National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress Sammy Gyamfi has said time has vindicated his incessant attacks on President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia as deceitful, “419” politicians willing to say and do anything for the sake of power.
Speaking to the University of Cape Coast student wing of the NDC TEIN, Sammy Gyamfi told the students that when they go home, they should make sure they educate their parents and neighbours about thw “wickedness and scam” of Akufo-Addo and Bawumia as the free water and electricity they provided is now being paid for in taxes when all other nations are reducing public burden.
This comes after Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah indicated that Ghanaians would have to pay for the free provision of water and electricity introduced by the government in 2020 in new taxes announced as part of this year’s budget.
It will be recalled President Akufo-Addo in April 2020, announced a free utility package for the vulnerable in the country to lessen the virus’ negative impact following a lockdown in Accra and Kumasi .
Again, Akufo-Addo in his 21st address to the nation said, “With the continuing difficulties occasioned by the pandemic, I want to state that government intends to continue to support the most vulnerable in our society.
“Government will, thus, continue to pay the electricity bills for our nation’s one million active lifeline customers for the next three months, i.e. January, February and March.”
But speaking on Multimedia Platform PM: Express, Mr Nkrumah said “It was free to the people of Ghana at the time” but now is the time to pay for it because for the IPPs, it was not free.
“When we say free electricity it doesn’t mean that the IPP producer is also going to say because the President has said free electricity I won’t charge for it.”
Mr Nkrumah said Ghana has spent about ¢19 billion on Covid-19 related issues and that includes the relief package on the utilities and had to be paid for in taxes.
Sammy Gyamfi believes this is nothing short of “419” deceit.
“Akufo-Addo and Bawumia said they were giving free water and free electricity. Now we are seeing taxes to pay for it at a time when all other nations are reducing the burden on their citizens… Akufo-Addo and Bawumia are deceitful 419 politicians”, he said to wide applause.
Mr. Sammy Gyamfi urged the students to work hard for the NDC to capture power in 2024.