Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has launched a scathing attack on the Mahama administration's record, accusing them of turning several campaign promises into "scams". Speaking at the party's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Dr. Bawumia cited examples of failed commitments, including promises on cocoa prices, automatic posting of teachers and nurses, and payments to customers of collapsed financial institutions. He expressed disappointment that the government had failed to deliver on these promises, which had raised the hopes of many Ghanaians.
Dr. Bawumia specifically mentioned the promise to increase cocoa prices to 6,500 cedis, which he said had not materialized. He also criticized the government's handling of the teacher licensure examinations, which had been cancelled, only to be reintroduced later. Furthermore, he questioned the government's 24-hour economy programme, saying that it was unclear why people would need to buy goods at midnight. He argued that the programme had not made a significant impact on the lives of Ghanaians.
The NPP flagbearer also accused the government of abandoning projects inherited from the previous administration, particularly the Agenda 111 hospital programme. He said that the programme, which aimed to provide district hospitals across the country, had stalled under the NDC administration. Dr. Bawumia expressed concern that the government seemed to prioritize 24-hour markets over hospitals, which he believed was a misguided approach to development.
Dr. Bawumia also criticized the government's handling of the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, particularly in the area of feeding. He said that the programme had deteriorated, and that the government had failed to fulfil its promise to abolish the double-track system. Additionally, he expressed concern about the high electricity tariffs, which he said were affecting businesses. He argued that the government's 24-hour economy programme had not led to reductions in electricity tariffs as promised.
The NPP flagbearer expressed solidarity with traders, artisans, and small business owners affected by the demolition at La Pleasure Beach in Labadi. He said that years of investment had been destroyed and called on the government to engage the affected persons, provide alternatives, and pay compensation. Dr. Bawumia argued that the government's actions were destroying the jobs that Ghanaians had created for themselves.
On the economy, Dr. Bawumia defended the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, saying it had helped protect the cedi from external shocks. However, he accused the government of making "unprecedented losses" from the programme in 2025. He also criticized the government's handling of illegal mining, saying that the galamsey menace had worsened despite promises by the NDC to tackle it within months.
Dr. Bawumia called for a bipartisan parliamentary investigation into drug consignments linked to Ghana that have been intercepted abroad. He also accused the government of "weaponising state power" and subjecting opposition figures to different standards of justice. He urged the newly elected NPP executives to unite the party and focus on holding the government accountable ahead of the 2028 elections. Dr. Bawumia expressed confidence that the NPP would return to government in 2029 and promised to do a better job than the current administration.
Key points
- Dr. Bawumia accuses Mahama government of broken promises on cocoa prices, teacher and nurse postings.
- NPP flagbearer criticizes government's handling of Free SHS programme, electricity tariffs.
- Dr. Bawumia calls for bipartisan investigation into drug consignments linked to Ghana.
