Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is the flagbearer of the NPP
Introduction
Governance theory suggests that political campaigns often rely on a party's performance to convince voters of their capability to lead. A government's track record serves as a testament to its ability to fulfill promises and manage national affairs. In Ghana, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been in power for almost eight years, with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia serving as Vice President and head of the Economic Management Team (EMT). Based on his performance in these roles, the NPP voted for Dr. Bawumia as their flagbearer for the 2024 general election. Despite his significant role, Dr. Bawumia's campaign seems to distance itself from the NPP’s performance, raising critical questions about his accountability and future promises.
The Economic Management Team and Policy Decisions
As the head of the EMT, Dr. Bawumia played a central role in shaping and implementing the economic policies that have led to the current economic crisis. His leadership position means he was instrumental in decision-making processes that contributed to the country's economic woes. Many of the policies he now criticizes were introduced or supported during his tenure, suggesting a contradiction between his past actions and current promises.
Public Statements and Budget Approvals
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Bawumia publicly defended the government's economic policies and strategies. His current promises of change contradict his previous endorsements, undermining his credibility. As Vice President, he was involved in the approval and implementation of national budgets, which have contributed to the high inflation and economic instability currently plaguing Ghana. His involvement ties him directly to these economic issues, including the significant increase in national debt and subsequent debt defaults.
Inflation, Unemployment, and Economic Crisis Management
High inflation and unemployment rates are the result of cumulative policy decisions made over the past eight years. Dr. Bawumia's role in these decisions makes him partly responsible for these economic challenges. The handling of economic crises, such as currency depreciation and the high cost of living, were overseen by the EMT led by Dr. Bawumia. His inability to manage these effectively undermines his claims of being able to turn things around.
Loyalty to Party and Lack of Accountability
Dr. Bawumia has been a loyal member of the NPP and has consistently supported its policies and leadership. His sudden disassociation appears politically motivated rather than based on a genuine disagreement with the party's direction. By attempting to distance himself from the administration's performance, he is evading accountability for the economic mismanagement that occurred under his watch. This lack of accountability raises questions about his integrity and commitment to genuine reform.
Campaign Promises and Corruption Allegations
The promises Dr. Bawumia is making as a flagbearer are reminiscent of the promises made by the NPP eight years ago, which have largely gone unfulfilled. This suggests a pattern of making grand promises without delivering substantial results. Numerous corruption scandals have emerged during the NPP's tenure, involving high-ranking officials and significant sums of money. As Vice President, Dr. Bawumia has not effectively addressed or mitigated these issues, suggesting complicity or ineffectiveness in curbing corruption.
Misuse of Public Resources and Scandalous Proportions
There have been instances of public resources being misappropriated for personal or political gain under the current administration. Dr. Bawumia's silence or lack of action on these issues implicates him in the broader culture of impunity. The scale of corruption and misappropriation of public resources has reached unprecedented levels under the NPP government. Dr. Bawumia's position within the administration means he either overlooked or was unable to prevent these practices, casting doubt on his ability to enforce accountability if elected president.
Continuity with NPP Practices
Dr. Bawumia remains a member of the NPP and is campaigning under the same party's banner. This implies that his governance approach will be aligned with the party's existing practices, which have been marred by corruption and mismanagement. Many NPP appointees have been criticized for their incompetence and failure to deliver on their mandates. As a key figure in the party, Dr. Bawumia would likely continue to work with these same individuals, perpetuating the cycle of inefficiency and poor governance.
Campaign Structure and Party Elites' Influence
Dr. Bawumia's campaign for the presidency is heavily reliant on the same party structure that voted for him as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, this structure has been implicated in various malpractices, raising concerns about the continuation of questionable political strategies and influences that have contributed to the current economic and governance issues in Ghana.
One significant implication of this reliance on the existing party structure is the likelihood of retaining many of the same NPP appointees if Dr. Bawumia is elected president. These appointees have been part of the administration's failures, and their retention could undermine Dr. Bawumia's promises of significant change and reform.
The influence of party elites within the NPP cannot be understated. These individuals wield significant power and can shape the direction of the party and its policies. Dr. Bawumia's reliance on the existing party structure suggests a continuation of the influence of these elites, potentially limiting his ability to implement genuine reform and change.
Overall, while Dr. Bawumia's campaign is utilizing the same party structure that supported his candidacy, the implications of this reliance raise questions about the extent to which he can deliver on his promises of change and reform if elected president.
Inaction Against Corruption: A Troubling Track Record
During his tenure, Dr. Bawumia has not demonstrated a strong stance or effective measures against corruption within the government. This lack of action raises concerns about his commitment to tackling corruption if he becomes president. Over the past eight years, Dr. Bawumia has had numerous opportunities to push for reforms and implement anti-corruption measures or take legal action against corrupt public officials, yet he turned blind eye to all.
This track record of inaction is a strong indicator that his presidency might not bring the promised changes. His campaign and potential presidency will be influenced by the same party elites who have benefited from the NPP's time in power. Their continued influence suggests that systemic issues of corruption and nepotism are unlikely to be addressed. The persistence of these issues under Dr. Bawumia's watch casts doubt on his ability to enact meaningful reform and break away from the entrenched practices that have plagued the NPP administration.
Without a demonstrated commitment to combating corruption and holding officials accountable, Dr. Bawumia's leadership could very well perpetuate the same inefficiencies and ethical lapses that have undermined public trust in the NPP government.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Bawumia's campaign to distance himself from the NPP's performance raises significant questions about his accountability, integrity, and ability to deliver genuine change.
His central role in the current administration, coupled with a lack of effective action against economic mismanagement and corruption, suggests that his leadership would not be fundamentally different from that of Nana Addo and the NPP.
