A Finance and Management expert, Dr Ishaq Kyei-Brobbey, has alleged that the Ashanti Region is often used as a testing ground for what he describes as ineffective policies introduced by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to him, it is only bad and controversial policies that are first piloted in the region.
“Policies like capitation were tested here for over two years, and when it was seen not to be helping, it was cancelled.”
Speaking during a media discussion on Angel FM, Kumasi, he also argued that the NDC frequently claims credit for initiatives originally introduced by other administrations.
“All the NDC policies that are bad start right here in the Ashanti Region.”
He drew distinctions between past and current social interventions, particularly in the education and health sectors.
“Mutual health insurance is not the same as National Health Insurance, and the NPP brought this NHIS.”
Referring to historical programmes, he added: “The Northern scholarship introduced by Kwame Nkrumah cannot be classified as Free SHS; Free SHS is solely an initiative of the NPP.”
Dr. Brobbey also argued that earlier interventions, such as the GETFund and Cocoa Board scholarships, differed significantly from current policies.
“Those earlier programmes were funding support systems, but making secondary education free, including STEM and TVET, was done under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.” He said
He further accused the NDC of repackaging existing ideas. “The NDC are noted for taking old initiatives and launching them as their flagship projects.” He claimed
Citing major policies, he credited former President John Agyekum Kufuor with key healthcare reforms.
“The NHIS and free maternal healthcare system were groundbreaking projects under President J.A. Kufuor.”
