Rev. Opambour Challenges Government on Ghana Card Benefits

The Creator and the Head Pastor of Ebenezer Miracle Church Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Adarkwa Yiadom, most notably known as "Opambour,, recently voiced his skepticism toward the Ghana Card, a national identity initiative spearheaded by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration. With this card, the government hopes to establish a unified national identity document, has been integrated into various systems, including social security, banking, and other financial transactions, to streamline identification processes, prevent fraud, and enhance overall governance. However, Opambour has openly questioned its tangible benefits for Ghanaians.

During a meeting with former President John Dramani Mahama and other Clergymen and women on Monday, November 11, Opambour expressed his doubts about the true impact of the Ghana Card on citizens' lives. Does the Ghana Card provide access to complimentary vehicles? He inquired persistently, highlighting what he considers as the limitations of the card. He questioned its practicality in providing substantial, immediate benefits, and condemned the government, asserting that "nothing demonstrates it [the card] can provide us with free cars. There's no country that gives free cars."

Opambour’s questions about the card highlight an underlying frustration among some Ghanaians who feel the policy focuses more on administration and governance than addressing everyday concerns, such as the cost of living and tangible benefits. His comments resonated with other members of the audience, some who regard the Ghana Card as a symbol of the government’s failure to address what they consider to be more pressing socioeconomic issues. This discourse pertaining the Ghana Card is part of a broader national discussion on whether certain policies effectively meet the needs of the people or merely serve administrative ends.

The meeting between Opambour, other clergy members, and former President Mahama was part of Mahama's broader campaign efforts leading up to the December 7 elections, where he seeks re-election under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) banner. Mahama has been actively meeting with religious leaders and other influential community members to garner support, share his policy positions, and seek their prayers.

During the Kumasi meeting—one of several clergy-focused gatherings Mahama has held as part of his campaign—he outlined his stance on various policies implemented by the current government, especially the Free (SHS) policy implemented during Akufo-Addo's government. The policy, which has been praised for making education accessible to more Ghanaian students, has also faced criticism for allegedly compromising on quality due to strained resources and rapid implementation. Mahama has argued that, if elected, his administration would seek in order to enrol private SHS's in the free SHS program, providing parents with more options and ensuring a higher quality of education.

Futhermore, Mahama promised that under his leadership, school administrations would receive direct funding for purchasing food supplies to feed students. Allowing people obtaining "good food" is crucial for the well-being and academic performance of students. This approach, he argues, would give schools greater flexibility and allow them to meet students’ nutritional needs more effectively.

The former president has been critical of certain aspects of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration’s policies, especially regarding education, national security, and economic management. He contends that his administration would adopt a more inclusive approach, where stakeholders in various sectors—such as education, healthcare, and religious organizations—would have a more significant role in shaping policies that directly impact citizens' lives. His discussions with the clergy, including high-profile leaders like Opambour, reflect his desire to engage with diverse perspectives as he crafts his campaign and policy platforms.

As the December elections approach The Ghana Card has grown to symbolize broader discussions about priorities, government, and the role of the state in protecting its inhabitants.