The flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched a scathings attack on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, asserting that the internet has become the ultimate tool exposing the government’s unfulfilled campaign pledges.
Addressing party faithful and congregants at the NPP’s National Thanksgiving Service held at the Church of Pentecost in Sunyani on Sunday, the former Vice President observed that digital records and social media have made it impossible for politicians to run away from their past utterances.
He explained that previous promises made by the current administration to secure power are now constantly retrieved and played back to remind citizens of what was promised versus the reality on the ground.
“Promises made to win power must be promises we can keep, because time tests every promise. Today we have something we call (internet meme) ‘a few moments later’. Whatever you say, it is saved on the internet, so when you come and you fail to honour what you promised to do, your own words will be played back to you,” he stated.
Amid enthusiastic cheers from the congregation, he added, “The NDC said so many things and today ‘omo akyi gu ho’ – they have been exposed.”
Dr Bawumia highlighted how campaign clips, old flyers, and broadcast interviews have been turned into internet memes that continue to challenge the government’s credibility.
He pointed to a string of key sectors where he claimed the government had disappointed Ghanaians, including pledges regarding GH¢6,000 per bag of cocoa, improved cashew prices, automatic posting for teachers, the removal of the double-track system, and the abolition of the teacher licensure examination. He also cited delays in completing Agenda 111 hospitals and unkept pledges to cocoa, soybean, rice, and maize farmers, as well as health workers.
“They told soybean, rice and maize farmers many things, they have all been deceived. Teachers too, the same. Same with nurses and doctors,” Dr Bawumia noted.
Taking aim at the administration’s flagship economic proposal, the NPP presidential candidate questioned the feasibility of the 24-hour economy policy, describing it as mere political rhetoric.
“They said they were bringing 24-hour economy. We have been waiting for nearly 2 years to see it but it has not happened. They themselves don’t understand it so how can they explain it to us? It was campaign propaganda to deceive Ghanaians.”
Turning to environmental issues, he argued that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has worsened despite previous assurances to curb the practice within a month.
“Galamsey is even worse. Maybe when they mentioned 1:3:3 they meant galamsey because galamsey has now more than tripled. Dr. Sam Jonah said our river bodies now look like chocolate milk.”
On the macro-economic front, Dr Bawumia argued that a stark disconnect exists between official statistical reports and the daily reality faced by citizens.
“You cannot have a stable economy with people suffering. Electricity bills, water bills, petrol and transport fares have all gone up. Traders are complaining because people are not buying their goods,” he remarked, describing the situation as a contrast between a “paper economy” showing low inflation figures and a “pocket economy” where ordinary households struggle with high living costs.
Looking ahead to the next electoral cycle, Dr Bawumia promised that the NPP would offer realistic and fully budgeted policies to the electorate.
“Costed ideas, practical ideas, workable ideas. We are not going to promise Ghanaians what we cannot do,” he declared.
He concluded his address by expressing concern over civic freedoms, alleging that public dissent is being clamped down on.
“When people complain on radio and on the internet, they will come and arrest you. We are in an era of arrests.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
