'You can’t do propaganda in power' - Bawumia jabs NDC

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the 2024 NPP flag bearer. He believes the governing NDC cannot fulfill its promises now that it is in power.

During his UK Thank You Tour in London, he spoke to the Young Executive Forum (YEF). He stated, “It’s not easy to do propaganda when you are in government.” He added, “It’s very easy to do propaganda in opposition.”

Dr. Bawumia led the New Patriotic Party into the 2024 elections. He claimed the NDC's campaign was based on "stories and lies." These lies are already unraveling just five months into their administration.

“They told so many lies in opposition,” he said. He criticized their promise to lower prices for kenkey and living costs. “Have you noticed a reduction in prices? No,” he asked.

He pointed out that prices are rising for items like cement. Dr. Bawumia accused the new administration of misleading farmers and teachers.

“They lied to cocoa farmers about increasing cocoa prices,” he said. They promised to raise it from ¢3,100 to ¢7,000 but later claimed they had wrong information.

Regarding education, he noted they told teachers they would abolish licensure exams. Now, they say they won’t touch it again.

Dr. Bawumia mocked the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy as unrealistic. “We all knew it was a joke,” he remarked.

He mentioned their big billboards promising three people for every job. “Today, that policy is completely missing,” he said.

The former Vice President questioned how a 24-hour economy could exist with power outages (dumsor).

He suggested that the NDC's poor performance will benefit the NPP in 2028.

“I think they are being exposed after just five months,” he said. By four years, there will be a strong demand for the NPP to return.

However, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged some failings of his own party while in government. “There’s no doubt…we didn’t get everything right,” he admitted.

He apologized for not meeting expectations during their time in office but remains optimistic about a comeback in 2028.

“I am very optimistic about 2028… We’ve learned lessons from our past mistakes.”

He noted that history favors returning candidates over first-timers in Ghanaian elections.

“Our political history shows it’s tough for first-time candidates to win.” He cited examples of John Kufuor, John Mills, and Akufo-Addo needing multiple attempts before winning.

Dr. Bawumia believes the NDC will need a new candidate by then and thinks this gives them an advantage for 2028.

He also expressed confidence that people will eventually appreciate Akufo-Addo's legacy as president.

“When Kufuor left office, he wasn’t popular but is now well-regarded.” He believes Nana Akufo-Addo will receive similar recognition over time.

In closing, Dr. Bawumia rallied support: “I believe we are well-positioned to win this election.” He urged everyone to be enthusiastic and supportive.