In the arena of Ghanaian politics, the responsibility of leadership transcends mere rhetoric; it hinges on the capacity to honor promises and uphold the trust of the people. Yet, as the 2024 elections draw near, one cannot help but question whether the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, believe Ghanaians are shallow-minded, incapable of discerning truth from falsehood.

A history of broken promises:

Dr. Bawumia’s political career is replete with lofty promises that, when examined against the backdrop of his tenure, reveal a stark contrast between words and actions. A prime example is his 2016 campaign, where he pledged to transform the economy, create sustainable jobs, and eliminate corruption.
Ghanaians were sold on the idea of a new economic dawn—one that would alleviate the burdens of poverty and usher in prosperity for all.

Fast forward to today, and the reality is far from the utopia that was promised. The very economy that was to be transformed has instead been marred by significant debt accumulation, unprecedented inflation, and a cedi that continues to depreciate. The unemployment rate has soared, leaving many of the youth disillusioned and questioning the integrity of those they once trusted. Corruption, which was to be eradicated, has only proliferated, with scandals such as the PDS saga and the Agyapa deal underscoring a governance culture steeped in secrecy and self-interest.

Recycled Promises, Recycled Deceit:

As Dr. Bawumia embarks on his 2024 campaign, the promises sound eerily familiar. After nearly eight years in power, one must ask: what has fundamentally changed in the strategy? The rhetoric is once again centered on promising everything under the sun but never explaining how. He wants to keep trying his infantile, plagiarized, and economically suicidal policies, which have paralyzed the Ghanaian economy for the past seven and a half years. The supposed economic messiah chairing the economic management team has run the economy aground through incompetence, greed, and, in many instances, shared wickedness.

Many government institutions, such as the Central Bank of Ghana and the Cocobod, are running losses that have never happened before. Others, like the Tema oil refinery, have been run down completely, while others like the SIC Insurance Company, have had their market share taken by privately owned insurance companies. If these promises could not be fulfilled during his time as Vice President, why should Ghanaians believe they will be realized if he is elected President?

It is as though the NPP and Dr. Bawumia assume Ghanaians have forgotten the unfulfilled promises of the past, or worse, that the electorate is too shallow-minded to see through the repackaged lies. They appear to underestimate the intelligence and memory of the very people they seek to govern, banking on the notion that by simply repeating the same promises, they can secure yet another term in office.

The Illusion of Economic Management:

One of the most glaring examples of this assumption is Dr. Bawumia’s persistent claim of being a “master” of economic management. In 2016, he promised to stabilize the cedi, ensure a thriving business environment, reduce fuel prices, reduce electricity bills, and control inflation. Yet, the cedi has weakened dramatically under his watch, and businesses are struggling under the weight of taxes and unpredictable policies. Fuel prices have rocketed, electricity bills have more than doubled, and inflation has spiraled out of control, reaching double-digit figures that continue to erode the purchasing power of ordinary Ghanaians.

In 2024, he is once again making promises about economic stability and growth. But how can the same individual who failed to deliver in the past now convince Ghanaians that he has the answers? The assumption here is clear: the NPP believes that Ghanaians are either too timid to challenge the status quo or too shallow-minded to remember the past.

Respecting the Electorate:

Ghanaians are neither shallow-minded nor timid. They are a people with a rich history of democracy, capable of critically analyzing the actions and inactions of their leaders. The time for recycled promises and political theatrics is over. What the people of Ghana demand now is honesty, accountability, and a clear, actionable plan for the future—one that is grounded in reality, not empty promises.

Dr. Bawumia and the NPP must come to terms with the fact that the electorate is more discerning than they give them credit for. The era of taking the people for granted is over. Ghanaians have the power to differentiate between truth and lies, and they will not be swayed by the same promises that have been repeatedly broken.

As the 2024 elections approach, it is crucial for the electorate to remember the past, scrutinize the present, and make informed decisions about the future. The destiny of the nation lies not in the hands of politicians who underestimate the people but in the collective will of a populace that refuses to be taken for granted. Ghanaians deserve leadership that respects their intelligence and values their trust—a leadership that delivers, not just in words but in deeds.

That option has never been clearer—it is John Dramani Mahama of the NDC. He is visionary, compassionate, trustworthy, and incorruptible. His attributes can be summed up as CIA-Competence, Integrity, and accountability.