The Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, criticized former President John Mahama for overseeing a decline in development in the North during his tenure as Vice President and President.
Speaking to a large crowd in Wa during his campaign tour of the Upper West Region on Monday, Dr. Bawumia pointed out that unlike Mahama, who has served as both Vice President and President, records demonstrate that he (Bawumia), during his time as Vice President, contributed more to development in the North. He accused Mahama of exploiting and neglecting the northern sector while in office.
This upcoming election, the 2024 election, presents a choice between two Northerners: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former President John Mahama… John Mahama has previously served as President of Ghana. Dr. Bawumia has only served as Vice President. I have never served as President of Ghana. Therefore, the people of Wa West Constituency, the Upper West Region, and the five Northern Regions are in the best position to decide which of your two sons should become President of Ghana,
he stated, highlighting the importance of local accountability and development.
Dr. Bawumia continued, criticizing Mahama’s establishment of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), alleging mismanagement of funds without tangible development outcomes in the northern regions. He also claimed that during their eight-year tenure from 2009 to 2017, John Mahama and the NDC did not complete a single major road in the Upper West and Upper East Regions, nor did they introduce any significant social interventions.
In contrast, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the NPP’s accomplishments in the North, such as the implementation of free SHS education and Agenda 111, aimed at constructing hospitals in districts lacking healthcare facilities.
When you look at the NPP, we have introduced several social interventions. We initiated the National Health Insurance Scheme, which is now operational, despite their boycott of Parliament when we were establishing it. We have also introduced free Senior High School education under Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration. John Mahama stated that even if he had the resources, he would not invest in Free SHS education,
Dr. Bawumia remarked, underscoring the NPP’s commitment to improving social services in the Northern regions.
Dr. Bawumia pledged to continue supporting development initiatives in the North and across Ghana if elected president, promising a focus on equitable growth and opportunities for all citizens.
I am committed to advancing the entire North and all of Ghana to new heights,
he concluded.
