In a powerful and direct statement, the Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has expressed his frustrations with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He argued that their claims of achievements are hollow and lack any real substance or benefits for Ghana’s youth.
Basintale began by noting his skepticism about Alfred Thompson, an NPP official, who he believed was “misfiring” as he defended the NPP’s track record.
Basintale criticized the superficiality of NPP’s claims, specifically pointing out how the government appears to celebrate minor accomplishments while ignoring pressing national issues. According to him, all the NPP government kept saying is:
“The grass at the Flagstaff house is so green and bright. That is your achievement [meanwhile] somebody cannot pay trotro fare this morning. [all they say is] have painted the Flagstaff house. The grasses are green. When you are in power, the grasses were brown.”
Malik Basintale Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
This, he suggested, symbolized the disconnect between the government’s priorities and the actual needs of the people, particularly the youth who are struggling daily.
Bawumia’s “Misfiring” Responses
Basintale went on to discuss Bawumia’s recent statements in response to a question on the rising unemployment rate despite claims of building systems and institutions. Instead of addressing the issue directly, Basintale observed that Bawumia spoke about unrelated topics:
“[Someone] asked him a simple question, [and] he said sir, you claim you have put up systems and built institutions and all of that. Yet unemployment is on the rise. Did you listen to the answer he gave him? He said you see, the problem is about land titling.”
Malik Basintale Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He added, humorously, that it seemed like Bawumia might have been listening to “a headset MP3 device” during the question, as his response was wholly disconnected from the issue at hand.
Ignoring the Real Concerns of Ghana’s Youth
Another critical point Basintale raised was Bawumia’s dismissive attitude toward low wages in certain sectors, including airport staff.
He recounted a question by a journalist regarding low pay and staff’s subsequent requests for money from passengers. Bawumia’s response, according to Basintale, did not add up to the discourse.
“[someone else asked him] Anytime I use the airport, airport staff asks me usually request for some money, and when you ask them why? They say they are underpaid. [So, he was asked] What solution do you have to solve the issue? Do you know the answer [Bawumia] gave? He said TVET is now free, and when you attend TVET, we’ll train you in welding and train you in carpentry.”
Malik Basintale Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
For Basintale, this answer showcased Bawumia’s inability to provide practical, immediate solutions to the economic struggles facing many Ghanaians. Instead, he pointed out that Bawumia offered an irrelevant response that failed to address real problems.
Mahama’s Contrast as a “Nation Builder”
Basintale argued that former President John Dramani Mahama, whom he referred to as a “nation builder,” presented a stark contrast to Bawumia.
Mahama, according to Basintale, instills hope and envisions a better future for the Ghanaian youth, something that he believes is absent in the NPP’s approach:
“His message is as hopeless. His message is as visionless; his message is directionless and people would have just listened to him on TV and wake up and commit suicide. But the only thing holding the Ghanaian youth today is that there’s a nation builder, President Mahama, who is passing hope to them every month.”
Malik Basintale Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
According to Basintale, the NDC’s recently launched manifesto, specifically the Youth Pledge, reflects Mahama’s commitment to the youth.
He said the manifesto provides concrete policies to address youth unemployment and supports sectors such as agribusiness, tertiary education, and local poultry production.
Criticism of the NPP’s Mismanagement and Alleged Corruption
Basintale didn’t shy away from criticizing the NPP for what he sees as rampant corruption and mismanagement.
“They dug a national cathedral, a hole. The world’s most expensive hole, 58,000,000 If he had intentions for the youth of this country, they would have used that 58,000,000 to give young people jobs in this country.”
Malik Basintale Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He expressed his dismay at the government’s spending priorities and argued that resources allocated to questionable projects could instead be channeled into initiatives that create jobs for the youth.
A Plea for an Apology and Accountability
Basintale urged the NPP to acknowledge its failings and apologize to Ghanaians rather than continue its “fanfare.” He emphasized the need for the government to adopt a more humble and sincere approach to its campaign.
Basintale called on the NPP to abandon its popular Secular dance of King Paluta a Ghanaian during their Campaigns and to listen to the pressing concerns of Ghanaians.
Mahama’s Vision for Youth Empowerment
In conclusion, Basintale reiterated the NDC’s commitment to empowering the youth under Mahama’s leadership.
“President Mahama has spoken to Ghanaian youth, and the youth are proud. He says he’s going to train 1,000,000 people in the coder’s program… [He says he would] complete all the abandoned projects so we can post [graduates] and [so they can] work.”
Malik Basintale Deputy Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
This vision, according to Basintale, provides the hope and direction that young Ghanaians need, something he feels is sorely lacking in the NPP’s approach. Through his critique, Basintale positioned Mahama as the true champion of Ghana’s youth, ready to lead them toward a more prosperous future.
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