NPP Government and Bawumia’s Economic Strategy Has ‘Failed Ghanaians -Samuel Ofosu Ampofo

Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, a senior figure in the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), recently launched a scathing critique of the economic policies championed by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and the  flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking at a campaign rally in the Volta region alongside Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the NDC’s vice-presidential candidate, Ampofo did not hold back in his criticism, characterizing Bawumia's economic approach as "weapons of mass destruction" that have devastated the country’s economy and disrupted the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

Ampofo, who served as the former National Chairman of the NDC, expressed his profound disappointment with the NPP’s performance, particularly in the economic realm. He noted that the current hardships faced by Ghanaians are "unprecedented," suggesting that the policies enacted under President Akufo-Addo’s administration have led to widespread suffering. His address resonated deeply with the gathered crowd, many of whom have felt the brunt of rising inflation, unemployment, and the collapse of local businesses.

In his speech, Ampofo emphasized that the economic policies designed and implemented under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership as Vice President have eroded the financial security of countless citizens. According to him, these policies have crippled indigenous businesses and destabilized the banking sector, resulting in widespread economic pain and job losses across the country. By referring to these policies as "weapons of mass destruction," Ampofo drew a stark comparison, highlighting the devastation caused by NPP’s economic measures and underlining the sense of urgency for a change in leadership.

Ampofo’s fiery remarks didn’t end there. He went on to urge voters to consider the track record of the NDC and to support the party’s presidential candidate, former President John Dramani Mahama, in the upcoming December 7 elections. He appealed to the electorate to vote massively for Mahama, Opoku-Agyemang, and all NDC parliamentary candidates as a way of signaling their disapproval of the NPP's governance. In his view, the NDC offers a more reliable, trustworthy option, with a proven commitment to the development of the nation and the well-being of its citizens.

Ampofo’s speech also took aim at the closure of several indigenous banks and financial institutions during the NPP’s tenure. He pointed out that under Bawumia’s economic oversight, Ghana witnessed the collapse of numerous local financial institutions, including banks, microfinance companies, and community banks, which served as lifelines for many Ghanaians. One of the most significant casualties, he noted, was the closure of businesses owned by Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, the founder of the Progressive People’s Party and a previous presidential contender. Ampofo alleged that the government is targeting Nduom’s bank, which offered essential services to women and small-scale enterprises, resulting in a widespread impact on the business sector.
Ampofo’s passionate plea for change reflected a broader frustration with the ruling party’s approach to economic management. They have obliterated banks, community banks, and small microfinance institutions,” he asserted, further stating, “This is why Bawumia’s economic policies are instruments of mass destruction. They have obliterated banks, community banks, and small microfinance institutions,” he asserted, further stating, “This is why Bawumia’s economic policies are instruments of mass destruction.” and We will not permit him to deceive Ghanaians once more.

Ampofo also made the case for John Dramani Mahama as the only candidate Ghanaians can trust to revive the economy and bring about meaningful change. He argued that Mahama’s record of development projects, particularly in infrastructure and technology, underscores his commitment to improving Ghana’s economic landscape. In a pointed reference to Dr. Bawumia’s current focus on digitization, Ampofo reminded the audience that the backbone of Ghana’s digital infrastructure, including fiber optics networks and the Accra Digital Centre, was established during Mahama’s administration.

Ampofo argued that elections pertain to confidence in leadership and identifying the individual capable of fulfilling commitments. He proceeded to critique Bawumia's previous remarks over Mahama's fitness for office, stating, "Today he has distanced himself from the Economic Management Team, yet he discusses digitization." and yesterday He had the audacity to declare that President Mahama should not approach the presidency.

Ampofo’s words resonated with the crowd, many of whom see the upcoming election as a pivotal moment for the country. He urged voters to remember the NDC’s record of infrastructure development, social interventions, and pro-poor policies when they go to the polls. As Ghana approaches election day, Ampofo’s remarks serve as a clarion call for change, highlighting the NDC’s pledge to restore economic stability, protect indigenous businesses, and deliver a future that prioritizes the welfare of every Ghanaian.