Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, has taken aim at John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), over his stance on digitalization’s role in Ghana’s economic growth.

Bawumia argued that Mahama undervalues digitalization’s impact on the economy, which, he claims, contributed to the economic challenges Ghana faced during Mahama’s presidency.

Emphasizing the critical role of digitalization, Bawumia cited its benefits for Ghanaian citizens and the nation’s economic progress.

Speaking to the youth on Sunday, November 3, he urged voters to reject Mahama in the 2024 elections, pointing to what he sees as Mahama’s lack of understanding of digital advancements.

“Today, he [Mahama] says, there’s no link between digitisation and the economy. Right? How can that be? In this 4th industrial revolution, how can we have a leader who doesn’t appreciate the value of digitisation, in a digital global economy?

He went on to assert, “He should not be allowed close to the presidency, with that mindset, he shouldn’t be allowed close to the presidency. A leader who doesn’t understand digitisation in today’s world wants to be President of a country like ours, trying to move forward into the future, no.”

Bawumia also criticized Mahama’s emphasis on infrastructure as a primary achievement, suggesting it is secondary to the current administration’s digital-focused approach.

“He [Mahama] has touted infrastructure as one of his achievements, but because our infrastructure is superior to his. Today, he says infrastructure doesn’t matter for the economy. That the economy is different from infrastructure, how can that be? I mean for someone who has been President of Ghana to say the infrastructure doesn’t have anything to do with the economy. Then I understand why the economy collapsed under his watch.”

Additionally, Bawumia expressed scepticism about Mahama’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, stating he finds it hard to grasp the concept and questioning its feasibility.

“His signature 24-hour economy has defied explanation and understanding. It’s basically a case of one day one explanation, including the rearing of lions and elephants. In me, you will have a brand new, tear-rubber president, not a second-hand failed president.”

Mahama has explained that the proposed “24-Hour Economy Policy” is aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s economy through targeted interventions.