Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Ghana’s former Minister of Trade and Industry, has expressed serious concerns about the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ability to protect the public purse if they remain in power after the 2024 elections.

Spio-Garbrah’s scepticism was fueled by recent statements from Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, who asked Ghanaians to trust him to safeguard the nation’s finances during a youth engagement.

In an interview on Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV, Spio-Garbrah accused the NPP of mismanaging state resources, saying they have been “looting” public funds.

He also took the opportunity to endorse the credibility of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stating they would uphold transparency and accountability in managing public funds if elected.

Spio-Garbrah’s remarks come with a strong appeal to voters to reject the NPP in the upcoming 2024 elections, citing a need for change to ensure responsible governance and economic stability.

“NDC is not there to steal the public purse, the president of Ghana [Akufo-Addo] said I will protect the public purse, with Dr Bawumia next to him. Have they protected the public purse, they have looted the public purse, that is what they have done, looted, everywhere they steal anything, they can steal.”

He expressed strong doubts about Dr Bawumia’s potential presidency, urging him to reconsider his ambitions.

Mr Spio-Garbrah cited Ghana’s exchange rate as evidence of Bawumia’s unsuitability for the role, given his current position as Vice President.

“Bawumia will never be president if he continues like that, his own party can make him the president if they can. He’s not going to win this election, I don’t know what his career plans are. Why doesn’t he talk about the economy, that is what Ghanaians are interested in.

“If the fundamentals are weak, the exchange rate will expose you, that is his famous quote and the exchange rate has exposed him repeatedly.”