In a pointed critique that has captured the nation’s attention, Presidential Candidate John Dramani Mahama has posed five critical questions to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on the state of Ghana’s economy. These questions have struck a chord, fuelling public discourse on the government’s economic performance under Bawumia’s leadership as Chairman of the Economic Management Team (EMT).
Mahama’s five questions, simple yet piercing, expose significant economic challenges facing Ghana today:
1. Why has the cedi deteriorated from Ghc4 to $1 in 2016 to nearly Ghc17 to $1 today?
2. Why has Ghana’s public debt escalated from Ghc120 billion in 2016 to a staggering Ghc763 billion in 2024 under your watch as EMT chair?
3. Why did inflation skyrocket to an all-time high of 54% in the Fourth Republic while you led the EMT?
4. Why did you borrow over Ghc42 billion from the Bank of Ghana, leading the Central Bank to post a record-breaking loss of Ghc60 billion?
5. Why have you avoided giving lectures on the economy? Why has the term ‘economy’ vanished from your lexicon?
Bawumia’s response, a list of fifty questions aimed at the opposition, has been met with sharp criticism across social media. Netizens expressed disappointment, with many arguing that Bawumia failed to address the pressing concerns raised by Mahama. “It’s quality they’re asking for, not quantity,” one social media user stated, echoing the sentiment of many.
In the wake of this heated exchange, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to generate 1.7 million jobs if elected in December. With the economy at the forefront of voters’ minds, the NDC’s job creation pledge underscores its commitment to addressing the economic challenges that have taken centre stage.
Mahama’s questions, coupled with the NDC’s job promise, are expected to set the tone for a decisive and high-stakes general election. As Ghanaians continue to debate these unanswered questions, the demand for accountability and a sustainable economic vision is bound to grow.