Presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has openly criticized John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, over his views on the role of digitalization in Ghana’s economic development. Addressing the youth on Sunday, November 3, he urged the youth to reject Mahama in the upcoming 2024 elections, arguing that Mahama lacks an understanding of digital transformation.

According to Bawumia, Mahama fails to appreciate digitalization’s positive impact on economic growth, attributing some of Ghana’s past economic struggles during Mahama’s tenure to this oversight. Bawumia pointed out that digital initiatives benefit Ghanaian citizens and the economy as a whole.

“Today, Mahama claims there’s no connection between digitalization and the economy. Really? In this fourth industrial revolution, how can we entrust leadership to someone who doesn’t grasp the significance of digitalization in a global digital economy?”, he queried.

“With that mindset, he should not come close to the presidency. Ghana needs a leader who values digitalization as we advance into the future,” he added.

Bawumia also questioned Mahama’s focus on infrastructure, suggesting that while infrastructure is important, it is secondary to the current administration’s digitalization-led approach.

“Mahama boasts of his infrastructure achievements, but today he claims infrastructure doesn’t affect the economy. How can someone who has led this country not see the connection between infrastructure and economic growth? This mindset explains why the economy struggled under his leadership.”

Bawumia further expressed doubt about Mahama’s proposed “24-Hour Economy Policy,” describing it as impractical and unclear due to the inability of Mahama and the NDC to coherently explain the policy.

“His signature 24-hour economy idea lacks coherence. It’s become a case of ‘one day, one explanation,’ including ideas as varied as rearing lions and elephants. With me, you’ll have a brand new leader, not a recycled one.”