Accra, Ghana – In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential elections, Dr. Mammud Bawumia’s candidacy is facing increased scrutiny, with critics pointing to his perceived failure to revive Ghana’s economy during his tenure as Vice President. While Bawumia has been a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics and has positioned himself as an economic expert, his track record has left many questioning whether he deserves a shot at the country’s highest office.
Bawumia, who served as Vice President under President Nana Akufo-Addo from 2017 to 2021, touted his credentials as an economist and made ambitious promises to turn around Ghana’s economic fortunes. However, several key indicators suggest that his tenure fell short of these promises.
One of the most significant criticisms against Bawumia’s economic stewardship is the state of Ghana’s public debt. During his time in office, the country’s debt burden ballooned significantly, raising concerns about its sustainability. Critics argue that Bawumia’s administration failed to effectively manage public finances, leading to this alarming increase in debt.
Additionally, Ghana faced challenges with inflation, exchange rates, and unemployment during Bawumia’s tenure as Vice President. Despite his promises to bring down inflation and stabilize the currency, these issues remained persistent, adversely affecting the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
Furthermore, Bawumia’s much-touted digitalization efforts, including the launch of the Ghana Card and mobile money interoperability, were met with mixed results. While these initiatives had the potential to enhance financial inclusion and efficiency, their impact on the broader economy was limited, and many Ghanaians did not experience the promised benefits.
Critics argue that Bawumia’s focus on flashy initiatives and data presentations sometimes overshadowed the need for comprehensive economic reforms. They believe that his approach lacked the necessary depth to address Ghana’s structural economic challenges.
As the 2024 elections draw near, opposition parties and some segments of the public are demanding greater accountability for Bawumia’s tenure as Vice President. They argue that his economic track record raises doubts about his suitability for the presidency and his ability to steer Ghana towards sustained economic growth.
In response to these criticisms, Bawumia’s supporters contend that he faced significant external economic challenges during his time in office, including the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also argue that his administration made progress in certain areas, such as infrastructure development.
As the election campaign unfolds, it is clear that Dr. Mammud Bawumia’s economic record will remain a focal point of debate. Ghanaians will have the opportunity to evaluate whether his promises of economic revival align with his past performance, ultimately deciding whether he deserves their trust as a presidential candidate.
story filed by: Nana Kwaku Duah
