Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
The flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched a scathing attack on former President John Mahama, highlighting the achievements of the current administration and questioning Mahama’s understanding of the economy.
Speaking at an encounter with the media, Dr. Bawumia touted the government’s successes, including increasing access to toilet facilities from 33% to 80%, declaring 5,400 communities open defecation-free, building more sports facilities than any other government in the Fourth Republic, and abolishing the three-month pay policy for public sector workers.
The rest are the construction of 120 courts and reconstructing 80 others, restoring teacher and nursing trainee allowances, increasing scholarship beneficiaries by 70%, expanding National Health Insurance to cover sickle cell patients, childhood cancer, and kidney dialysis.
Dr. Bawumia also addressed the banking sector crisis, revealing that the government saved 4.6 million depositors from losing their funds.
He criticised Mr. Mahama for his lack of understanding of the issue, saying, “I don’t understand whether the former president has taken his time to actually understand what happened in the banking sector… He clearly does not understand.”
The Vice President also highlighted the government’s efforts to increase access to education, tripling the capitation grant per child from GH¢5 to GH¢15.
In another jab at Mahama, the NPP flagbearer noted that the current administration has had the lowest increase in electricity tariffs in recent history, with an average annual increase of 11.1% compared to Mahama’s 50% annual increase between 2009 and 2016.
Debate Challenge
Dr. Bawumia once again threw down the gauntlet, challenging former President John Mahama to a debate on their respective economic records.
Dr. Bawumia indicated the need for a factual discussion on the management of Ghana’s economy, highlighting the significant progress made under the current administration.
“We have outperformed the previous government in virtually every sector,” Dr. Bawumia stated. “It’s time for a debate, not just political rhetoric. Let’s discuss the data, the facts, and the achievements.”
This is not the first time Dr. Bawumia has challenged former President Mahama, who is staging a comeback, to a debate. In previous instances, he emphasised the need for a constructive discussion on economic policy and management.
Some political observers have said a debate would provide valuable insights into the economic visions of the two leaders, but the NDC has rejected the call.
Statistics
However, Dr. Bawumia still believes Akufo-Addo’s administration has superior accomplishments, citing statistics and initiatives that demonstrate significant progress in various sectors.
He stressed the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians, despite challenges posed by global crises.
The Vice President pointed to achievements such as average annual increase in electricity prices of 11.1%, the lowest since 1992; abolition and reduction of 21 taxes, and 50% reduction in import duties between 2019 and 2021; and introduction of the National Rental Assistance Scheme.
He also mentioned the reduction in infant mortality rates from 37.9 in 2016 to 31.7, increase in Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) payments from GH¢49 million to GH¢423 million, expansion of National Health Insurance coverage, with expenditure rising from GH¢1.1 billion to GH¢6.8 billion.
Other things mentioned are the implementation of free water and electricity for lifeline consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic; increase in student loan recipients from 30,000 to 58,000; and introduction of mobile money interoperability, achieving 100% financial inclusion in Ghana.
By Ernest Kofi Adu