A group known as the Concerned National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members in Diaspora has criticised the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) choice of candidates for the 2024 elections.

The group’s dissatisfaction follows the selection of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the current Member of Parliament for the Manhyia South Constituency and Minister of Energy, as the running mate to Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

In a press release signed by Dr. Hamza Mohammed Sheriff, General Secretary of the NDC Members in Diaspora, the group claimed that the selection of Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Opoku Prempeh demonstrates that the NPP is more focused on retaining power for its benefit rather than addressing the critical challenges facing the country.

The statement criticised Dr. Bawumia's economic management during his tenure as the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana and as Vice President, accusing him of failing to implement effective policies to mitigate the country's economic difficulties.

It highlighted that inflation rates during his time at the Bank of Ghana ranged from 17.5% to 20%, contributing to heightened poverty and hardship among Ghanaians.

“Today, Dr. Bawumia, as head of the economic team, raises questions about the country’s current state. What intervention policies has his team implemented to alleviate the suffering of the masses?” Dr. Sheriff questioned in the statement.

The group argued that despite Dr. Bawumia's economic credentials, Ghana's economic situation has worsened since the NPP assumed office in 2017, citing rising inflation, unemployment, and inadequate relief measures.

Dr. Sheriff further criticised the government's failure to address the soaring cost of living, remarking, "The high cost of goods and services has made it difficult for families to afford basic needs like cooking a pot of soup for a family of four. How can Ghanaians trust a leader who has failed to address these social atrocities and breached their social contract with the people?"

The group also voiced concerns over Ghana's escalating external debt, which has now exceeded $200 billion since January 2017, and questioned the lack of transparency in the utilization of these funds.

Additionally, the statement took aim at Dr. Opoku Prempeh's tenure as Minister of Education, particularly criticising the rapid implementation of the ‘FREE SHS’ programme. It argued that the programme was rolled out without adequate feasibility studies or stakeholder engagement, contrasting this with the more gradual approach under former President John Mahama, which emphasised proper planning to avoid overcrowding and infrastructure issues.

“The current Energy Minister has also faced backlash for his inability to resolve the power crisis, leaving behind a significant debt while failing to address the needs of both consumers and businesses, leading to the collapse of infant industries,” the statement added.

The NDC members in the diaspora urged Ghanaians to carefully examine the credentials of the NPP candidates, expressing disappointment in what they described as a "chronic liar and an arrogant running mate" being presented for the upcoming election. They called for leadership that prioritises the collective interests of citizens over political gain.

The statement concluded by expressing support for former President John Mahama and Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, advocating for a return to stable governance focused on job creation and productivity enhancement. The group urged the public to be discerning in their choices at the polls.

"This election is a crucial decision that will shape our nation's destiny. Ghana deserves better, and together we can make the Ghana we want to happen," it concluded.