In a recent campaign tour in Kintampo East, Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and an aspirant for the party’s flagbearer position, voiced his discontent with the government’s handling of the local currency, the Cedi. Mr. Agyapong expressed his dissatisfaction with the depreciation of the Cedi and revealed the significant decline in value of his own holdings.
During his address, Mr. Agyapong disclosed that his $40 million in Cedi equivalent had decreased to $16 million over a span of five months, from March to August 2022. While he refrained from explicitly naming individuals, he alluded to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who leads Ghana’s economic management team and is also an aspiring NPP flagbearer. Mr. Agyapong suggested that it was contradictory for an economic manager to seek budgetary support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while claiming to be a “strategist.”
Emphasizing the need for a clean and fair campaign, Mr. Agyapong pledged to address any accusations leveled against him. He urged his fellow flagbearer aspirants to conduct transparent campaigns and urged caution in their statements. Recognizing the importance of governing with common sense, he highlighted the significance of responsible leadership in addressing the economic challenges faced by Ghana.
As part of his campaign, Mr. Agyapong presented his economic management capabilities to party delegates, asserting that he would be a more effective custodian of the economy compared to his competitors. He pointed to his successful businesses, which employ over 7,000 individuals monthly, as evidence of his ability to contribute to reducing unemployment rates in the country.
The depreciation of the Cedi and the government’s economic management have been key issues in Ghana, prompting concerns from both the public and political figures. Mr. Agyapong’s voice of discontent adds to the ongoing discourse surrounding the government’s policies and their impact on the economy.
As the race for the NPP’s flagbearer position continues, it remains to be seen how Mr. Agyapong’s stance on economic management and his promises to address unemployment will resonate with party delegates and the wider electorate. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining the direction the NPP will take and the approach they will adopt to tackle Ghana’s economic challenges.
In any case, the concerns raised by Mr. Agyapong serve as a reminder of the importance of effective economic policies and responsible leadership in ensuring the stability and growth of Ghana’s economy.
