Rejoinder: “Bawumia is the Best Man Ghana Needs at This Moment in Our History”// Kufuor
Rejoinder: “Bawumia is the Best Man Ghana Needs at This Moment in Our History”// Kufuor
Rejoinder: “Bawumia is the Best Man Ghana Needs at This Moment in Our History”// Kufuor
The Perspective of Teacher Sir Blay
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as “the best man Ghana needs at this moment in our history” has sparked debate, especially given the economic hardships that Ghanaians currently endure. Kufuor, who once urged Ghanaians to “look at your economic situation and vote properly” in the 2000 election, appears to overlook the harsh realities the country faces today. Under Bawumia’s leadership as Vice President, these economic hardships have only deepened, affecting nearly every sector of society.
Dr. Bawumia made several promises while in opposition—pledges that captured the hopes of Ghanaians for economic recovery and stability. However, many of these promises remain unfulfilled, raising questions about his effectiveness as a leader. Here are some significant examples:
1. Reducing Borrowing and Debt: Bawumia was vocal in criticizing the previous administration for excessive borrowing, arguing that it was evidence of poor economic management. Yet, under his tenure, Ghana’s debt has surged, and the cedi has depreciated significantly, exposing the very economic vulnerabilities he claimed he could address.
2. “One Village, One Dam” Initiative: He promised that every northern village would have a dam to support year-round farming and boost agricultural productivity. Yet, many villages lack functional dams, and those built often fall short in quality, making the promise largely unfulfilled.
3. Fuel Prices: Bawumia assured Ghanaians that fuel prices would be reduced to alleviate the high cost of living. However, fuel prices have only escalated under his watch, leading to higher transportation costs and deepening financial strain for ordinary citizens.
4. Job Creation for the Youth: Bawumia pledged to tackle unemployment, especially among the youth, through job creation initiatives. Despite these promises, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, with limited sustainable job opportunities available.
5. Reducing Taxes and Creating a Business-Friendly Environment: Despite promising a reduced tax burden and a more favorable business climate, tax increases have affected various sectors, and businesses face considerable difficulties. Many have been forced to shut down or operate at reduced capacity.
6. Lack of Understanding of Foreign Policy: Bawumia previously promised that his administration would strengthen Ghana’s foreign policy.
However, Ghana’s international relations have often been inconsistent, limiting the country’s diplomatic and economic influence and, at times, even straining relationships with long-standing allies.
7. “Where Are the Concrete Roads?”: Bawumia promised durable concrete roads to solve the nation’s infrastructure problems, yet this commitment remains largely unmet. Many roads, especially in rural areas, remain in poor condition, riddled with maintenance issues that have worsened over time.
8. Promises on Industrialization – “One District, One Factory”: Dr. Bawumia promoted the “One District, One Factory” initiative as a cornerstone of the government’s plan to create jobs and boost industrialization.
However, the initiative has fallen short of its ambitious goals, with many factories either non-operational or lacking the impact originally envisioned. This unfulfilled promise has led to disappointment and disillusionment among citizens, especially in districts that expected economic transformation and job opportunities.
9. Healthcare Infrastructure: Bawumia highlighted plans to improve healthcare infrastructure across the country, promising to address issues such as inadequate medical supplies and facilities.
Yet, healthcare challenges persist, with hospitals facing shortages of essential supplies, inadequate staffing, and insufficient support for rural healthcare centers. This shortfall has left many communities struggling to access basic health services, further impacting the well-being of Ghanaians.
10. Education and Teacher Welfare: Bawumia made commitments to improve the education sector and support teacher welfare, recognizing the essential role of educators in national development.
However, issues such as delayed salaries, inadequate teaching resources, and a lack of investment in educational infrastructure have hindered progress. Teachers and students alike continue to face challenges that undermine the quality of education, casting doubt on the promises of a robust and supportive educational system.
These unmet promises reflect a significant gap between Bawumia’s rhetoric and the reality faced by Ghanaians.
Under his watch, Ghana has experienced the collapse of banks, the fall of major companies, rising unemployment, malnutrition, and even a decline in moral standards as the population grapples with economic hardship. It is hard to imagine that a statesman of Kufuor’s stature is unaware of these challenges.
As a former president and respected leader, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor should prioritize the interests of the Ghanaian people when making endorsements or suggestions for leadership.
His influence can serve as a beacon for genuine healing and reform, and any endorsement should genuinely consider what is best for Ghana in this critical moment.
Teacher Sir Blay, therefore, is of the view that Dr. Bawumia does not have what it takes to run the affairs of the country effectively.
In his opinion, it is former President John Dramani Mahama who has the experience, vision, and capability to restore Ghana’s fortunes and guide the nation toward a more stable and prosperous future.
Story by Julius Blay (JABS)
