also expressed his disapproval of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s decision to unveil a statue of himself, questioning the appropriateness of such an action during a time of economic crisis.

Mr Mahama urged the President to focus on addressing the nation’s economic issues, rather than on self-promotion.

"Achievements should speak for themselves," he argued, noting that many Ghanaians are facing difficult circumstances while such symbolic gestures are prioritised by the government.