'Can you have a 24-hour economy with dumsor?' - Bawumia ridicules NDC’s flagship policy

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP 2024 flagbearer, criticized the NDC's promise of a 24-hour economy. He called it empty rhetoric amid worsening power outages.

Bawumia spoke to members of the Young Executive Forum in London. This was part of his Thank You Tour after the elections. He questioned how a round-the-clock economy could exist without stable electricity.

“They promised us a 24-hour economy,” he said. “This is their flagship policy.” He noted that this promise is now absent from their discussions and budget.

He asked, “How can you have a 24-hour economy with dumsor?” His comments highlighted the contradiction between their promises and reality.

Bawumia accused the NDC of bringing back chronic power crises. He argued that current conditions validate earlier warnings from the NPP.

“Dumsor has taken over,” he stated. “We warned Ghanaians that dumsor and NDC work together.” He expressed concern that things might worsen.

He warned that struggles with power generation and living costs will alienate Ghanaians. “In just five months, the NDC is being exposed,” he declared.

Bawumia claimed the NDC misled Ghanaians with false promises while in opposition. They had promised to lower prices but instead, prices are rising.

He pointed out inflation in cement and other commodities as evidence of this failure. The government’s excuses are becoming less convincing, he added.

“They lied to cocoa farmers about increasing cocoa prices,” he said. Farmers were excited but now face disappointment due to broken promises.

Teachers also feel let down by unfulfilled commitments regarding licensure exams. Miners were promised an end to illegal mining but galamsey continues to rise.

Bawumia expressed confidence that the NPP would return to power in 2028. He believes Ghanaians will grow disillusioned with the NDC over time.

“People often tire of governments after eight years,” he explained. He compared President Akufo-Addo’s future popularity to former President Kufuor’s experience after leaving office.

“Today, Kufuor is one of our most popular presidents,” Bawumia noted. He believes people will reflect on Akufo-Addo's accomplishments positively over time.

While acknowledging mistakes made by his party, Bawumia took responsibility for them. “I apologize for not getting things right.”

Despite past errors, he remains optimistic about the NPP's future prospects in 2028. “I believe we will come back into government.”

He cited Ghana’s political history as a reason for hope regarding first-time candidates' challenges in winning elections.

Dr. Bawumia concluded with a call for support from diaspora members: “I want to count on all of your support.”