John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for allegedly avoiding key economic questions by responding with what he termed “irrelevant” counter-questions.
Addressing supporters in Savalegu on Wednesday, October 30, Mahama remarked, “I saw 50 questions from him this morning. It feels as if the Vice President has memorized these responses like we used to learn poems in primary school.”
Mahama continued, “I asked you five simple questions that Ghanaians want answers to, yet you respond with questions about compost plants. That’s not the pressing issue in Ghana today.”
Mahama’s Five Key Economic Questions
Mahama’s initial questions centered on critical economic concerns he believes the current administration has failed to address. His questions to Bawumia included:
- Exchange Rate Stability: Mahama questioned Bawumia’s handling of the cedi’s consistent depreciation, reminding him of past promises to stabilize the currency.
- Rising National Debt: Mahama asked why Ghana’s debt has surged under the NPP, pointing out the lack of corresponding improvements in infrastructure and public services.
- Inflation Control: He highlighted the high inflation rate and asked Bawumia how he plans to address the increasing cost of living affecting ordinary Ghanaians.
- Job Creation and Unemployment: Mahama challenged Bawumia to outline clear solutions for job creation and a sustainable approach to youth unemployment.
- Shift from Economic Management to Digitalization: Mahama criticized Bawumia’s focus on digital initiatives, arguing that while digitalization is important, it does not address the core economic challenges facing the country.
Bawumia’s Counter-Questions
In response, Dr. Bawumia posed 50 questions on topics including economic management, social interventions, digitalization initiatives, and infrastructure. His questions included:
- Mahama’s economic policies during the power crisis (“dumsor”).
- The cancellation of training allowances for nurses and teachers.
- Efforts to combat corruption and promote financial inclusion.
- Support for critical healthcare services, such as ambulance provisions and chronic illness care.
- Digital transformation initiatives, like the Ghana Card and digital address system.
- Development projects in road construction, airport expansion, and health facility upgrades.
Mahama’s Critique on Bawumia’s Response
Mahama argued that Bawumia’s response sidestepped the urgent economic issues affecting Ghanaians and accused him of deflecting from his role as head of Ghana’s economic management team. “You don’t need a debate to answer five questions,” Mahama said. “When you asked Amissah Arthur five equations, he didn’t need a debate to respond. Ghanaians are asking you five straightforward questions—just answer them.”
Mahama further criticized President Akufo-Addo, stating, “I have given him two questions too; he should come and answer them. That’s all Ghanaians want. You have damaged the economy—that’s the truth.”
Referring to Bawumia’s questions, Mahama added, “He skillfully avoided the economy. None of his 50 questions touch on the economy. Why avoid the issue you were brought in to fix? The economy is in a dire state—just answer the five questions I’ve asked on behalf of Ghanaians.”