The 2028 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, accusing it of failing to deliver on key campaign promises after nearly two years in office.
Speaking at the NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Dr Bawumia described the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy as a “24-hour demolition exercise”, arguing that the initiative has failed to generate the jobs promised to Ghanaian youth.
According to the former Vice President, the NDC campaigned on a 1-3-3 model, promising one job operating across three shifts and creating opportunities for three people.
Dr Bawumia said many young graduates and artisans who supported the NDC because of its promise of increased employment are still waiting for the jobs to materialise.
“The NDC promised Ghanaians and the youth of this country in search of jobs a flagship 24-hour economy with one job, three shifts and 3 people (1-3-3). Nearly two years have passed and the jobs have not come or even showing any signs of coming.”
He further claimed that the promised 24-hour economy jobs had instead been overshadowed by demolition exercises linked to the government’s plans for 24-hour markets.
Bawumia Criticises Government’s Economic Policies
Dr Bawumia also listed several policies and programmes he described as unfulfilled promises of the Mahama administration.
He cited the Women’s Development Bank, which he said was intended to provide financial support to market women, but had yet to begin serving beneficiaries nearly two years into the government’s tenure.
The NPP flagbearer also criticised the government over the cost of living in Ghana, arguing that households, small businesses and industries continue to face significant financial pressures.
He pointed to electricity tariffs as a major concern, saying businesses that were promised cheaper power under the 24-hour economy are instead struggling with rising electricity bills.
According to Dr Bawumia, businesses such as barbering shops, hair salons, bakeries and other small enterprises are being forced to spend a significant portion of their revenues on electricity.
He added that transportation, spare parts, fuel and rent costs have also increased, arguing that the decline in headline inflation does not necessarily reflect the financial pressures experienced by ordinary Ghanaians.
Bawumia Credits Domestic Gold Purchase Programme for Cedi Stability
Dr Bawumia identified the relative stability of the Ghanaian cedi as one of the government’s key economic lifelines but attributed the development to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme introduced under the previous NPP administration.
He recalled that the Bank of Ghana launched the programme in June 2021 following his recommendation, with the objective of strengthening Ghana’s foreign exchange position and protecting the cedi from external economic shocks.
Dr Bawumia claimed the programme played a major role in supporting the cedi and contributing to lower inflation and interest rates.
However, he accused the current government of recording significant losses through its management of the programme.
He cautioned that a policy that delivers benefits can become costly if it is not properly managed.
Bawumia Accuses NDC of Abandoning Agenda 111
The NPP presidential candidate also criticised the government over the Agenda 111 hospital projects, arguing that completing the facilities would have expanded access to healthcare and created employment opportunities.
He accused the NDC government of failing to continue the projects with the urgency he believes is required.
Galamsey Remains Major Political Issue
Dr Bawumia also renewed his criticism of the government’s handling of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He recalled claims made by NDC leaders while in opposition that they could quickly tackle illegal mining and restore polluted water bodies after assuming office.
According to him, nearly two years into the NDC administration, illegal mining has instead become worse.
He argued that the continued destruction of Ghana’s forests and water bodies represents a failure to deliver on the government’s campaign promises.
Bawumia Raises Concerns Over Free SHS
The former Vice President also criticised the state of Free Senior High School (Free SHS), accusing the government of failing to improve the programme as promised.
He claimed that challenges surrounding food and other aspects of the policy have worsened, while some BECE graduates are allegedly being denied access to Free SHS.
Dr Bawumia also reminded NPP delegates that the party believes the NDC historically opposed the Free SHS policy before later recognising its impact.
Cocoa Farmers and Youth Employment Promises
Dr Bawumia further criticised the government over its promises to cocoa farmers, teacher and nurse recruitment, and the Nkoko Nkitikiti programme.
He argued that the NDC’s campaign pledge to increase the cocoa producer price to GH¢6,500 had not delivered the expected benefits to farmers.
He similarly described promises regarding automatic postings for teachers and nurses as unfulfilled.
The NPP flagbearer also criticised the implementation of the Nkoko Nkitikiti initiative, claiming that it has failed to meet expectations.
Dr Bawumia’s address at the NPP National Delegates Conference forms part of the party’s preparations for the 2028 Ghana general election, with the former Vice President positioning the NPP to challenge the NDC government on economic management, job creation, the 24-hour economy, healthcare, education, illegal mining and the cost of living.
Source: newsthemegh.com