The flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has challenged the government to translate its reported economic gains into tangible relief for households, accusing it of failing to fulfil key campaign promises.
He said the success of economic management should be measured not only by official statistics but also by the ability of ordinary Ghanaians to afford rent, fuel, electricity, water and transportation.
Dr Bawumia was speaking at the party's National Thanksgiving Service at the F. D. Walker Memorial Temple of the Church of Pentecost in Sunyani in the Bono Region last Sunday.
He questioned the government's claims of economic stability, insisting that improvements in economic indicators must translate into better living conditions for citizens.
“Where is the stability they are saying they have brought?” he asked, arguing that many households continued to struggle with the cost of basic necessities.
Thanksgiving service
The service formed part of a three-region thanksgiving programme organised by the party following its National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on October 3, 2026, at which new national officers were elected.
The programme began with a Muslim thanksgiving service at Kintampo in the Bono East Region on Friday, October 16, followed by a Christian service with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Goaso, the Ahafo Regional capital, on Saturday, October 17.
It culminated in Sunyani on Sunday, October 18, with party members seeking divine guidance for the new leadership ahead of the 2028 general election.
Dr Bawumia was joined by the newly elected National Chairman, John Boadu, and other national, regional and constituency executives.
Earlier, the delegation attended the consecration and episcopal ordination of the Very Reverend Martin Apraku Amankwah as Coadjutor Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sunyani at the St Anselm's Cathedral.
Economic management
Dr Bawumia described the gap between favourable economic statistics and the financial difficulties confronting households as a “paper economy”, calling instead for a “pocket economy” in which economic improvements were reflected in people's daily lives.
He said political leaders must be held accountable for their promises, stressing that the electorate would judge them by their performance rather than campaign rhetoric.
On the 24-hour economy policy, the former Vice-President questioned how the government intended to implement the initiative, describing the campaign promise as political propaganda intended to attract votes.
He argued that Ghanaians deserved clear explanations and measurable results rather than political assurances.
Illegal mining
Dr Bawumia also challenged the government over its pledge to end illegal mining, popularly known as "galamsey", within one month.
He questioned what had become of the commitment, alleging that galamsey had worsened under the current administration.
Dr Bawumia further criticised the government over projects under the Agenda 111 hospital initiative, questioning its commitment to completing the facilities.
He expressed concern over what he described as restrictions on freedom of expression, alleging that some Ghanaians were being arrested for criticising the government.
The Sunyani Area Head of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Abraham Swanzy, urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to maintain regular contact with their constituents and explain government policies, achievements and setbacks.
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