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National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has criticized Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for what he describes as a failure to directly answer pressing economic questions, responding instead with a barrage of \u201cirrelevant\u201d counter-questions.<\/p>\n
Speaking to supporters at a campaign event at Savalegu on Wednesday, October 30, Mahama said, \u201cI woke up this morning and saw 50 questions from him. It looks like our Vice President has just memorised these things like we used to learn poems in primary school.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added, \u201cI asked you five simple questions that Ghanaians want you to answer, and instead, you respond with, \u2018How many compost plants did you build?\u2019 That\u2019s not the issue in Ghana today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mahama\u2019s Five Key Economic Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n Mahama\u2019s original questions focused on what he sees as critical failures in Ghana\u2019s current economic policy and areas he believes the Vice President has not adequately addressed. Mahama\u2019s questions to Bawumia included:<\/p>\n Exchange Rate Stability: Mahama asked Bawumia to explain his handling of the exchange rate, as the cedi has consistently depreciated against major currencies under the NPP government. He reminded Bawumia of previous promises to stabilize the cedi.<\/p>\n Rising National Debt: Mahama questioned how Ghana\u2019s debt has ballooned under the NPP administration and asked why, despite the increased borrowing, the country\u2019s infrastructure and public services have not seen proportional improvement.<\/p>\n Inflation Control: Highlighting the country\u2019s high inflation rates, Mahama asked how Bawumia plans to tackle the rising cost of living that is affecting the average Ghanaian.<\/p>\n Job Creation and Unemployment: Mahama pointed to the current unemployment rate, challenging Bawumia to outline clear solutions for job creation and a sustainable plan to tackle youth unemployment.<\/p>\n Shift from Economic Management to Digitalization: Mahama criticized what he called Bawumia\u2019s shift in focus from core economic management to digitalization efforts, arguing that while digitalization is beneficial, it does not address the fundamental economic challenges facing the country.<\/p>\n Bawumia\u2019s Counter-Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n Dr. Bawumia\u2019s 50 questions covered a range of issues including economic management, social interventions, digitalization initiatives, and infrastructure. He posed questions on topics such as:<\/p>\n Mahama\u2019s economic policies during the power crisis (\u201cdumsor\u201d) period. Cancellations of training allowances for nurses and teachers. Measures taken to combat corruption and promote financial inclusion. Specific efforts to support critical healthcare services, like ambulance provisions and services for chronic illness patients Mahama\u2019s Critique on Bawumia\u2019s Response<\/strong><\/p>\n Mahama argued that the Vice President\u2019s response ignored the urgent economic questions affecting everyday Ghanaians, and accused him of deflecting from his performance as the head of Ghana\u2019s economic management team.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t need a debate to answer the five questions. When you asked Amissah Arthur the five equations, you didn\u2019t agree to a debate for him to answer them. Ghanaians are asking you five simple questions, just answer them.<\/p>\n \u201cAkufo-Addo too I have given him two questions, he should come and answer them. That\u2019s all Ghanaians are looking for. You have destroyed the economy, that is the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven if you look at the 50 questions, he asked me, he has skillfully avoided the economy. There is nothing about the economy in those 50 questions. Why are you running away from the economy. Because you were brought in to fix the economy. The economy now in a terrible state just answer the five questions I have asked you on behalf of the people of Ghana, simple,\u201d\u00a0\u00a0he stated.<\/p>\n \u2018Be a man and debate me\u2019 \u2013 Bawumia replies Mahama with 50 questions<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Initiatives for digital transformation, such as Ghana\u2019s national identity card program (Ghanacard) and the digital address system. Development projects, including road construction, airport expansion, and health facility upgrades<\/p>\n\n