National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama, has pledged a lower cost of living in Ghana and to create an extra public holiday after Eid-Ul-Fitr for Muslims if the party returns to power.
Speaking to a gathering in Nalerigu/Gambaga, Mahama highlighted the significant increases in the cost of goods under the current administration and vowed to ease the burden on Ghanaians.
“When we were in power, a bag of cement was GH¢25.00, but today it’s GH¢110.00. Fuel was GH¢14.00 for a gallon, but today it’s over GH¢70.00. We will work to make life more affordable for Ghanaians,” he pledged.
Mahama also announced plans to add an extra public holiday following Eid-Ul-Fitr, explaining that it would give Muslims a chance to rest and celebrate after the Ramadan fast.
“We will add one more day after Eid-Ul-Fitr to allow Muslims to rest and celebrate after fasting,” he stated.
The former president also noted the NDC’s past achievements, including the completion of the first phase of Tamale Airport, which enabled Muslims to travel directly to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
He vowed to reduce the current Hajj fare, which has risen significantly since he left office.
“Before I left office, the cost of Hajj was GH¢11,900.00, but today it’s over GH¢75,000.00. When we return, we will work to lower the fare so more people can perform the pilgrimage,” Mahama assured the audience.