The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, criticized the NDC for selling over 300 factories built by Dr. Nkrumah, claiming it contributed to Ghana’s industrial decline. Former Speaker Prof. Oquaye supported this viewpoint, stating that many state-owned enterprises collapsed or were sold off under NDC rule, resulting in the erosion of the industrial sector. This debate raises concerns regarding the historical management of Ghana’s industrial assets and their present implications.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyiri, publicly criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for selling off the factories created by Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He argued in Parliament on February 25, 2025, that this decision contributed to the decline of Ghana’s industrial sector, stating, “Nkrumah built over 300 industries… At whose instance were all these factories sold like tomatoes?”
Additionally, former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Aaron Oquaye, accused the PNDC and NDC governments of actively dismantling the nation’s industrial framework. He noted that Ghana’s vibrant manufacturing sector remained intact as of December 31, 1981, but declined under the leadership of Jerry John Rawlings.
Prof. Oquaye mentioned that over 350 state-owned enterprises collapsed between 1981 and 2001 due to the government’s divestiture program. He lamented that these administrations eradicated the country’s industrial backbone, claiming, “The entire industrial base of this country was wiped out by the NDC administration.”
He illustrated his argument by listing several industrial enterprises that thrived in the late 1970s, which later fell into disrepair or were sold during the NDC’s rule, including Ghacem Cement, the Abosso Glass Factory, and multiple hotels. The critical assertion was that by 2001, many state-owned industries had either collapsed or were sold off.
Annoh-Dompreh reiterated the impact of these actions, emphasizing that Ghana is currently suffering due to the alleged negligence of the NDC. He vehemently expressed disdain for the party’s leadership under John Mahama, asserting that the government’s actions have had long-term detrimental effects on the nation’s economy.
The discourse highlights significant concerns relating to the industrial decline in Ghana, attributed to the actions of the NDC government. Annoh-Dompreh’s statements underscore a perceived neglect of the economic foundation laid by Dr. Nkrumah, while Prof. Oquaye’s observations provide historical context to this decay. Together, they emphasize a critical narrative about the management of Ghana’s industrial heritage and the long-lasting impact of policy decisions.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
