Bawumia challenges Ghana’s economic gains, saying households still struggle

Former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has challenged the government’s account of Ghana’s economic recovery, arguing that lower inflation and a stronger cedi have not translated into relief for struggling households.

Speaking at the NPP’s National Thanksgiving Service at the Church of Pentecost in Sunyani, the party’s presidential candidate described the country as having a “paper economy” of improving indicators and a “pocket economy” defined by living costs.

His criticism centred on whether the economic stability cited by the NDC government was improving people’s daily lives.

“The reason we all want inflation and dollar to go down is because we want it to have a positive impact and make life and cost of living easier,” he said.

“But if inflation and dollar go down and the people are suffering, is that how we want it?”

Dr Bawumia argued that stability should be judged by its benefits to citizens.

“You cannot have a stable economy with people suffering. Stability should be a way of improving the lives of the people,” he said.

He cited farmers, public-sector workers and traders as groups he said had yet to benefit from the government’s economic policies.

On agriculture, he accused the government of failing to fulfil a promise to pay cocoa farmers GH¢6,000 a bag. He also said cashew, soybean, rice and maize farmers had been let down.

“Traders are also complaining because people are not buying their goods,” he said.

Dr Bawumia further claimed that increases in electricity and water bills, petrol prices and transport fares had worsened household pressures.

Education and jobs promises challenged

The NPP candidate also criticised the government’s education record, accusing it of undermining Free Senior High School education and failing to fulfil promises on double-track schooling, teacher licensure examinations and automatic postings for teachers.

He questioned the implementation of the government’s 24-hour economy policy, asking where the promised jobs were.

“They said 1:3:3, one job for three people and the question Ghanaians are asking is, where are the jobs?” he said.

Dr Bawumia also accused the government of failing to complete Agenda 111 hospitals and tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Returning to his central argument, Dr Bawumia said the distinction between economic statistics and household experience would matter to voters.

“One is a paper economy they say inflation is down and exchange rate is down.

The second economy is the pocket economy the high cost of living and your sufferings,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2028 election, he said the NPP would campaign on proposals it could deliver.

“We are going with ideas, costed ideas, practical ideas, workable ideas,” he said.