New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has accused the Mahama administration of undermining businesses, including those at La Beach, despite promising to create jobs.
Speaking at the NPP’s conference in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, Dr Bawumia questioned why a government elected on a jobs platform was demolishing businesses.
“A government that promised jobs is destroying businesses… Despite the cedi stability, businesses continue to suffer, and the cost of living is high,” he said.
He also criticised the government for failing to deliver on what he described as a series of ambitious election promises. In particular, he said the administration had yet to implement its proposed 24-hour economy, which was expected to operate through a 1:3:3 shift system.
“The government is struggling to fulfil many of the lofty promises. Youth in search of jobs flagbear the 24-hour economy,” Dr Bawumia said.
“Nearly 2 years have passed, and the jobs have not come or shown signs of coming.”
NPP leadership elections
Dr Bawumia said Saturday’s gathering marked the start of what he called a “glorious chapter” for the NPP, as the party began electing national executives ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He urged all candidates contesting the internal elections to accept the outcome.
“Please accept the results in good faith,” he said.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin called on the NPP and the Minority to scrutinise the Mahama administration without fear of arrest or intimidation.
He said the party had a responsibility to hold the government accountable for its policies and decisions.
“Let’s hold the government accountable without fear of arrest and intimidation,” Mr Afenyo-Markin told delegates in Kumasi.
Describing Dr Bawumia as “a doer and problem solver”, he appealed to NPP members to unite behind the party’s reorganisation and support its flagbearer before the 2028 elections.
“The Lord is with us; come 2028, we shall prevail,” he said.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, in a video message shown at the conference, said Ghanaians were looking to the NPP to lead the country towards prosperity and transformation.
“Ghana needs NPP to lead to prosperity and transformation,” he said.
He urged delegates choosing the party’s new national leaders to examine carefully the qualities required to restore public confidence.
“Let us show true respect for the idea that true sovereignty is with the people,” he added.
Former President Akufo-Addo also expressed confidence that the party would return to power in 2028 under Dr Bawumia.
“With God’s guidance, we will emerge victorious as we did in 2000 and 2016 and form the government in 2028 with Dr Bawumia,” he said.
The NPP is holding its National Delegates Congress and national officers’ elections in Kumasi, with delegates voting to select the party’s next national executives.
The party has also proposed and adopted several constitutional amendments for consideration at the congress.
