Mahama Challenges Bawumia with Key Economic Questions Amid Currency Crisis
Former President John Dramani Mahama, presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2024 elections, has directed a series of pointed economic questions toward Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This follows mounting public concern over the recent exchange rate of GH¢17 to $1, a figure Mahama emphasizes as indicative of deeper economic issues.
During his tour of the Northern Region, Mahama highlighted the shift in Bawumia’s priorities. He noted that the Vice President, once known for his strong economic commentary, has redirected his focus from economic discussions to digitalisation initiatives. “In the past, Bawumia was vocal about our economy, frequently questioning every move,” Mahama remarked. “Today, ‘economy’ seems absent from his vocabulary; it’s all about ‘digitalisation’ now.”
Drawing comparisons to his own time in office, Mahama likened his current line of questioning to the 170 statements and claims Bawumia previously demanded answers for from then-Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur. Now, Mahama says it’s time for Bawumia to respond to critical questions surrounding Ghana’s economic landscape:
- Why is the exchange rate GH¢17 to $1?
- Why has Ghana’s debt escalated from GH¢120 billion to GH¢767 billion in eight years?
- Why has inflation soared, reaching a high of 54%?
- Why did you borrow GH¢42 billion from the Bank of Ghana, leading to the Central Bank’s unprecedented GH¢60 billion loss?
- Why have you ceased delivering lectures on the economy?
Mahama’s questions spotlight a number of key economic issues that, according to him, have been downplayed amid the government’s focus on technology-driven projects. He urges Bawumia to address the significant increase in Ghana’s debt and inflation rates, both of which he claims have worsened under the current administration.
As Mahama’s tour continues, his questions have ignited discussions about Ghana’s economic direction and what role each candidate may play in shaping it. Joy News’ Maxwell Agbagba, reporting live from the campaign trail, will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
