‘The data says and feels otherwise’ — Franklin Cudjoe on Bawumia’s claim of improving lives

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party's 2024 flagbearer’s assertion that lives have improved more under their government than the previous NDC administration has been challenged by Franklin Cudjoe, founder of policy think tank IMANI Africa.

The Vice President recently touted the achievements of President Akufo-Addo's government, saying living conditions had significantly enhanced over the last seven years compared to John Mahama's first term.

Dr Bawumia pointed out the difficulties Ghanaians encountered during Mahama’s administration, including intermittent power supply, commonly known as “dumsor”, rising unemployment, tariff increases, and business failures.

“Sure. I can say without any fear of contradiction that notwithstanding the recent economic challenges, which have resulted in hardships for many Ghanaians, the fact remains that the lives of Ghanaians have improved significantly after seven years of our government from what they were during the government of John Mahama,” said the NPP flagbearer.

However, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, May 7, reacting to Dr. Bawumia's comments, Mr. Cudjoe said "the data says and felt otherwise."

The policy advisor pointed to rising inflation and a weakening cedi negatively impacting citizens.

Data showing around 1 million Ghanaians falling into poverty also contradicts the NPP's narrative of improving well-being, according to the IMANI Africa founder.

"But the data says and felt otherwise..Mahama did not physically uproot money from my pocket oo and exchange rate hovered around 4 cedis to the dollar.. Today we are dealing with almost 14 cedis oo. Finally close to 1 million people have been plunged into deeper poverty,” he wrote.