Members of Parliament have raised concerns over security, economic conditions and government spending during discussions following the State of the Nation Address (SoNA).

Former Deputy Defence Minister Kofi Amankwa-Manu said the recent pirate attack and abduction of fishermen in the Central Region has left fisherfolk living in fear.

He attributed the situation to what he described as failed leadership.

According to him, the rejection of a contract to procure offshore petroleum vessels by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) while in opposition contributed partly to the situation.

However, Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee James Agalga said the swift response by the Ghana Navy in rescuing 71 fishers following the attack deserves commendation.

He added that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) remains capable of handling security challenges.

Responding to concerns raised by the Minority regarding traders reportedly attacked in Burkina Faso, Mr Agalga said Ghana’s security agencies cannot guarantee protection for citizens conducting business in other countries. He also rejected claims that the country is experiencing insecurity.

Meanwhile, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee Kojo Oppong Nkrumah questioned the accuracy of government’s inflation figures.

He argued that the reported lower inflation rates do not reflect the high cost of living, food prices and rent being experienced by citizens.

He also criticised what he described as continued influence by government and the Bank of Ghana on the exchange rate, warning that it could put the central bank under serious pressure if the sterilisation of the economy continues.

In a separate issue, Member of Parliament Davis Opoku Ansah accused the government of overpricing laptops under the One Million Coders Programme, claiming each unit costs ₵14,000.

He further argued that the purchase was made without budgetary allocation, which he said breaches the Public Financial Management Act, and described it as a potential avenue for corruption.