Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto Committee, has expressed serious reservations about the promises made by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Presidential Candidate for the 2024 elections. Ankrah has urged Ghanaians to critically assess and approach Bawumia’s economic proposals with caution, questioning the feasibility of his commitments.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s political talk show, Face to Face, hosted by Umaru Sanda Amadu, Ankrah criticized Bawumia’s track record, alleging a consistent pattern of unfulfilled promises during his tenure as Vice President. He highlighted key proposals from Bawumia’s campaign, including a flat tax rate, the removal of the contentious e-levy, safeguarding public finances, and expanding road infrastructure, as overly ambitious and potentially unattainable.
“You believe Bawumia at your own risk,” Ankrah stated emphatically. “Ghanaians need to recognize that it will be very dangerous to put their trust in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This is someone who, along with Nana Addo [the President], has made a litany of promises in the past, most of which have not been fulfilled. These new commitments are simply a continuation of the same trend.”
Ankrah urged voters to remain vigilant, warning that trusting Bawumia’s pledges without scrutiny could lead to disappointment.
Questioning the Feasibility of Economic Proposals
One of the focal points of Ankrah’s critique was Bawumia’s proposed introduction of a flat tax rate. While the concept may appeal to some, Ankrah argued that it lacks a clear roadmap for implementation and could have unintended consequences for Ghana’s economy. He suggested that such a policy might disproportionately benefit high-income earners while burdening lower-income groups, creating economic inequality.
Similarly, Ankrah expressed skepticism about Bawumia’s promise to remove the e-levy, a tax that has sparked widespread debate since its introduction. The levy, which applies to electronic transactions, has been a significant revenue stream for the government. Ankrah questioned how Bawumia plans to offset the potential loss of revenue without compromising public services or plunging the nation into further debt.
“Ghanaians deserve answers. How does he intend to replace the revenue from the e-levy? What alternative funding mechanisms are in place? These are critical questions that remain unanswered,” Ankrah remarked.
Concerns Over Infrastructure Commitments
Bawumia’s pledge to expand road infrastructure was another area Ankrah scrutinized. While infrastructure development is crucial for national growth, Ankrah argued that the NPP’s track record raises doubts about the credibility of such promises. He pointed out that many of the roads promised during the NPP’s previous campaigns remain incomplete or non-existent.
“Promises of infrastructure are not new to us. Ghanaians have heard these claims before, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. Where are the roads that were promised four years ago? Why should we believe that this time will be any different?” Ankrah questioned.
Track Record of Unfulfilled Promises
Ankrah’s overarching criticism centered on what he described as a pattern of broken promises by Bawumia and the NPP government. He accused the Vice President of making grandiose claims without following through, leaving Ghanaians disillusioned.
“Dr. Bawumia has built a reputation for making promises that sound good on paper but lack substance in execution. This is a leadership style that Ghana cannot afford to gamble on, especially at such a critical juncture in our history,” Ankrah emphasized.
He further noted that the electorate should consider the broader implications of voting for a candidate with a questionable track record. “Leadership is about trust and accountability. If a leader consistently fails to deliver on their word, how can they be trusted with the future of this nation?”
A Call for Critical Evaluation
As the 2024 elections draw closer, Ankrah called on Ghanaians to critically evaluate the promises of all candidates, including Bawumia. He urged voters to prioritize substance over rhetoric and to demand detailed, actionable plans from those seeking the highest office in the land.
“Elections are not about slogans or catchy phrases. They are about the future of our country and the lives of millions of Ghanaians. Let us not be swayed by empty words. Instead, let us hold our leaders accountable and ensure they have the vision and capability to deliver on their promises,” Ankrah concluded.
The Road Ahead
As political campaigns intensify, Ankrah’s cautionary message underscores the need for a well-informed electorate. While Bawumia’s proposals may resonate with some, his critics, like Ankrah, argue that their feasibility and track record must be thoroughly scrutinized.
The coming months will undoubtedly be pivotal as Ghanaians weigh their options and decide on the leadership that will guide the nation through the next chapter of its history. As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the stakes for Election 2024 could not be higher.
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