Former President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia engaged in a spirited debate at the 8th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra on Monday, May 27, 2024.
This lively exchange, a notable event during the summit, featured two influential figures in Ghanaian politics deliberating on crucial matters impacting the nation’s economy and progress.
Present at the summit, Former President Mahama delivered a pointed assessment of the prevailing economic conditions, capturing the audience’s attention.
He stated, “Unemployment has jumped to 14.7 percent from 8.5 percent in 2017, the highest level recorded in the history of the 4th Republic.” Mahama also highlighted that inflation was above 25 percent, with current interest rates ranging between 30 and 50 percent.
He expressed concern over the exchange rate, noting, “The exchange rate, which was previously at 4.00 Ghana Cedis to the US dollar, has crossed the 15 Ghana Cedi threshold, and there appears to be no end in sight to the deterioration of the cedi.”
Mahama charged that the administration was indifferent to these problems.
“The government remains unconcerned, unwilling to cut expenditures, and continues to spend more on creature comforts instead of investing in the transformational infrastructure that will propel this nation forward.”
Vice President Bawumia participated in the debate remotely through the Internet, offering a rebuttal to Mahama’s stance and underlining the accomplishments of the present administration.
Dr. Bawumia made a compelling argument for the government’s initiatives, emphasizing advancements in digitalization, financial inclusivity, and infrastructure.
He highlighted several social welfare programs that, he asserted, have benefited millions of Ghanaians, such as Free SHS and trainee allowances.
The Ghana CEO Summit serves as a platform for business executives, policymakers, and experts to convene and influence the trajectory of Ghana’s economy.
Watch video below: