BY Issah Olegor
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has launched a stinging critique of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the government of misleading Ghanaians with its so-called “24-hour economy” initiative.
In his 2026 New Year message, Dr. Bawumia claimed that ordinary citizens, particularly young people and workers, continue to face economic hardship despite government promises of job creation and prosperity.
Addressing members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the wider public, Bawumia said that the past year has been particularly challenging for Ghanaians.
Parents struggle to meet the basic needs of their families, young people remain unemployed, and traders, professionals, and farmers grapple with rising costs of living.
“Many have been waiting for the 24-hour economy to deliver jobs and opportunities, but these promises remain largely unfulfilled,” he stated, describing the initiative as more rhetoric than reality.
Dr Bawumia also critiqued the broader performance of the Mahama administration, highlighting what he sees as growing insecurity and declining public confidence.
He cited the drop in the 2025 Global Peace Index—from fourth to seventh in Sub-Saharan Africa—as evidence of increasing security worries, and warned that a government focused on slogans rather than tangible outcomes risks eroding the trust of citizens.
Turning to the NPP, Dr Bawumia urged party members to remain focused on unity and strategic leadership ahead of the January 31, 2026, flagbearer primary.
He argued that internal divisions would only weaken the party and play into the hands of a government that has “scammed Ghanaians with empty promises.”
He stressed that the NPP’s comeback in the 2028 elections depends on presenting a credible, disciplined, and service-oriented leadership that prioritizes the welfare of all Ghanaians over political theatrics.
The former Vice President further warned that public frustration over unfulfilled economic pledges could have serious consequences if opposition parties fail to organize effectively.
He called on NPP delegates to focus on ideas, policy vision, and national development rather than personal attacks, emphasizing that the party’s credibility hinges on its ability to offer concrete solutions to the challenges facing the country.
In closing, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia called for vigilance, unity, and a renewed commitment to public service.
He urged Ghanaians to hold the government accountable for its promises, while encouraging NPP members to prepare for a decisive contest that could determine the party’s trajectory toward reclaiming governance.
“We must not let empty slogans distract us,” he said, “our task is to rebuild the party, serve the people, and ensure that Ghanaians have the future they deserve.”
