In response to recent comments made by President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo, urging Ghanaians to vote for his Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as the next President of Ghana, Malik Basintale, the Deputy National Communication Officer for the NDC, has sharply criticized the President’s remarks. Nana Addo claimed that Bawumia has “good policies” and is competent enough to lead the country, even calling for a debate between Bawumia and former President John Dramani Mahama.
Basintale’s Response: “What Competence?”
Malik Basintale strongly disagreed with the President’s assertions, pointing out that Dr. Bawumia, as the chairman of the Economic Management Committee, has overseen what he describes as the collapse of Ghana’s economy. According to Basintale, if Bawumia is indeed competent, how did he allow the economy to reach such a dire state?
Basintale went on to question the so-called “good policies” President Nana Addo referred to. He asked, “You claim Bawumia has good policies, yet under your watch, those very policies have led to the collapse of the economy. Now, you’re asking Ghanaians to make him president. What kind of policies are you referring to, Mr. President? And what record does your Vice President have to debate with former President Mahama, the best choice for Ghana?”
Economic Failures Under Dr. Bawumia
Basintale didn’t stop there. He highlighted key failures of the Bawumia-led economic management team that have affected the lives of everyday Ghanaians:
- Devaluation of the Cedi: Under Dr. Bawumia, the cedi has drastically depreciated, moving from 4 cedis to 16 cedis to the dollar, creating hardships for businesses and ordinary Ghanaians.
- Soaring Inflation: Inflation has spiked from 15% to a staggering 54%, raising the cost of goods and services and diminishing the purchasing power of Ghanaians.
- Fuel Prices: The price of fuel has skyrocketed from 16 cedis per gallon to 70 cedis, making transportation and everyday living more expensive for Ghanaians.
- National Debt: Ghana’s debt has ballooned from 120 billion cedis to a staggering 650 billion cedis, increasing the burden on future generations.
Call for Competent Leadership
Malik Basintale concluded by questioning the logic behind a debate between Dr. Bawumia and former President John Dramani Mahama. He noted that Mahama’s track record speaks for itself, having left behind a more stable economy. Basintale argued that Ghanaians deserve better leadership, one that can reverse the economic damage caused under the current government.
He emphasized that former President John Dramani Mahama remains the best choice for Ghana, a leader with a proven track record and the ability to restore hope and prosperity.
Conclusion: Time for Accountability
As the 2024 elections draw near, Malik Basintale calls on Ghanaians to reflect on the current state of the economy and the hardship it has brought. He insists that the nation cannot afford to entrust its future to a leader whose policies have led to economic collapse. Instead, Ghanaians should rally behind a proven leader like John Dramani Mahama, who can bring much-needed relief and development to the country.
It’s time to vote for competence, accountability, and progress come December 7th.