In a scathing critique of the government’s economic policies, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) vying for the party’s flagbearer position, launched a direct attack on the administration’s handling of the local currency and its reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
During a campaign tour in Kintampo East, Mr. Agyapong expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the depreciation of the Ghanaian Cedi. Revealing that his substantial $40 million investment in Cedi equivalent had plummeted to a mere $16 million within just five months, spanning from March to August 2022, he pulled no punches in holding the government accountable for what he sees as mismanagement.
Although he refrained from explicitly naming individuals, Mr. Agyapong alluded to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who leads Ghana’s economic management team and is also a fellow aspirant for the NPP flagbearer position. Mr. Agyapong took particular issue with Dr. Bawumia’s approach of seeking budgetary support from the IMF while simultaneously claiming to be a “strategist” in economic matters.
With fervor, Mr. Agyapong emphasized that true economic strategists should not resort to seeking external assistance but should instead be able to devise solutions independently. The government’s approach, in his view, raised questions about the efficacy and independence of its economic decision-making.
In the spirit of a clean campaign, Mr. Agyapong pledged to address any accusations against him and called on his fellow flagbearer aspirants to conduct a fair and transparent race. He reiterated the importance of common-sense governance and expressed his confidence in being a more effective custodian of the economy compared to his competitors.
Citing his successful business ventures that employ over 7,000 individuals monthly, Mr. Agyapong positioned himself as an agent of change who could contribute significantly to reducing unemployment rates in the country.
As the NPP’s flagbearer selection process approaches, Mr. Agyapong’s strong criticism of the government’s currency handling and IMF involvement has added fuel to the already heated political climate within the party. His remarks have sparked debates about economic strategies and raised pertinent questions about the role of external support in managing Ghana’s economic challenges.
With the race for the party’s leadership intensifying, all eyes will be on the NPP delegates’ decision. The outcome of this internal contest will undoubtedly shape the party’s direction and might have broader implications for the nation’s economic policies going forward.
Source:citinewsroom