'People must feel it in their pockets' — Adawudu on Ghana's economic recovery

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team, Victor Adawudu, has said Ghana's improving economic outlook must be matched by tangible benefits for ordinary citizens, particularly through job creation and a reduction in the cost of living.

Speaking on TV3's Key Points programme on Saturday, Mr Adawudu said recent economic gains had helped restore public confidence after a period of financial difficulty, but warned that significant challenges remained.

"The economy has really improved. We started from somewhere when we were financially constrained and the economy wasn't doing well. That is why everybody is applauding the stability," he said.

His comments followed discussions on a recent public opinion survey assessing President Mahama's performance.

While welcoming signs of economic stability, Mr Adawudu pointed to unemployment as one of the country's most pressing concerns, particularly among young people leaving schools, colleges and vocational institutions without finding work.

"The unemployment rate is increasing and these are challenges the data is speaking to us about," he said.

He argued that government must continue pursuing innovative policies to tackle joblessness while sustaining broader economic progress.

Mr Adawudu said his engagements with communities across the country suggested many Ghanaians recognised improvements in economic conditions and remained optimistic about the future.

"I go to the constituencies, I go to the grassroots and I speak with people every day. They appreciate the stability and believe things will get better," he said.

He also highlighted infrastructure development as a key achievement of the administration, pointing to ongoing road projects on major transport corridors across the country.

"The whole country has become a construction site. The Eastern Corridor, Central Corridor and Western Corridor are all seeing significant work," he said.

On illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, Mr Adawudu rejected claims that authorities had failed to act, citing joint operations involving the Gold Board, the Forestry Commission and the military, as well as efforts to rehabilitate degraded lands.

"If somebody says nothing is being done about galamsey, that is not true," he said.

He also urged caution over allegations against individuals accused of involvement in illegal mining, stressing that such cases should be determined through the courts.

"It is an allegation and the prosecution must prove its case. The court will decide based on the facts and the law," he said.

Addressing concerns about corruption, Mr Adawudu maintained that allegations should be investigated thoroughly but said public debate should be guided by evidence rather than speculation.

He concluded by acknowledging that many households were still grappling with high living costs and said government must ensure that improvements in economic indicators are reflected in people's everyday lives.

"If the economy is doing well, then government must also make sure that people feel it in their pockets," he said.