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Ghana ‘Scandalised’ by Rising Job Losses Under NDC, Claims Dr Adomako Kissi

Keywords: Ghana economy, job losses, unemployment, NDC government, 24-hour economy, COVID-19 levy, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, Ghana public revenue.

Introduction

The economic landscape of Ghana has become a focal point of intense debate following alarming comments from Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, the former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom. In a candid interview on the PleasureNews AM Show on December 31, 2025, Dr. Kissi asserted that the nation is currently “scandalised” by a surge in process losses and escalating unemployment rates.

This critique comes amidst the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s implementation of key economic policies, including the much-touted 24-hour economy initiative. As the country navigates its first year under the new administration, Dr. Kissi’s analysis paints a grim picture of the labor market and fiscal management, challenging the government’s narrative of economic recovery and strategic planning.

Key Points

Background

To understand the gravity of Dr. Kissi’s statements, one must look at the political and economic context of late 2025. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office with a strong mandate to revitalize the economy, largely campaigning on the promise of job creation and improved public sector welfare.

The “24-hour economy” was a flagship policy proposal intended to extend commercial activity beyond the traditional 9-to-5 window, thereby creating multiple shifts in retail, security, and service industries. The expectation was that this policy would absorb the country’s surplus labor force. However, as the administration moved from campaigning to governing, the economic reality appeared to diverge from the projected path, leading to public dissatisfaction.

Analysis

Dr. Adomako Kissi’s assessment offers a critical lens through which to view the current economic trajectory. His argument moves beyond simple political rhetoric to address structural issues within the Ghanaian economy.

The Disconnect Between Policy and Reality

The central theme of Dr. Kissi’s critique is the “scandal” of rising job losses under a government that explicitly promised the opposite. When a government introduces a 24-hour economy framework, the market expectation is an expansion of the labor force. Dr. Kissi argues that the current trend of “process losses”—a term that encompasses both direct termination of contracts and informal layoffs—suggests a contraction rather than expansion. This indicates that structural economic issues may be overpowering policy interventions.

Fiscal Discretion and Public Debt

Dr. Kissi’s commentary on public revenue is technically accurate regarding the flow of funds. Taxes paid by citizens indeed enter the Consolidated Fund. However, the government retains full discretion over how these funds are allocated. The critique lies in the prioritization of spending. The decision to abolish the COVID-19 levy is contentious because it was a “hypothecated tax”—a tax collected for a specific purpose (healthcare). Removing this revenue stream while simultaneously failing to pay nurses and doctors suggests a liquidity crisis or a misalignment of fiscal priorities.

The Healthcare Emergency

By highlighting the lack of oxygen in ambulances, Dr. Kissi shifts the debate from abstract economic figures to tangible human consequences. If true, this situation represents a failure in the supply chain management of the National Ambulance Service. It suggests that even if funds are theoretically available, the operational mechanisms to deliver essential services are broken. This “embarrassment” undermines the government’s ability to project strength and competence in managing public welfare.

Practical Advice

For stakeholders, including policymakers, business owners, and citizens, Dr. Kissi’s revelations suggest several actionable steps to navigate the current economic climate:

For Policymakers

The government must prioritize transparency in revenue allocation. If the COVID-19 levy is abolished, the government should explicitly detail how the savings are being redirected to cover healthcare salary arrears. Furthermore, the 24-hour economy initiative requires a review; it cannot succeed on policy alone without addressing the underlying high cost of doing business and energy security, which are critical for night operations.

For Job Seekers and Professionals

Given the reported rise in process losses, individuals should focus on skills diversification. The traditional employment sectors are under stress. Professionals should look toward the digital economy and entrepreneurship, as the formal job market is currently saturated. Additionally, healthcare professionals owed salaries should engage in collective bargaining through their unions to ensure their grievances are formally addressed.

For Investors

Investors should monitor the fiscal stability of the nation closely. The removal of revenue streams (like the COVID-19 levy) without clear alternative funding for essential services can signal broader fiscal instability. Caution is advised until the government demonstrates a clear path to balancing the budget without compromising essential services.

FAQ

Conclusion

Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi’s comments on December 31, 2025, serve as a stark audit of the current administration’s first year. By labeling the situation “scandalised,” he underscores the severity of the gap between the promise of a thriving 24-hour economy and the reality of rising unemployment and unpaid public sector workers.

The core tension lies in fiscal management: how the government utilizes public revenue. The abolition of specific taxes, such as the COVID-19 levy, amidst a crisis in healthcare funding, raises legitimate questions about prioritization. As Ghana moves forward, resolving the unemployment crisis and ensuring that public revenue translates into tangible services—like fully stocked ambulances and paid medical staff—will be the true measure of the government’s success.