The Member of Parliament for New Juaben North Constituency, Nana Osei-Adjei, has called on the government to provide clear evidence that its economic policies are delivering tangible benefits to Ghanaians amid concerns over high living costs, job creation and access to affordable credit.

Speaking during debate in Parliament on the President’s State of the Nation Address, the MP said the government must demonstrate that the economic achievements outlined in the address are translating into real improvements in people’s lives.

“State of the Nation is actually, most often than not, the health of the nation, where we were and where we are going,” he said, noting what he described as similarities between the 2025 and 2026 addresses.

Mr Osei-Adjei questioned government claims on job creation, arguing that official figures cited by the administration differ from those reported by the Ghana Statistical Service.

According to him, while government officials have claimed that one million jobs have been created, data from the statistical service suggests about 600,000 jobs.

He stressed that macroeconomic indicators alone cannot be used to measure economic progress if they do not translate into concrete outcomes such as employment opportunities, access to affordable credit and growth in productive sectors of the economy.

“We are not eating macro indicators,” he said, urging the government to ensure that economic gains reach ordinary citizens.

The MP also criticised what he described as the government’s failure to acknowledge the contributions of previous administrations in some national initiatives.

He cited the government’s praise for naval vessels used in anti-piracy operations, stating that the vessels were acquired during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

“In everything that we do, you need to give to Caesar what Caesar deserves,” he said.

Mr Osei-Adjei further questioned government claims regarding access to affordable loans for businesses. He challenged authorities to provide evidence of banks offering loans at interest rates of between 10 and 11 per cent, which government officials have suggested would support women and small businesses.

“If the deputy finance minister cannot name the banks offering these rates, our women cannot benefit from these promised opportunities,” he said, adding that programmes such as the proposed women’s development bank must be backed by clear implementation measures.

The lawmaker also raised concerns about the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, arguing that there is limited evidence of new industries, a comprehensive national framework or dedicated budget lines to support continuous production and job creation.

“Promises alone will not sustain an economy,” he said.

Mr Osei-Adjei called for greater honesty and clarity in government communication, insisting that macroeconomic achievements must ultimately be reflected in the daily lives of citizens through job creation, thriving businesses and improved access to affordable financing.