Bewildering Bawumia promises

Twelve years ago, Ghana was certainly in a better place than it is today. The statistics and figures paint a grim picture: deteriorating healthcare, an increase in unemployment, depriving quality education, a skyrocketing cost of living, and the drowning of the Ghana cedis.

The currency’s depreciation is unbelievable, and average Ghanaians are wailing bitterly about the state. ‘Ghana ay3 din’ is the most common phrase heard in the past 5 years. From the market woman in Makola Market to the Chief Account Officer in the Ministries. The situation appears to be worsening by the day.

As the general election draws near, presidential candidates are beginning to make moves and campaign overtly and subtly. It is the season when politicians unveil their plans and grand visions for a better Ghana, promising transformative policies and sweeping reforms.

Among these candidates is Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, representing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). His recent statements, however, have left many scratching their heads. “I sometimes get confused when I hear the Vice President speak."

Dr. Bawumia’s pledge to abolish the e-levy tax introduced by his own government in May 2022 is particularly perplexing. He declared, “The e-levy will therefore be abolished,” a promise that stands in contrast to his previous support for the tax as head of the government’s economic committee. He also proposes a new, business-friendly tax system aimed at boosting the economy. Yet, this comes

from a man who once vowed to stabilize the cedi against the US dollars, a promise that has sunk flat.

The leadership of the NPP in all regions is staunchly backing the ideas of the Vice President, highlighting his achievements and potential to drive progress. They tout plans for job creation, digital transformation, a lean government, reduced import duties, improved healthcare, the elimination of VAT on electricity, and innovative policies. “Bawumia is not new; he has been in the

system for some time now, and you have all seen what he has done,” Woanyah, the chairman of the NPP, Volta asserts.

However, there’s a growing sense of confusion and scepticism. If Dr. Bawumia, the vice president, has such a transformative idea, why hasn’t he implemented it in his current role? His remark that he is a driver’s mate. “As Vice President, I am like a driver’s mate. I will be in the driver’s seat with constitutionally mandated authority to pursue my vision and my priorities.”

In other words, the current government’s visions are not in line with and prioritised by the vice presidents. Could this be the reason for making fresh promises and certain statements that tend to insinuate that the current government is visionless or has no plans to make Ghana great? As the vice president and the head of the economic team, his influence is significant, yet the promised changes remain elusive.

As Ghanaians prepare to head to the polls in December, the electorate is left to ponder: Can the promises made during the campaign trail translate into tangible improvements, or are they merely political rhetoric? The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Ghana can reverse its decline and embark on a path to recovery.