Bawumia Questions Economic Gains, Says Ghanaians Need Relief in Their Pockets

New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has questioned whether Ghana’s reported economic improvements are translating into better living conditions, arguing that favorable statistics offer little comfort to citizens struggling with daily expenses.

Speaking at the NPP’s National Thanksgiving Service at the Church of Pentecost in Sunyani, Dr. Bawumia described Ghana as having two economies: a “paper economy” reflected in official figures and a “pocket economy” shaped by the financial circumstances of ordinary people.

He said government reports of declining inflation and an improving exchange rate must be assessed alongside households’ ability to afford goods and services.

According to him, the pressures associated with electricity and water bills, fuel prices and transport fares continue to weigh on citizens, raising questions about how widely the benefits of economic stability are being felt.

Dr. Bawumia argued that the true measure of economic progress should be an improvement in purchasing power and living standards. He maintained that stability would have limited significance if its benefits remained confined to official reports without providing meaningful relief to households.

His remarks formed part of a broader criticism of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s economic management and its delivery on campaign commitments.

He also challenged the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, describing it as campaign propaganda that had failed to produce the structural changes promised to Ghanaians.

Turning to the NPP’s political direction, Dr. Bawumia said the party would priorities practical proposals backed by clear costing and realistic implementation plans. He indicated that its future policy platform would focus on workable measures to address citizens’ concerns.

The address placed household welfare at the center of his criticism of the government, with Dr. Bawumia insisting that national economic gains must ultimately be reflected in the everyday financial circumstances of the people.

Source: Omanghana