By Yussif Ibrahim/Muyid Deen Suleman, GNA
Kumasi, Oct. 03, GNA – Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticised the government over widespread concerns surrounding job creation, the economy, livelihoods and the administration of justice.
He said almost two years into the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, several of its promises to Ghanaians, particularly in the areas of employment and economic development, were yet to translate into the expected outcomes.
Dr Bawumia made the remarks when he addressed delegates at the NPP National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday.
He questioned the implementation of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative, saying a programme that was presented to Ghanaians as a means of creating jobs should not result in the destruction of existing businesses and livelihoods.
He said many young people, artisans and small business operators were looking forward to the promised expansion in employment opportunities but were instead, confronted with challenges affecting their livelihoods.
Dr Bawumia also raised concerns about the cost of doing business, particularly electricity costs, saying businesses continued to face difficulties despite assurances of measures to reduce their operating expenses.
He said economic stability should ultimately be reflected in improved living conditions for households and a more favourable operating environment for businesses.
On the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, Dr Bawumia defended the initiative introduced under the previous NPP administration, saying it had contributed to efforts towards protecting the cedi from external economic shocks.
He, however, alleged that the current administration was incurring significant losses through its management of the programme.
Turning to healthcare, he criticised the pace of implementation of the Agenda 111 hospital projects, saying the completion of the district hospitals would expand access to healthcare for millions of Ghanaians.
He also spoke about education, saying the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme remained an important national intervention whose sustainability and impact should be protected.
Dr Bawumia further expressed concern about the trafficking of illicit drugs through Ghana, arguing that arresting couriers alone was insufficient to address the problem.
He said the authorities needed to examine how the drugs entered the country and strengthen measures to prevent further trafficking.
The NPP Flagbearer also raised concerns about the administration of justice, saying the perception of unequal treatment before the law could undermine public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
He called for the justice system to operate fairly and independently, irrespective of political affiliation.
Dr Bawumia urged members of the NPP to remain organised and united as the party prepared for the Election 2028.
The conference, which has brought together more than 7,000 delegates from the 16 regions, is electing national officers to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.
The Electoral Commission is supervising the elections, with 45 aspirants contesting various national executive positions.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/ Christabel Addo