A former Chairman of the UK/Ireland Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Alhassan Mbalba, has implored Ghanaians not to vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections. According to him, Ghana’s economy will crumble further if the NPP is granted another opportunity to rule the country.
Speaking in an interview on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show on Wednesday, Mr. Mbalba indicated that the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has proven his inability to make firm decisions in governance. He said Ghanaians have suffered in the past eight years under the leadership of the NPP, which to an extent affected those living in the diaspora. But Dr. Bawumia, as vice president, has failed to help the situation, even though he claims to be an economist.
“You can’t even pinpoint most of the things they promised us in 2016 and 2020, and then they want us to help them break the eight. Break what eight? When you’re even struggling to sustain and finish the eight. If they break the eight, then Ghana will collapse,” he stated.
Mr. Mbalba added that the current conditions are unbearable for Ghanaians. He mentioned that the Akufo-Addo-led administration’s free SHS policy has not eased the problems, claiming that expatriates feel the pressure from relatives back home. He argued that if the country had improved, people living abroad would find things easier because their siblings would not demand a lot from them, given that employment would be available for everyone.
The former chairman asserted that the NPP’s failure to solve the country’s economic crisis is a demonstration that Dr. Bawumia has no economic expertise to address the problems facing the country. “Bawumia has proven that he’s not an economist who has the panacea to the problems facing our country. He projected himself as an economic wizard. Today, where is the relationship between the cedi and foreign currencies? The cedis that he claimed he arrested, who granted bail to that cedi?” Mr. Mbalba questioned.
He urged the electorate to rally behind John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour policy because the initiative is aiding the survival of people living abroad. Mr. Mbalba’s comments reflect a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction among some Ghanaians who believe that the current government has not delivered on its promises. The NPP, which came to power with high expectations, has faced criticism over its handling of the economy, corruption allegations, and the effectiveness of its flagship policies.
The free Senior High School (SHS) policy, for instance, has been a double-edged sword. While it has increased access to education, it has also been criticized for its implementation and the strain it has put on the country’s resources. Mr. Mbalba’s assertion that expatriates feel the pressure from relatives back home highlights the interconnectedness of Ghana’s economy with the global diaspora. Remittances play a significant role in the country’s economy, and when the domestic economy struggles, it often leads to increased financial demands on those living abroad.
The NPP has defended its record, pointing to various infrastructure projects and efforts to stabilize the economy. However, critics like Mr. Mbalba argue that these efforts have not translated into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The upcoming elections are seen as a critical juncture for the country, with voters having to decide whether to give the NPP another term or to return the NDC to power under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama.
Mr. Mbalba’s critique of Dr. Bawumia’s economic management is particularly pointed given Bawumia’s background as an economist and his role in the government. The vice president has often been the face of the NPP’s economic policies, and his performance is seen as a key factor in the party’s re-election bid.
The upcoming elections are expected to be fiercely contested, with both parties campaigning vigorously to win over voters. Issues such as the economy, corruption, education, and healthcare are likely to dominate the discourse, with each party presenting its vision for the future of Ghana.
In conclusion, Alhaji Alhassan Mbalba’s statements reflect a deep concern about the direction in which the current government is taking the country. His call for Ghanaians to reject the NPP in the upcoming elections underscores the high stakes involved. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how these issues will resonate with voters and influence the outcome at the polls.
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