Dr. Bawumia = The Fruit from the Poisonous Tree

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s manifesto for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) can only be described as the fruit from a poisonous tree—enticing on the surface, yet fundamentally corrupt and misleading at its core. It is imperative to scrutinize the promises made by Dr. Bawumia and highlight the underlying flaws that render him unfit to lead Ghana.

The NPP, under Bawumia’s leadership, has repeatedly proven itself to be a tainted party, marred by incompetence and deception. The manifesto, which Bawumia claims offers bold solutions to Ghana’s challenges, is nothing more than a continuation of the party's propaganda and lies. A tree poisoned at its roots can never bear good fruit; similarly, any plans proposed by Dr. Bawumia, deeply entrenched in failures, will only lead to further detriment.

Despite Bawumia’s claims that the NPP has created 2.3 million jobs, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Youth unemployment remains a critical issue, and the job opportunities promised have failed to materialize for the majority of Ghanaians. The NPP’s leadership has not only failed to deliver on its employment promises but has also exacerbated the situation by neglecting the very sectors that could have provided sustainable jobs for the youth.

Under Bawumia’s watch, the Ghana Cocoa Board, once a pillar of the nation's economy, is now in shambles. The board’s finances have consistently been in the red, and it is now on the brink of bankruptcy. This is a direct result of poor leadership and a failure to protect one of Ghana’s most vital resources. The NPP’s mismanagement extends beyond the economy, reaching into the very lands that sustain the nation.

Additionally, illegal mining, or 'galamsey,' has thrived under Bawumia's leadership, devastating cocoa lands and leaving behind a trail of environmental destruction. Dr. Bawumia's failure to effectively combat this issue is not only an economic disaster but a moral one. How can a leader who allows such rampant degradation of the nation's resources be trusted to lead Ghana into a prosperous future?

Moreover, the manifesto presented by Dr. Bawumia is filled with promises that, if history is any indicator, will not be fulfilled. His declaration that Ghana has "turned the corner" under his leadership is a blatant misrepresentation. The cost of living remains high, and many families continue to suffer under the weight of economic hardship. Bawumia’s assurances of job creation and economic stability are nothing more than a smokescreen, designed to distract from the NPP's dismal track record.

Ghanaians must recognize Dr. Bawumia and his NPP for what they are—a poisonous tree whose fruit is not to be trusted. The only way forward is to weed out this toxic leadership and replace it with leaders who genuinely care about the nation’s future. Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang and former President John Mahama offer a stark contrast to the NPP’s failures. Their leadership represents a chance for true progress and a departure from the lies and incompetence that have plagued Ghana under Bawumia and the NPP.

As Ghanaians prepare to vote, they must remember that a vote for Bawumia is a vote for the same old failures. It is time to reject the NPP's poisonous fruit!

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