With just four days until Ghana's general elections, renowned broadcaster Captain Smart has stirred conversations with bold claims about the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Speaking on Onua TV's *Maakye* show, he accused the NPP's flagbearer and presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, of campaigning against his own party. These comments have sparked debates across the political landscape, adding an interesting twist to an already heated election season.
Captain Smart began his critique by focusing on Dr. Bawumia’s recent promises to abolish certain controversial taxes, including the E-levy and betting taxes, if elected president. These taxes, introduced during the current NPP government’s tenure, were met with widespread public criticism when implemented. According to Captain Smart, Dr. Bawumia’s promise to eliminate these taxes undermines the policies of his own party. He argued that it suggests the NPP’s presidential candidate does not fully align with or support the ideologies of the party he represents.
"How can the person who was part of the government that introduced these taxes now promise to abolish them? It simply shows that he is campaigning against himself and the NPP," Captain Smart remarked. This statement, he believes, reveals a disconnect within the party’s leadership and raises questions about their unity and consistency.
Beyond Dr. Bawumia, Captain Smart also pointed fingers at other prominent NPP leaders, accusing them of indirectly supporting the opposition. He claimed that President Nana Akufo-Addo, NPP running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, and the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have all made moves that seem to favor John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
For instance, Captain Smart highlighted recent public statements made by President Akufo-Addo, which he interpreted as an endorsement of John Mahama. Though the president did not explicitly back the opposition, Captain Smart believes his remarks were strategically unhelpful to his own party’s campaign.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as Napo, and Chairman Wontumi were similarly accused of making decisions or comments that have damaged the NPP’s credibility and electoral chances. According to Captain Smart, these actions collectively amount to “campaigning against the NPP,” either intentionally or inadvertently.
Adding to his critique, Captain Smart did not shy away from addressing the party’s track record in government. He argued that the NPP has failed to deliver on many of its promises to Ghanaians, such as creating sustainable jobs, improving economic conditions, and reducing the cost of living. "The people trusted you with their votes, but what have you done? Prices are high, unemployment is still a problem, and now you want to introduce more taxes? Ghanaians are disappointed," he said passionately.
The broadcaster’s comments reflect a growing frustration among some voters and analysts who feel that the NPP’s governance has fallen short of expectations. While the party has touted achievements like infrastructure development and digital transformation, critics argue that these successes have not been enough to ease the economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
What makes this situation even more significant is the timing. With only a few days left until Ghanaians head to the polls, such allegations and criticisms could sway undecided voters or influence the turnout among the party's base. Captain Smart’s observations are not just about the NPP’s internal politics; they also highlight the importance of leadership accountability and clear communication in any campaign.
For the NPP, these claims present a challenge. On the one hand, they need to address the internal issues raised by Captain Smart and convince voters that their candidate and leadership are united. On the other hand, they must work hard to win back the trust of Ghanaians who feel let down by their performance in office.
Dr. Bawumia, a well-known economist, has been a key figure in the NPP's rise to power and has built his campaign around themes of economic growth, innovation, and job creation. However, as Captain Smart pointed out, his recent promises to reverse some of his party's policies could be seen as an attempt to distance himself from the current administration's less popular decisions. While this strategy might appeal to some voters, it could also confuse or alienate the party’s core supporters.
The allegations against other NPP leaders add another layer of complexity. If key figures within the party are perceived to be undermining their own campaign, it raises questions about whether the NPP can present a united front in these crucial final days.
As the election approaches, Ghanaians will ultimately decide whether the NPP’s message resonates or whether the concerns raised by figures like Captain Smart carry more weight. For now, one thing is clear: the political drama surrounding these claims has added even more intrigue to an already intense race.
In the end, the choice will come down to the voters. Will they believe in the NPP's vision and forgive its perceived shortcomings, or will they turn to the opposition for a change in leadership? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched and debated in Ghana’s recent history.
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