In a recent exchange regarding policy matters, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the presidential candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has addressed the criticisms levied by former President John Dramani Mahama, the main opposition candidate from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
This dialogue has gained prominence as the December 7 presidential election approaches, with Dr. Bawumia not only addressing Mr. Mahama’s concerns but also challenging him to engage in a public debate.
Mr. Mahama has raised five specific questions directed at Dr. Bawumia, which center on Ghana’s economic challenges, such as the depreciation of the cedi, the escalating national debt, increasing inflation, a reported GH¢24 million loan from the Bank of Ghana, and Dr. Bawumia’s transition from focusing on economic issues to prioritizing digitalization efforts.
These inquiries highlight ongoing apprehensions regarding the trajectory of Ghana’s economy, with Mr. Mahama asserting that Dr. Bawumia has deviated from the economic priorities that once characterized his agenda.
Dr. Bawumia has addressed the criticisms via social media platforms
I would have thought he would be man enough to face me in a one-on-one debate for the Ghanaian public to assess our respective policies, achievements, and visions. He should not hide behind these flimsy questions to avoid a debate.
The Vice President’s statement transcends mere inquiry, presenting a comprehensive array of over 50 questions directed at Mahama’s previous administration, seeking accountability on matters such as employment generation, social programs, infrastructure development, and economic governance.
Key issues raised by Bawumia include Mahama’s management of Ghana’s energy crisis, commonly referred to as “Dumsor,” the abolition of allowances for teachers and nurses, and what Bawumia characterizes as a failure of the banking sector.
Additionally, Dr. Bawumia expressed apprehensions regarding Mahama’s educational policies, questioning the rationale behind his administration’s advertisements that opposed the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative, which has since become a cornerstone of the NPP government’s agenda.
The Vice President also took issue with Mahama’s economic record, asserting that the policies implemented during his tenure fell short of generating the level of employment and economic advancement realized under the NPP administration
Why was your government unable to create even a quarter of the jobs that our government has created?
Dr. Bawumia raised inquiries regarding healthcare, infrastructure, and technological progress, which have become pivotal to the current agenda of the NPP. This dialogue signifies the ongoing rivalries between the two candidates.
In 2016, Bawumia directed 170 questions to then-Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, which the Mahama administration did not address.
In his recent remarks, Mahama alluded to this historical interaction, implying that Dr. Bawumia should now respond to his questions concerning Ghana’s economic direction.
Both candidates have increasingly utilized public forums and rallies to challenge each other’s records and promote their visions for leadership.
As Ghanaians prepare for the upcoming elections, these discussions surrounding economic policy, infrastructure, and public welfare underscore the differing approaches and priorities of the nation’s prominent political parties.
