Akufo-Addo's New 'Patapaa' Party Should Think About Ghanaian Contractors, Be Patriotic – Agbodza

The Minority Chief Whip, Governs Agbodza, has made a sarcastic suggestion to the followers of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should alter its name to "New Patapaa Party."

This is in response to the Akufo-Addo administration's intentions to fund the Accra-Tema Motorway project on behalf of a private company.

During the debate on the mid-year budget review in the House of Representatives, the Adaklu representative accused NPP members of lacking patriotism in their handling of national affairs.

Agbodza argued that the NPP government's actions are inconsistent with the principles implied by the party's moniker.

"This document indicates that the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIFF) will fund the Accra-Tema Motorway. Therefore, we will borrow money, place it in GIFF, and hire a foreign company to complete this task.

We can assure you that we will never support your cause. What is your party's moniker? Where is the New Patriotic Party's patriotism? You should change that middle name to 'patapaa' because it has nothing to do with patriotism, and when we advise you, you don't heed,' a member of the opposition party stated on the floor.

The lawmaker also criticized the government's insensitivity to the plight of Ghanaians, citing the excessive borrowing to hire a foreign entity when local contractors are capable of performing the same task.

Agbodza disapproved of the government's plan to borrow money that Ghanaian taxpayers will be required to repay and then award the funds to an international company.

If Ghanaian funds are used for the Accra-Tema Motorway project, it should be carried out by local contractors who are already owed GH15 billion, he emphasized.

"How can you borrow money that Ghanaians will pay back, and then give that money to a foreigner?" If we are to spend our money on the Accra-Tema Motorway, it must be constructed by Ghanaian contractors to whom you already owe GH15 billion. If they bring their own money, they can do the work, but my taxes will not be used to pay them."

The Minority Chief Whip criticized the government for failing to adhere to its party's name and for failing to prioritize local contractors despite owing them substantial sums.

He urged the NPP to reconsider its strategy and place the interests of Ghanaian citizens at the forefront of infrastructure initiatives.