The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Savannah Region has strongly denounced what it termed as “hollow and uninspiring messages” delivered by Dr. Bawumia during his tour of the region.
The opposition party’s Savannah Regional Communication Officer, R. A. Jalil, in a press conference, contended that the several claims made by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were mere political rhetorics.
“Today, we are gathered to address the hollow campaign message delivered by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during his recent visit to the good people of the Savannah Region. As you are all aware, he recently concluded his campaign tour of the region.
“However, the hollowness of his messages reveals his unsuitability for the presidency. As stakeholders in the region’s politics, we are committed to setting the record straight and presenting the facts. The Savannah Region deserves progress, not political deception, rhetoric, and clichés”.
R. A. Jalil, Savannah Regional Communication Officer, NDC
He began his address by criticizing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s appeal for votes based on his religious identity, emphasizing that governance should transcend religious affiliations.
Mr Jalil reiterated that the focus of the 2024 campaign should be on productive policies and leadership qualities rather than religious identity, calling on Ghanaians to reject divisive tactics and to focus on the competence and credibility of candidates.
“The NPP must be reminded that exploiting religion for political gain is a very dangerous path that would lead the country to a devastating armed conflict which must be avoided at all costs and salvage the little social cohesion to safeguard the country.
“I call on religious leaders to stay off partisan politics, it is for good reasons that the constitution maintains a clear separation between politics and religion”.
R. A. Jalil, Savannah Regional Communication Officer, NDC
He highlighted that former President John Mahama has consistently championed unity and inclusivity, ensuring representation for all Ghanaians, regardless of religion.
Development in the Savannah Region
The NDC further challenged Dr. Bawumia’s claims that the NPP has developed the Savannah Region more than any other party.
The Savannah Regional Communications Officer of the opposition party, Mr Jalil presented a comparative analysis of developments under former President John Mahama’s presidency and the current NPP administration.
According to him, the National Democratic Congress administration under former President John Dramani Mahama’s administration established three brand-new community day senior high schools, whereas the NPP has not added any.
On road infrastructure, the opposition party pointed out that the 147.5 km stretch of the Sawla-Damongo-Fufulso road was constructed under Mr Mahama, while the NPP has struggled to maintain it.
Highlighting the NDC’s achievements in healthcare, Mr Jalil argued that Mr. Mahama’s tenure saw the construction of two new district hospitals and a polyclinic, with no equivalent projects from the NPP.
Additionally, Mr Jalil pointed out that former President John Dramani Mahama built 94 CHPS compounds across the region, compared to none by the NPP.
“The list is endless. I invite any member of the NPP to debate this topic. The vice president’s claim that the NPP government has done more than any other party should be dismissed”, Mr Jalil challenged the ruling party.
Governance of Experience and Vision
Furthermore, the Savannah Regional NDC underscored the importance of experience and vision in governance.
The Regional Communications Officer, Mr Jalil ridiculed Dr. Bawumia’s suggestion that he should be elected president because he has not served in the position before.
He argued that this statement reflects a lack of understanding of the presidency and exposes Dr. Bawumia’s political immaturity.
“Furthermore, his comments vindicate our belief that Bawumia lacks the capacity to lead this country and demonstrate his lack of understanding of the constitution.
“Article 66 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana states: ‘A person elected as President shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of four years beginning from the date on which he is sworn in as President.’ I ask the driver’s mate, which part of the constitution grants him the eight-year mandate he refers to?”
R. A. Jalil, Savannah Regional Communication Officer, NDC
Mr Jalil also highlighted former President John Mahama’s proven track record and his ability to effectively address the country’s pressing issues, as demonstrated during his previous term in office.
Daboya Bridge Promise
Mr Jalil, the Savannah Regional Communications Officer of the NDC questioned the feasibility of Dr. Bawumia’s promise to complete the Daboya Bridge before the December elections.
He noted that with only 130 days remaining, the Vice President’s promise was unrealistic, accusing him of disrespecting the intelligence of the people of the Savannah Region.
“Even a wooden bridge couldn’t be constructed in 130 days. He must respect our intelligence. We have taken a cue from the Doli Bridge rehabilitation, which is an eyesore and embarrassment”.
R. A. Jalil, Savannah Regional Communication Officer, NDC
Smartphones on Hire Purchase
Again, Dr. Bawumia’s proposal to provide smartphones on a hire-purchase basis was met with skepticism. The NDC criticized the idea as impractical, arguing that it shows a disconnect with the realities faced by the youth.
Mr Jalil emphasized the need for decent jobs that enable young people to afford such gadgets independently, rather than relying on gimmicky payment schemes.
“The notion of paying GHC 1.00 monthly for a smartphone is comical. It shows the vice president has lost touch with the people. Young men and women need decent jobs to earn enough to afford smartphones without paying GHC 1.00 monthly for 750 years”.
R. A. Jalil, Savannah Regional Communication Officer, NDC
AstroTurf for Bole Constituency
In addition, the Savannah Regional NDC dismissed Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s promise to build an AstroTurf in Bole within two weeks, describing it as a knee-jerk reaction.
The Regional Communications Officer accused Hon. Abu Jinapor of repeatedly deceiving the residents of Damongo and extending these false promises to Bole.
He asserted that former President John Dramani Mahama had already secured funds to construct a more fitting AstroTurf for the community.
The NDC in the Savannah Region concluded the press conference with a call for the youth of Ghana to reject Dr. Bawumia’s deceptive promises.
The Savannah Regional Communications Officer of the opposition party labeled the NPP flagbearer as a “pathological liar” and a “discredited economist” who has failed in governance.
He expressed confidence that former President John Dramani Mahama, as the incoming President, would address the mess created by the current administration and bring relief to the suffering of Ghanaians.
Mr Jalil emphasized that the opposition party’s flagbearer 24-hour economy policy would create decent jobs for the unemployed youth, urging all to support John Mahama in the upcoming elections.
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