The campaign team of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has issued a strong caution to voters ahead of the 2024 elections, urging them not to be misled by claims from the opposition NDC regarding key social policies.
In response to recent statements by John Mahama alleging NDC’s initiation of the Free SHS and National Health Insurance policies, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communication for Bawumia’s campaign, refuted these claims during a recent broadcast titled “The Next Chapter.”
Aboagye pointed out historical inaccuracies, stating that the National Health Insurance Policy was initially implemented under the administration of former president John Agyekum Kufuor, not by the NDC as claimed by Mahama. He clarified that the concept of health insurance arose due to challenges with the previous ‘cash and carry’ system under the Rawlings administration, with initial implementations by the Catholic Church in collaboration with community and NGO support in Nkoranza and Damongo.
“It is never true that the NHIS was piloted by the NDC in Nkoranza and Damongo. It was the Catholic Church in collaboration with the community supported by a non-governmental organization, to finance it.”
Contrary to Mahama’s assertions, Aboagye emphasized that the policy’s nationalization occurred in 2007, consolidating various district schemes into a unified national health insurance system, which provided nationwide coverage through a single health insurance card.
Aboagye warned against falling for NDC promises, citing past opposition to the policy’s nationalization and unfulfilled pledges such as the 2008 promise of a one-time premium for NHIS registration. He urged voters to approach claims regarding the Free SHS policy with skepticism, suggesting that the NDC’s proposed revisions might undermine its current framework.
The Bawumia campaign’s stance underscores a contentious narrative ahead of the upcoming elections, as both parties vie for voter confidence based on their respective roles in shaping Ghana’s social welfare landscape.
