As Ghana prepares for the 2024 presidential elections, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has resurfaced with a new campaign promise that has sparked significant debate among Ghanaians: facilitating mobile phone on credit to citizens. This pledge raises pertinent questions about the administration’s previous record and whether such initiatives adequately address the pressing challenges facing the nation.
Dr. Bawumia, who has been in office since 2017, has faced growing criticism for the state of the Ghanaian economy. The outcry stems from various aspects of daily life—youth unemployment is spiraling, with young graduates struggling to find jobs. Many students in remote areas continue to study under trees, devoid of basic school infrastructure. In hospitals, pregnant women are often seen lying on the floors due to insufficient resources and space, while security personnel have complained about inadequate housing.
Economic indicators paint a grim picture: from 2016 to 2024, the Ghanaian cedi has depreciated dramatically against the US dollar, rising from 4 cedis to 16 cedis. This eightfold increase contributes to high inflation and soaring food prices, affecting the most vulnerable populations across the country. Additionally, the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, once heralded as a groundbreaking initiative, faces challenges that threaten its effectiveness. Corruption has permeated many layers of government, and the collapse of indigenous companies has put additional strain on the local economy.
In light of these challenges, the question arises: is facilitating mobile phone on credit the major need for Ghanaians right now? Many critics argue that the focus should be on comprehensive economic reforms rather than piecemeal solutions like mobile phone on credit. Ghanaians, grappling with daily hardships, appear to seek urgency in tackling inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure development rather than promises that might seem superficial against a backdrop of systemic issues.
Moreover, this isn’t the first time Dr. Bawumia or the New Patriotic Party has made ambitious promises that many citizens feel have been left unfulfilled. In the past, pledges have been made concerning job creation, economic stabilization, and infrastructural development—many of which remain unaddressed or inadequately executed.
The underlying frustration among Ghanaians extends beyond mere dissatisfaction with unfulfilled promises; there’s a palpable sense of insult to intelligence. When politicians offer initiatives that seem disconnected from the pressing realities of ordinary life, it leads to growing cynicism regarding their motivations. Voters are left wondering if their leaders genuinely understand the challenges they face or if they are merely attempting to deflect from deeper systemic issues by offering simplistic solutions.
As the elections approach, the electorate in Ghana is at a crossroads. The next leader must address the fundamental needs of the populace, focusing on sustainable economic reforms that provide real solutions rather than quick fixes. The question lingers—can former promises give way to a new vision that genuinely uplifts the people of Ghana? Or will politicians continue to underestimate voters’ intelligence with promises that fall short of the mark?
In this pivotal moment, it is essential for Ghanaians to demand accountability and vision from their leaders—an opportunity to reshape the political landscape of the nation, ensuring that future promises translate into meaningful, lasting change.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
