New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has launched a fresh attack on President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, accusing the government of destroying businesses despite campaigning on a promise to create jobs.
Addressing the NPP’s National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, Dr Bawumia cited the demolition of businesses at the La beachfront as evidence of what he described as a contradiction between the government’s promises and its actions.
“A government that promised jobs is destroying businesses,” he said.
Dr Bawumia argued that businesses were already struggling with high operating costs and cost-of-living pressures despite improvements in the performance of the cedi.
“Despite the cedi stability, businesses continue to suffer, and the cost of living is high,” he said.
His comments followed the demolition of structures and businesses along the La beachfront, an exercise that has generated controversy among affected operators and political actors.
Dr Bawumia has separately pledged to rebuild the La Beach economy and provide leases to businesses operating within the enclave if the NPP returns to power. He said the beachfront should be developed into a major tourism and economic hub while protecting livelihoods.
Bawumia Hits Govt Over 24-Hour Economy
The former Vice President also accused the Mahama administration of struggling to deliver some of the major promises on which the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaigned.
He singled out the government’s 24-hour economy programme, arguing that the jobs promised under the policy had yet to materialise at the scale anticipated.
“The government is struggling to fulfil many of the lofty promises,” he said.
Dr Bawumia maintained that nearly two years into the administration, many young Ghanaians were still waiting for the employment opportunities they had expected from the policy.
“Nearly two years have passed, and the jobs have not come or shown signs of coming,” he said.
The NPP flagbearer used the conference to rally the party around its rebuilding agenda, describing the election of new national executives as the beginning of another chapter in the party’s history.
He urged aspirants to accept the outcome of the elections and put party unity ahead of individual political ambitions.
“Vote in peace. Accept the results with grace,” he told delegates, adding that the party must emerge from the conference united and focused on the 2028 elections.
‘We Won’t Be Intimidated’ — Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also addressed the conference, urged the NPP and its parliamentary caucus to intensify scrutiny of the Mahama administration without fear of arrest or intimidation.
He said the opposition had a democratic responsibility to hold the government accountable for its decisions and policies.
“Let’s hold the government accountable without fear of arrest and intimidation,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin accused the government of attempting to silence some critics, but said the Minority would continue to pursue accountability through democratic means.
He also called on NPP members to unite behind Dr Bawumia and support the party’s reorganisation ahead of the 2028 general election.
“The Lord is with us; come 2028, we shall prevail,” he said.
Kufuor Calls for Public Trust
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, in a recorded message played at the conference, urged the NPP to elect national officers capable of restoring the confidence of Ghanaians in the party.
He said Ghana needed leadership capable of promoting prosperity and national transformation, while stressing that political sovereignty ultimately rested with the people.
Mr Kufuor urged delegates to carefully examine those seeking national executive positions and choose leaders capable of rebuilding the party’s relationship with voters.
He stressed that the NPP’s political revival would depend on its ability to regain public confidence and remain faithful to democratic principles.
Akufo-Addo Rallies NPP for 2028
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also rallied delegates around the party’s 2028 agenda, expressing confidence that the NPP could return to government under Dr Bawumia.
He urged members to draw lessons from the party’s previous periods in opposition and work towards rebuilding its structures.
The former President referenced the NPP’s victories in 2000 and 2016 as he expressed confidence in the party’s ability to stage another political comeback.
The National Delegates Conference forms a key part of the NPP’s reorganisation following its 2024 electoral defeat.
More than 7,000 delegates from across the country converged on Kumasi to elect national officers who will steer the party for the next four years.
Delegates also approved a series of constitutional amendments, including a significant change making the party’s flagbearer its leader.
