By: Alexander Afriyie
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana and former head of the Economic Management Team, is facing a severe credibility crisis. After the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) poor performance in the elections, Dr. Bawumia’s decision to embark on a thank-you tour has been met with widespread criticism.
Shifting Blame Won’t Work.
Instead of taking responsibility for the party’s failures, Dr. Bawumia has been shifting blame and absolving himself of any wrongdoing. This approach is not only unconvincing but also damaging to his reputation and the NPP’s.
The Economic Management Team’s Failures.
As the head of the Economic Management Team, Dr. Bawumia was supposed to oversee the country’s economic strategy. However, Ghanaians are still grappling with the consequences of the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP), which had devastating effects on bondholders, particularly pensioners.
A Credibility Crisis.
Dr. Bawumia’s attempts to deflect blame and justify his actions have only exacerbated the credibility crisis. Ghanaians are no longer convinced by his explanations, and his popularity has plummeted.
An Apology Tour: A Necessary Step.
Rather than a thank-you tour, Dr. Bawumia should consider an apology tour. He should take responsibility for the failures of the Economic Management Team and acknowledge the pain and suffering caused by the DDEP.
Restoring Trust.
By apologizing and showing empathy, Dr. Bawumia can begin to restore trust with the Ghanaian people. This would demonstrate that he is willing to listen, learn, and grow from his mistakes.
A Confusion Tour: Understanding the Concerns.
A confusion tour would allow Dr. Bawumia to engage with Ghanaians, understand their concerns, and address the issues that led to the NPP’s electoral losses. This approach would show that he is committed to listening and willing to work towards finding solutions.
Dr. Bawumia’s credibility crisis is a result of his failure to take responsibility for the NPP’s failures. An apology tour and a willingness to listen to Ghanaians’ concerns are necessary steps towards restoring trust and credibility. By doing so, Dr. Bawumia can begin to rebuild his reputation and work towards a better future for Ghana.