A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Shamima Muslim, has strongly dismissed the Senior Vice President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Kofi Bentil’s defence of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic record.
In a statement filled with sharp rebukes, Shamima Muslim, a former broadcast journalist dismissed claims of economic progress under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, asserting that the Vice President’s campaign is “a fast-depreciating one.”
Addressing him directly, Shamima painted a dire picture of the current economic landscape, labelling the NPP’s achievements as benefiting a select few while leaving the majority of Ghanaians struggling.
“From Kwabre East, Atwima Nwabiagya, Atwima Mponua, Manhyia South, Tano, and many communities I have personally visited these past few days, this economy has any thing but worked for them”.
Shamima Muslim, Member of the NDC
She highlighted a disconnect between the NPP’s economic claims and the lived experiences of ordinary Ghanaians and criticized the party for prioritizing its “family, friends, and clan” over the masses, challenging Kofi Bentil to consider the realities in rural communities across the country.
In an impassioned defense of Ghana’s informal economy, Shamima referred to it as the “only SOLID and RESILIENT part of our economy,” suggesting that it is this sector—not the government’s Economic Management Team (EMT)—that has kept the country afloat.
She termed this sector the “‘nkitinkiti’ economy,” referencing the small, vibrant businesses that thrive in Ghana’s streets and corners.
“Let me tell you about the power of ‘Nkitinkiti’. Yesterday in the heart of Suame in Oseikrom, and indeed in every community and along roadsides and pavements- businesses ‘Nkitinkiti’ were at work!
“Traders, artisans, drivers, market women, waakye sellers, in the sweltering heat were up and about minding their ‘small businesses’. Daily, come rain or shine they show up to earn a dignified livelihood to care for themselves and their families.”
Shamima Muslim, Member of the NDC
A Critique of “Stolen” Wealth and Call for Chnage
Contrasting the informal sector’s contributions with what she called the “stolen economy,” Shamima Muslim accused the ruling New Patriotic Party under President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia of presiding over a system that enriches a few while leaving state resources mismanaged.
“Certainly not the ‘stolen’ economy of unoccupied buildings on appropriated state lands sitting guiltily in Cantonments, East Legon, and such likes,” she wrote, alleging that the ruling party’s communicators and appointees are increasingly unable to defend what she called “lies, lies, and more lies.”
With just days to the 2024 general elections, Shamima Muslim predicted a “massive tsunami of upset” against Dr Bawumia, whom she sarcastically referred to as the “Economic Messiah that never was.”
“Be therefore not amazed that in 8 days, 1 man/woman 1 vote (votes ‘Nkitinkiti’) will lead to a massive tsunami,” she stated, expressing confidence in the opposition National Democratic Congress’s capacity to unseat the NPP at the polls.
Signing off as a “proud communicator” for former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress, She urged Ghanaians to vote for change and prosperity for all citizens irrespective of their social status.
READ ALSO: Atlantic Lithium’s Ewoyaa Project Makes Significant Progress
