Ghana’s Vice President and presidential candidate from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, outlined his key policies and vision for the nation during a campaign launch event ahead of the 2024 presidential election in Accra, Ghana.
Addressing supporters at the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Bawumia expressed his readiness to lead the nation, emphasizing his commitment to revitalizing the economy, combating corruption, and fostering growth in the private sector if elected president in December. The 60-year-old economist, who was overwhelmingly voted as the presidential candidate of the NPP in November, is set to contest against former President John Mahama.
In his speech, Bawumia emphasized his vision for a technologically-driven and inclusive economic growth model for Ghana. He pledged to leverage technology, data, and efficient systems to drive economic development and ensure prosperity for all citizens. However, he acknowledged the significant challenges facing the nation, particularly its struggle to recover from the severe economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and external factors like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
To address these challenges, Bawumia proposed implementing measures to enhance fiscal discipline and reduce budget deficits and interest rates sustainably. He emphasized the importance of aligning government spending with revenue to ensure fiscal stability and economic resilience. Ghana had previously sought financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with a $3 billion bailout to mitigate the economic impact of the crisis.
Despite his ambitious plans, Bawumia faces scrutiny over his role as the primary architect of economic policy during the presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo, who is set to complete his constitutional limit of eight years in office in January 2025. Critics argue that the current economic challenges may undermine Bawumia’s leadership credentials and erode public confidence in his ability to steer the country’s economy effectively.
Bright Simons, a vice president at Accra-based think tank IMANI Africa, noted that Bawumia’s previous reputation as an economic guru may be overshadowed by the ongoing economic downturn. He emphasized that economic performance could significantly impact Bawumia’s standing within the ruling party and his chances of securing victory in the upcoming election.
Reflecting public sentiment, some Ghanaians expressed concerns about the economic hardships they face, attributing them to the government’s policies under Bawumia’s leadership. Despite his historic candidacy as the first Muslim leader of a major party in Ghana since 1992 and the first non-Akan-speaking ethnic group member to lead the NPP, Bawumia’s popularity may be challenged by growing discontent over economic conditions.
As the campaign intensifies, Bawumia and his rivals are expected to outline their policy platforms and engage with voters on critical issues affecting the nation. The upcoming election will test the NPP’s ability to secure a third consecutive term in office, a feat never achieved by any party in Ghana’s political history.
