The Vice President and NPP Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched a scathing attack on former President John Mahama’s handling of northern development during his tenure.
Addressing a crowd in Wa on Monday, Dr. Bawumia claimed that despite being Vice President and President, Mahama failed to deliver meaningful development to the north.
“John Mahama has been President of Ghana before, but what did he do for the north?” Dr. Bawumia asked. “I have not been President before, but I have done more for the north as Vice President. The people of the north know who has worked for them.”
Dr. Bawumia highlighted his own achievements, citing numerous development projects in the north, including:
- Roads: Construction of major roads in the Upper West and East Regions
- Schools: Building of classroom blocks and educational infrastructure
- Health Facilities: Establishment of hospitals and healthcare centers
He contrasted this with Mahama’s record, accusing him of exploiting and neglecting the north. Dr. Bawumia specifically mentioned the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA), established by Mahama, which he said failed to deliver tangible results.
“SADA was supposed to accelerate development in the north, but what did they achieve?” Dr. Bawumia asked. “They said they used the money to rear Guinea Fowls, but where are the Guinea Fowls? They flew to Burkina Faso!”
The Vice President also criticized the NDC for not completing a single major road in the Upper West and East Regions during their eight-year rule.
“In eight years, they couldn’t complete one major road,” Dr. Bawumia said. “But we’ve done more in just seven years. We’ve constructed roads, built schools, and established healthcare facilities.”
Dr. Bawumia touted the NPP’s social intervention projects, such as Free SHS, which he said Mahama opposed.
“We knew our people needed Free SHS, and we delivered,” Dr. Bawumia said. “Today, enrollment in senior high school has increased from 800,000 to 1.4 million.”
The Vice President assured the crowd that he would continue to champion development in the north and Ghana as a whole if elected President.
“I am for all, and I want to take the whole of the north and the whole of Ghana to a new level,” Dr. Bawumia said.
The Vice President’s remarks come as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election, positioning himself as a northerner who can deliver development to the region.
