Bawumia hasn't done well in government to promise doing better in his own government - Benjamin Quashie

The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders in South Africa has challenged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's promise to fix Ghana's economy if elected as President.

He argued that as the current head of the Economic Management Team, Dr. Bawumia has overseen the decline of the cedi and cannot convincingly promise economic improvements.

In an interview with Nana Otu Darko on 'Eda Mu Fua' on Accra 100.5 FM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, Mr. Quashie stated that the Vice President, being part of the current government, cannot present himself as an opposition leader seeking to rectify the country's economic issues. He criticized Dr. Bawumia's efforts to persuade Ghanaians of his economic expertise as misleading.

Addressing labor issues related to Dr. Bawumia's promises, Mr. Quashie condemned the Vice President for making pledges to resolve labor challenges when he assumes the presidency. He described Dr. Bawumia as a Vice President who trivializes politics and underestimates the intelligence of Ghanaians. "Our current Vice President thinks that politics is about being comical, and he believes Ghanaians are naive enough to accept his misrepresentations," he remarked.

Mr. Quashie noted that former President John Mahama no longer responds to Dr. Bawumia's comments because governance requires practical solutions, not theoretical discussions. He highlighted Dr. Bawumia's past statements about controlling the dollar exchange rate as examples of his unrealistic promises.

Furthermore, Mr. Quashie criticized Dr. Bawumia for his inconsistent positions and lack of credibility. He recalled the 170 questions Dr. Bawumia posed to the late Vice President Amissah Arthur during the NDC era and accused him of avoiding similar scrutiny now. "He lacks the credibility and principles necessary to lead our nation," Mr. Quashie asserted.

Using an analogy, Mr. Quashie argued that a vice president who is not adequately prepared cannot effectively lead, unlike President Mahama, who benefited from the guidance of President Mills. He questioned Dr. Bawumia's self-description as a "mate" (assistant), pointing out that as the head of the Economic Management Team, he holds a crucial role in managing the country's economy. "How can you be a 'mate' when you're in charge of the economy? Running a country revolves around its economy," Mr. Quashie emphasized.