Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kennedy Ohene Agyapong maintains that the Vice President is not an economic strategist for not having found a solution to the country’s economic crisis.
The Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP), as part of his campaign tour in Kintampo East in the Bono East Region on Sunday, July 16, hit hard at Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, saying: “You call yourself a strategist but when we were taking over power the Dollar was GH¢4, today $1 is GH¢12 and yet you call yourself a strategist.
“In March 2022, I had $40 million in Cedi equivalent, in August 2022 the value of the $40 million had dropped to $16 million.”
But this did not go down well with some party faithfuls, especially Dr Bawumia’s supporters, who took the lawmaker on, referring him to praises he had showered on the Vice President in the aftermath of the global pandemic.
In a statement issued by his communications team thereafter in response to the latest criticisms, the Board Chairman of Ghana National Gas Company says he believes he can do better and that is why he is in the race to lead the ruling party.
“Those who do not believe they can do better should exit the race,” the statement dated Wednesday, July 19 said.
It stressed that “straight-talking Ken Agyapong offers a different, business-like approach to managing the economy based upon a better leveraging of Ghana’s own resources – domestic and overseas.
“Regarding Hon. Ken Agyapong’s previous endorsement of the Vice President and his recent criticism, it only shows that he will consistently be truthful and honest with his assessment of others and give praise or criticism when and where they are due.”
The statement also took on the Western Region Minister, Kobby Okyere Darko Mensah, who had criticised Mr Agyapong for being greedy as he holds several appointments in the Akufo-Addo-led government.
“If holding multiple responsibilities is bad, the Takoradi MP should leave his Regional Minister position for someone else and concentrate on being an MP.
“Ken Agyapong keeps the proceeds in Ghana to open businesses that employ the youth. If all winners of government contracts did same, Ghana’s youth would find jobs.”