Aah, it's nice to be back. I have to admit, I was starting to feel a little left out, lying in my sick bed, listening to all the fun stuff that has been happening this week.
Well, I WAS here for the kick-off on Monday, when we kick-started a conversation in advance of the President's State of the Nation Address for 2015. An economist from Legon was here to help us understand exactly how much of the President's speech we should pay attention to. We learnt that the President has made several promises, both in previous addresses, and in the party manifesto, which his administration has failed to meet.
He said he would maintain single digit inflation. Well, last time we checked, BoG pegged inflation at over 16%.
He also said he would ensure currency stability. Last year, the cedi depreciated by about 34%. Not even divine intervention did enough to reverse this trend.
And then he said our economy under him, would grow by no less than 8% each year. Well, again, last year, growth was 4.1%. Half of what he said we would manage.
So beyond the fact that the constitution enjoins him to come and say something to us once a year, how do we justify placing any level of faith in the President's ability to actually fulfil any of the promises he makes?
On Tuesday, we talked about Osafo Marfo's alleged racial slur. So let's recap: The man was talking to people in the Eastern Region. He told them to vote for one of their own into office as president, rather than let someone from another region come and rule over them and the resources they largely produce. Now, the tape is out, and two things are happening.
1. The majority is saying this is proof that the whole NPP is tribalistic. Well, if the whole party is to be judged by the utterances of one member, then in 2016, don't bother printing a manifesto. Just put up pictures of Sam George everywhere.
2. Osafo Marfo is saying the tape was doctored. Haba! Are we all children? Why must we believe fairy tales? You said it. Own it. If you think it was wrong, apologise. If you think it was right, explain. But when you come and tell us that you were there, you talked about the things that were discussed on the tape, but you didn't say the thing we can all hear you saying, then you're suggesting that we are all of diminished mental capacity. Is that really the message you wish to communicate? Please, own it, ai, na you are a leader. Children are watching you.
On Wednesday, we brought you the Joy FM Power Forum. A group of Power experts came together to find "The Now Solutions" to Dumsor. People who cared about this issue, people who were affected by this crisis, all came there to seek a solution together. Maybe that will explain why the Power Ministry was not represented there.
Thursday was the day on which the State of the Nation's address was read. The President gave a pretty good performance. It seemed quite heartfelt. He said he would solve the Dumsor. He said he would transform the economy. He said he would provide free SHS. So basically, the same stuff he promised last year and still hasn't delivered.
How much faith do you have in his ability to deliver this year? That will actually be one of the things we are discussing on today's show. We certainly want your voice on this and many other issues, so get ready to be a part of this Fantastic Friday Morning edition of everybody's favourite breakfast - The Super Morning Show.
My name is Kojo Yankson, and it's been a week of Performance, Power, Politics and the President.
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