Bawumia-Napo Ticket is a Disaster for Ghana

The prospect of a Bawumia-Napo leadership ticket for the NPP in 2024 signals a looming disaster for Ghana. Their combined track record reveals a pattern of economic mismanagement, divisiveness, and unqualified leadership that the country cannot afford.

Dr. Bawumia's economic policies have led to a stark depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, falling from about 3.8/4.2 GHS per US dollar to an alarming 15/16 GHS per US dollar. This decline is emblematic of what I have labeled another "PhD" for Bawumia: Profoundly Hopeless and Disastrous management of Ghana’s economy. His tenure as Vice President and head of the Economic Management Team has resulted in one of the worst-performing currencies globally, leading to skyrocketing inflation, higher living costs, and a deteriorating economic environment.

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo), also known as Napo, has demonstrated a divisive and unqualified approach to leadership. In the 2022 budget discussion, Napo threatened to lead a demonstration if funds were earmarked for Keta tidal wave relief, showcasing his insensitivity to the plight of Ghanaians. Napo’s stance is not surprising, given his party's history of divisive comments. President Akufo-Addo, Napo’s mentor, made controversial remarks reminding Volta region flood victims that he visited them despite their lack of support for his party. Such statements reveal a lack of empathy and a divisive attitude.

Napo's arrogance is further evident in his dismissive response to the 'Dumsor' (power outage) crisis, claiming the current situation was merely maintenance work and not comparable to the prolonged outages under John Mahama. This dismissive attitude toward the real struggles of Ghanaians highlights his unsuitability for leadership. Additionally, his derogatory reference to non-NPP supporters as "your Kwame Nkrumah" and the blasphemous claim that President Akufo-Addo achieved more than Osagyefo Nkrumah reflects his inherent disrespect for Ghanaian heritage and history.

Ghanaians should not forget that under Bawumia’s economic management, Ghana has faced significant challenges. The national debt soared from GHS 122 billion in December 2016 to GHS 658.6 billion in February 2024. Despite criticizing IMF assistance as a sign of incompetence, Ghana failed to qualify for an IMF program under Bawumia’s leadership. Contrary to promises of reducing taxes, Bawumia’s policies stifled entrepreneurship with excessive taxation. The illegal and unprecedented printing of over GHS 80 billion to cover fiscal deficits has undermined economic stability, contributing to inflation rates exceeding 54%, which have eroded consumer purchasing power.

Furthermore, the collapse of numerous banks and financial institutions led to significant job losses. The domestic debt exchange program resulted in substantial losses for investors and poor pensioners. Mismanagement and alleged corruption in the PDS scandal led to financial losses to include the $12 million spent on the so called Pwalungu Multipurpose Dam but not even a single cement-block was laid for this dam.

The Bawumia-Napo ticket represents a continuation of failed policies, divisive rhetoric, and unqualified leadership. Ghana deserves better, and it is imperative for voters to recognize the need for change. The NDC, under the leadership of Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang and former President John Dramani Mahama, offers a vision of competence, empathy, and realistic economic management. Vote for the NDC in 2024 for a hopeful and prosperous Ghana.

Ebenezer Ato Ntarkurfah Jackson, Cornell University, MBA Class of 2015, [email protected]