Abuakwa South MP Flags Economic Strain, Questions ‘Seatbelt’ Warning in SONA

Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South and Health Committee member, has raised concerns over President John Mahama’s depiction of Ghana’s economic outlook during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), suggesting that the President’s own words highlight ongoing economic hardship rather than stability.

In his SONA, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to “fasten their seatbelts” as the government implements reforms intended to stabilise and transform the economy, acknowledging potential short-term difficulties but promising long-term gains.

However, Dr. Agyemang interprets the metaphor as a warning to citizens already experiencing financial strain. He cited rising unemployment, reductions in cocoa prices, rapid depletion of prepaid electricity credits, and trader protests against the 20 per cent VAT as evidence that many households and businesses continue to feel the pinch.

“When a President tells citizens to fasten their seatbelts, it signals turbulence, not comfort or stability,” Dr. Agyemang stated. He stressed that leadership communication often mirrors real conditions, and that many Ghanaians have yet to see tangible relief from government policies.

The legislator questioned the viability of the 24-hour economy policy under current conditions, highlighting inconsistent electricity supply and growing operational costs for businesses. He also noted mounting frustrations among cocoa farmers and small-scale traders, suggesting that structural reforms must be accompanied by immediate relief measures.

Youth unemployment, Dr. Agyemang added, remains a pressing concern, with assurances of job creation needing to translate into real opportunities at the constituency level.

“Economic recovery is important, but governance should be judged by results, not rhetoric,” he said, urging the administration to provide visible stability and relief that matches its promises.

The MP concluded by reiterating that the “seatbelt” metaphor reflects a real economic turbulence, and called on the government to demonstrate concrete measures to ease the burdens on ordinary Ghanaians.