Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has challenged the government’s claims of economic progress, arguing that falling inflation and a stronger cedi have yet to bring meaningful relief to many households.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate described Ghana’s economic situation as two separate realities: a “paper economy”, reflected in official figures, and a “pocket economy”, shaped by the daily financial struggles of ordinary citizens.
He made the remarks at the NPP’s National Thanksgiving Service at the Church of Pentecost in Sunyani, where he criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s handling of the economy and several of its campaign promises.
“As you can all attest, things are not going on well. Things are really hard for the people. And when you ask them what they have done, they will tell you that inflation is down and dollar is down,” he said.
Dr Bawumia argued that improvements in economic indicators should ultimately make life more affordable for Ghanaians, rather than remain figures that do not reflect conditions on the ground.
“The reason we all want inflation and dollar to go down is because we want it to have a positive impact and make life and cost of living easier. But if inflation and dollar go down and the people are suffering, is that how we want it?” he asked.
He maintained that economic stability should be measured by its impact on living standards, questioning the value of improved indicators if households continued to face financial pressure.
“You cannot have a stable economy with people suffering. The stability should be a way of improving the lives of the people. So what is the use of the stability they are talking about when the people are suffering?” he added.
Bawumia questions benefits for farmers and workers
The former Vice President also questioned whether farmers, teachers, health workers and traders had benefited from the economic improvements the government says it has achieved.
He cited cocoa farmers as an example, questioning whether they had received the GH¢6,000 per bag he said they had been promised. He also claimed that cashew farmers had been encouraged to expand their farms on the expectation of better payments, but had yet to see the promised benefits.
Dr Bawumia further accused the government of failing to deliver for soybean, rice and maize farmers, while arguing that teachers, nurses and doctors were also facing unmet expectations.
He said traders were experiencing difficulties because customers were not buying their goods, adding that increases in electricity and water bills, fuel prices and transport fares had placed additional pressure on households.
Education promises come under scrutiny
Dr Bawumia turned his attention to education, accusing the NDC government of failing to fulfil commitments made during its campaign.
Among the promises he highlighted was the pledge to end the double-track system under the Free Senior High School programme.
He also alleged that the government had not abolished the teacher licensure examination or introduced automatic postings for teachers as promised.
The NPP candidate said the issues raised questions about the government’s record in implementing its campaign commitments.
Bawumia claims galamsey has worsened
Illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, was another target of his criticism.
Dr Bawumia claimed the problem had become worse under the current administration, despite assurances that it would be tackled.
“Galamsey is even worse. Maybe when they mentioned 1:3:3 they meant galamsey because galamsey has now more than tripled. Dr Sam Jonah said our river bodies now look like chocolate milk. They said they would end galamsey within one month, but they have failed,” he said.
He also questioned the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, arguing that Ghanaians were yet to see the results promised during the campaign.
“They promised Ghanaians a new economy called 24-hour economy. We have been waiting for nearly two years to see it, but it has not happened. Clearly, they did not even understand what they were talking about. It was campaign propaganda to deceive Ghanaians,” he alleged.
Dr Bawumia further challenged the government to account for the jobs it promised under its 1:3:3 initiative.
“They said 1:3:3, one job for three people, and the question Ghanaians are asking is, where are the jobs?” he asked.
He also accused the government of failing to complete the Agenda 111 hospital projects as promised.
‘Pocket economy’ matters most, Bawumia says
Summing up his criticism, Dr Bawumia said the government’s focus on indicators such as inflation and the exchange rate did not adequately capture the financial difficulties facing ordinary Ghanaians.
“One is a paper economy, they say inflation is down and exchange rate is down. The second economy is the pocket economy, the high cost of living and your sufferings. That is more important to the people of Ghana,” he said.
“The stability of the economy is meaningless if it cannot be linked to the liberation of the suffering of our people,” he added.
NPP promises practical policies for 2028
Looking ahead to the 2028 general election, Dr Bawumia said the NPP would focus on policies that were practical, achievable and supported by detailed costing and implementation plans.
He said the party intended to present what he described as “costed and practical ideas”, signalling an approach centred on proposals it believes can be delivered.
His remarks form part of the NPP’s criticism of the government’s economic record and its efforts to position the party ahead of the next general election.
