Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), reminded the people of Obuasi of the challenges faced by the mining industry, particularly the collapse of AngloGold Ashanti, during the tenure of former President John Dramani Mahama.
While addressing a large crowd on Tuesday during his tour of Obuasi East, Dr. Bawumia reflected on what he described as a period of decline under Mahama’s leadership from 2012 to 2017. He highlighted several sectors and key initiatives that, according to him, faltered during the Mahama administration.
A key example, he pointed out, was AngloGold Ashanti, which ceased its operations in Ghana in 2014 due to severe financial losses, but was revived in 2019 under the NPP government.
“In this election, I’m up against someone who has been President before—former President Mahama,” Dr. Bawumia told the enthusiastic crowd.
“Under his leadership, he admitted the country was broke and acknowledged the many problems that arose. He struggled to provide for Ghanaians and ended up cancelling several important initiatives,” he continued, stressing the role the NPP played in restoring AngloGold Ashanti’s operations in the country.
“Remember when AngloGold Ashanti shut down under his presidency?” Dr. Bawumia asked the crowd. “The company folded and left. But it was the NPP government that worked to bring it back. We are the ones who revived it.”
The Vice President emphasized that the revival of AngloGold Ashanti was just one example of the NPP’s superior governance, contrasting it with what he described as the failures of the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“We have done so much more—created more jobs, revitalized companies, built schools, airports, public libraries, and much more,” he said. “In comparison, former President Mahama cannot match our achievements in any sector.”
Dr. Bawumia concluded by pointing out that Mahama’s avoidance of debate and reluctance to engage on issues of governance were a testament to his inability to defend his record.
“The former President knows he cannot compare his record to ours, which is why he’s staying away from any debates about achievements and progress,” he remarked.
