Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto Committee, has called on Ghanaians to critically evaluate the promises made by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Presidential Candidate, ahead of the upcoming elections.
According to Ankrah, Dr. Bawumia’s economic proposals lack feasibility and should be approached with caution to avoid potential risks for the electorate.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face program hosted by Umaru Sanda Amadu, the former Minister of Youth and Sports expressed deep skepticism about the viability of Dr. Bawumia’s key policy proposals. These include a flat tax rate, the removal of the controversial e-levy, safeguarding public finances, and expanding road infrastructure. Ankrah questioned the practicality of these promises, arguing that the NPP flagbearer’s track record of unfulfilled commitments undermines their credibility.
“You believe Bawumia at your own risk, and I want Ghanaians to know and recognize that it will be very dangerous for them to believe Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,” Ankrah cautioned. “This is somebody who has consistently made promises and has not been able to fulfil them. Together with Nana Addo [President], they gave a litany of promises.”
Ankrah’s comments come as the political landscape intensifies in the lead-up to the elections, with parties outlining their visions for Ghana’s future. However, the NDC stalwart was quick to remind voters of what he described as a history of unkept promises by Dr. Bawumia and the NPP. He cited examples of commitments made during their tenure in office that he believes remain unfulfilled, urging the electorate to approach their new promises with skepticism.
The former minister took particular issue with the proposed flat tax rate, questioning its practicality and potential impact on the country’s fiscal stability. He argued that such a policy could lead to inequities in the tax system, disproportionately benefiting the wealthy while placing additional burdens on lower-income citizens. He also dismissed the promise to remove the e-levy, describing it as another instance of populist rhetoric that lacks substance.
“This is the same government that introduced the e-levy despite public outcry,” Ankrah remarked. “Now they want Ghanaians to believe they will remove it? It’s nothing but a ploy to deceive voters.”
In addition to economic policies, Ankrah also scrutinized the NPP’s broader governance record, highlighting areas where he believes the government has fallen short. He criticized the management of public finances under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration, claiming that the country’s debt levels have reached unsustainable heights. He expressed concern that Dr. Bawumia, who has been a central figure in the NPP government’s economic team, would continue along the same trajectory if elected.
Ankrah’s remarks were not limited to economic issues. He also took aim at the NPP’s infrastructure agenda, questioning the feasibility of their promises to expand road networks across the country. According to him, such commitments are unrealistic given the current state of public finances.
“This government has had eight years to deliver on their promises, and we are yet to see the transformative road projects they talked about. Ghanaians should not be swayed by empty rhetoric,” he stated.
Ankrah urged voters to consider the track record of the candidates and parties before making their decisions. He emphasized the importance of holding leaders accountable for their promises and warned against placing trust in leaders who, in his view, have a history of failing to deliver.
The NDC Manifesto Committee member further asserted that Dr. Bawumia’s economic proposals lacked substance and detailed implementation plans. He argued that the absence of a clear roadmap for achieving these promises casts doubt on their feasibility. Ankrah called on Ghanaians to demand greater accountability and transparency from political leaders, particularly during the campaign season.
As the political debate intensifies, Ankrah’s remarks add to the growing scrutiny surrounding Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy and the NPP’s campaign promises. While the NPP has touted its achievements in economic digitization, financial inclusion, and infrastructure development, critics like Ankrah continue to challenge the effectiveness and sustainability of these initiatives.
In his concluding remarks, Ankrah reiterated his call for voters to critically assess the promises being made by the NPP and their flagbearer. He urged Ghanaians to prioritize leaders who offer realistic solutions to the country’s challenges and have a proven track record of delivering on their commitments.
“This election is not just about promises; it’s about credibility and track records,” Ankrah said. “Let us not gamble with our future by trusting leaders who have consistently failed to deliver.”
The warning from Ankrah underscores the high stakes of the upcoming elections, as Ghanaians weigh their options in choosing the next leader to guide the nation through its challenges. As the campaign season progresses, the discourse around policy proposals and governance records is expected to remain a central focus for both candidates and voters.
