Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticized John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, for his stance on digitalization and its importance to Ghana’s economic growth.
Bawumia argued that Mahama underestimates the role of digitalization in the economy, attributing some of Ghana’s past economic challenges to this outlook during Mahama’s tenure.
Highlighting the benefits of digitalization for both Ghanaian citizens and the nation’s economic progress, Bawumia emphasized its critical role in modern development.
Addressing the youth on Sunday, November 3, he urged voters to reject Mahama in the 2024 elections, pointing to what he considers Mahama’s limited understanding of digital advancements.
Today, Mahama claims there’s no connection between digitalization and the economy. How is that possible? In this 4th Industrial Revolution, how can we have a leader who fails to recognize the importance of digitalization in a global digital economy?
He should not be allowed close to the presidency, with that mindset, he shouldn’t be allowed close to the presidency. A leader who doesn’t understand digitisation in today’s world wants to be President of a country like ours, trying to move forward into the future, no
Bawumia also criticized Mahama’s focus on infrastructure as his main achievement, arguing that it is secondary to the current administration’s digital-driven approach.
He [Mahama] has touted infrastructure as one of his achievements, but because our infrastructure is superior to his. Today, he says infrastructure doesn’t matter for the economy. That the economy is different from infrastructure, how can that be? I mean for someone who has been President of Ghana to say the infrastructure doesn’t have anything to do with the economy. Then I understand why the economy collapsed under his watch
Bawumia also voiced skepticism about Mahama’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, admitting he finds the concept difficult to understand and questioning its practicality.
His signature 24-hour economy has defied explanation and understanding. It’s basically a case of one day one explanation, including the rearing of lions and elephants. In me, you will have a brand new, tear-rubber president, not a second-hand failed president
Mahama clarified that the proposed “24-Hour Economy Policy” aims to rejuvenate Ghana’s economy through specific, targeted interventions.
