Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi and former Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has addressed claims that the government spent COVID-19 relief funds recklessly, explaining the economic rationale behind the expenditures.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said:
“Some are claiming that we spent the COVID money without accountability. Let me explain. Ghana’s economy revolves around what we call the ‘Golden Triangle’—Accra, Takoradi, and Kumasi. During the lockdown, these regions, which generate the bulk of government revenue, were shut down. For a month, there was almost no revenue coming in.”
He further explained the challenges of taxing the economy during the pandemic.
“If we had tried to levy the economy at that time, it would have taken a year to see any meaningful revenue. Meanwhile, the government still had to pay teachers, all public sector workers, and provide support to citizens. Unlike the U.S., where programs like FELO helped individuals, we in Ghana paid salaries and even provided free water and electricity to help people cope.”
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah also defended the COVID-19 levy introduced later.
“When the debt burden rose, we had to go to the IMF because the economy was hit hard. That’s why we introduced the COVID levy to stabilize the situation. Now, the NDC came to power promising to remove it, but they have not. Why? Because it continues to help the economy. When we were in government, some people accused us of misusing the funds, even blaming me personally. Today, the same mechanisms are benefiting the country.”
He welcomed President John Mahama’s recent admission at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, noting the long-term economic impact of the pandemic.
“I’m happy the President acknowledged that COVID-19 set the global economy back by 20 years. We spent money to revive Ghana’s economy, but at the time, people used it against us politically. It is only fair that the truth is recognized.”
During the UN General Debate on September 23, 2025, President Mahama outlined his vision for African health sovereignty, a concept he calls the “Accra Reset.”
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah questioned how the President could now recognize the pandemic’s economic impact, given that while in opposition, he had dismissed suggestions that COVID-19 affected the global economy.
Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy
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