Dr. Bernard L. TETTEH-DUMANYA
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s 2024 manifesto, titled ‘My Vision for Ghana’, presents an ambitious and idealistic blueprint for Ghana’s future. However, as Ghana stands at a pivotal juncture, it is crucial this time to consider whether this manifesto truly offers a clear and actionable path forward or if it merely serves as another exercise in political rhetoric. To assess this, it is important to compare the manifesto’s promises with the track record of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration over the past eight years.
A closer analysis reveals that several key commitments from the current administration have either fallen short or remain unfulfilled, casting doubt on the feasibility of the new promises outlined in Dr. Bawumia’s manifesto, which, in my view, lacks sufficient detail on how these ambitious goals will be achieved and also may require stronger connection to the immediate needs of the broader population in Ghana.
The manifesto, in my view, lacks specificity and actionable strategies, presenting broad concepts like job creation, innovation, and preparing Ghana for the Fourth Industrial Revolution without outlining clear steps to achieve these goals. For example, while it sets ambitious economic growth targets, such as maintaining an average 6percent growth rate by expanding sectors like agriculture, mining, and emerging industries, it does not address the structural challenges that could hinder these objectives.
Dr. Bawumia, when in opposition, was vocal about how to grow the economy, yet under his leadership as head of the economic management team, inflation soared to 54percent. This raises questions about the sincerity of his current promises, is this manifesto genuinely aimed at serving the masses of Ghana, or is it merely designed to win votes? Despite the rhetoric of economic transformation, the reality for many Ghanaians has been one of financial hardship, with skyrocketing prices eroding purchasing power.
Dr. Bawumia’s promises of fiscal discipline and controlled debt, which he emphasized in previous campaigns, have not materialized. Instead, Ghana’s public debt has escalated to unsustainable levels, forcing the country to seek an IMF bailout in 2023, a stark contradiction to his earlier declaration that Ghana had moved “beyond aid.” This discrepancy between promises of economic stability and the reality of increasing debt undermines the credibility of his new economic commitments.
Another promise was to stabilize the cedi and control inflation. However, the cedi has depreciated significantly, and inflation has reached levels that have severely impacted the cost of living for ordinary Ghanaians. There is also a perception that Dr. Bawumia is shifting focus from economic issues to technology, but even this shift raises concerns.
While the emphasis on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation is progressive, it may not address the immediate needs of the majority of Ghanaians. Focusing on advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing might appeal to urban populations and the educated youth, but it risks alienating rural voters who are the majority and are more concerned with agricultural policies, basic healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
In essence, while Dr. Bawumia’s manifesto envisions a high-tech future, it may be disconnected from the realities faced by grassroots communities. The manifesto could benefit from a more balanced approach that also addresses the pressing needs of rural and underserved populations, ensuring that the focus is on the immediate challenges before tackling more advanced, long-term goals.
Dr. Bawumia’s manifesto appears to rely heavily on the potential of the youth and the promise of “bold solutions,” but these need to be substantiated with clear policies, plans, and timelines to be convincing. Unfortunately, approximately 60percent of the policies outlined are reiterations of past promises.
The manifesto emphasizes themes of selflessness, integrity, and fighting corruption, which have been central to many political messages. While these are undoubtedly important, they have been overpromised and underdelivered by his administration.
For the manifesto to stand out, Dr. Bawumia needs to present innovative approaches to governance and corruption control, rather than repeating promises that have yet to bring significant change. When it comes to job creation and industrialization, the manifesto outlines lofty goals, but these ambitions have historically yielded limited results.
For example, while job creation is identified as a cornerstone for Ghana, past initiatives in this area have had mixed success. The 1D1F (One District, One Factory) initiative, a major industrialization policy aimed at creating jobs and spurring economic growth, has not lived up to expectations. Although some factories have been established, the programme’s slow and uneven implementation has led to skepticism about the government’s ability to meet its ambitious job creation targets.
Similarly, the NABCO (Nation Builders Corps) programme, designed to address youth unemployment, initially provided temporary jobs for graduates. However, issues like delayed payments and a lack of job security have plagued the programme, with many participants expressing frustration over the limited opportunities for permanent employment. These challenges highlight the administration’s struggles in delivering long-term job solutions.
While the manifesto suggests that Dr. Bawumia would be a president who listens and remains accountable to the people, it lacks specific mechanisms or reforms to ensure this accountability. Without clear proposals on how citizens can hold the government responsible, these promises may seem insubstantial. The track record of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration in fighting corruption has been less than impressive.
The Special Prosecutor’s Office, a flagship initiative intended to tackle high-level corruption, has faced significant challenges, including the resignation of the first Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, who cited political interference and lack of support as his reasons for stepping down. Amidu even referred to the president as a “mother serpent of corruption,” and critics have labeled the president as a “clearing agent” due to the administration’s failure to prosecute high-profile corruption cases effectively. This has severely undermined public confidence in the government’s commitment to fighting corruption, making similar promises in the 2024 manifesto appear hollow.
Additionally, the government’s promise to eradicate illegal mining, known as “galamsey,” has also faltered. Despite introducing initiatives to curb this activity, reports suggest that illegal mining continues, often with the complicity of some government officials under Dr. Bawumia. This failure not only highlights the administration’s inability to enforce its own policies but also raises doubts about the effectiveness of future governance promises. The manifesto claims of gender equality, educational reforms, and governance improvements.
However, the feasibility of these promises is questionable due to significant practical, financial, and institutional challenges. Expanding educational opportunities, such as increasing student accommodation and offering free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, would require substantial funding, which may be difficult to secure.
We all know what happened to the free SHS slogan which was not properly assessed leading to a disastrous impact on families and the school children. Governance reforms, including capping ministers and electing MMDCEs, could encounter political resistance as he may not have control over his own party something that has bewitched his boss the president.
In conclusion, while Dr. Bawumia’s manifesto presents ambitious goals, its feasibility is questionable given Ghana’s current economic realities, structural challenges, and governance issues. The success of these initiatives will hinge not only on resource availability but also on the government’s capacity to implement reforms effectively and overcome existing bottlenecks. Given Dr. Bawumia’s track record as the “driver’s mate” in the current administration, where he has remained largely silent after his initial critiques before 2017, there is skepticism about his ability to deliver on these promises.
Without substantial improvements in infrastructure, governance, and economic management, these commitments may remain more aspirational than achievable. As Ghanaians approach the polls, it is crucial to critically assess whether Dr. Bawumia’s vision is genuinely attainable or merely a continuation of the political rhetoric that has defined much of the current administration’s tenure. The future of Ghana hinges on this careful scrutiny and the demand for accountability from those seeking to lead.
>>>the writer is a seasoned Financial Economist & Consultant with an illustrious career spanning 29 years across academic, corporate, and agribusiness sectors. His extensive professional journey includes pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as UBA Ghana, SIC Financial Services, Empretec Ghana, and the Swiss International Finance Group, reflecting his profound understanding of global finance. Renowned as a pioneer in risk management, compliance, and corporate strategy, Dr. Tetteh-Dumanya has made significant contributions to the Ghanaian financial landscape. He has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives in Venture Capital, business/financial reengineering, and fundraising, thereby playing a pivotal role in the growth and development of numerous entities. Driven by a fervent dedication to capacity development, Dr. Tetteh-Dumanya has offered consultancy services to a diverse array of local and multinational organizations notably GIZ, AGRA, SNV, DANIDA, and USAID among others. His expertise in financial and business domains is multifaceted, showcased through his adept navigation of complex challenges and his commitment to driving sustainable growth in every endeavor. For inquiries, Dr. Tetteh-Dumanya can be reached at: [email protected]
