Open Letter to His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

Dear Dr Bawumia,

I hope you are doing terrific. While we have not had the opportunity to meet in person, I am aware of your position as the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana. Under normal circumstances, I would not presume to write to you, but recent events compel me to share my thoughts on matters of significant importance to the Ghanaian populace.

Following your address this week, I felt compelled to reach out and express my views on certain critical issues affecting our nation. Your speech touched upon the current state of the Ghanaian economy, highlighting its apparent underperformance. While it is undeniable that our economy faces challenges, I must disagree with your attribution of these difficulties solely to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a claim that I find troubling coming from a sitting Vice President and the flagbearer of the ruling party.

In your address, you made reference to yourself as merely a "driver's mate," distancing yourself from any responsibility for the economic woes facing the country. However, as the head of the economic management team, it is my understanding that you play an important role in steering Ghana's economic course. If my understanding is incorrect, I apologize for any misinterpretation, but if accurate, I find it difficult to believe that you bear no responsibility for the burdens imposed on Ghanaians, including the imposition of unpopular taxes.

One such tax, the introduction of the E-levy during the 2022 budget reading, has sparked considerable controversy. While you now express opposition to this levy, your previous position as head of the economic management team raises questions about your role in its implementation. It seems inconceivable that as a key figure in economic decision-making, you could not have influenced the introduction of such a contentious tax.

This issue is but one example of the concerns raised in your address, and while time constraints prevent me from addressing each point individually, I am particularly troubled by your apparent distancing from the current NPP administration. Your assertion that a "driver's mate" holds no sway over economic policy suggests a discord within the administration that is concerning to observe. While criticism is a vital aspect of democratic governance, your public criticism of your colleagues raises questions about unity and leadership within the party.

In closing, I urge you to consider the implications of your statements and actions on the cohesion and effectiveness of the NPP administration. Rather than seeking to distance yourself from the challenges facing our nation, I implore you to work collaboratively with your colleagues to address them. Furthermore, I encourage you to consider extending an apology to both your colleagues and the Ghanaian people for any misunderstandings that may have arisen from your recent statements.

While I do not expect a reply given your busy schedule, I offer my best wishes for your future endeavors.

Yours sincerely,

Samuel Adomako (PhD)

Associate Professor in Strategy and Innovation,

University of Birmingham, UK