The former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has sharply criticised Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his role in Ghana's current economic challenges.

Mr. Coker argued that Dr. Bawumia, who serves as Vice-President and head of the Economic Management Team, cannot claim to be the saviour of the economy when he has failed to improve the situation during his tenure.

Speaking on the Class Morning Show on Class91.3FM on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, Mr. Coker pointed out the inconsistency in Dr. Bawumia’s campaign message.

"This solid team has brought us where we are today," he stated, referring to Dr. Bawumia's earlier boasts about his economic team’s competence.

Mr. Coker highlighted several economic issues, including the downgrading of the economy to junk status, high port charges, and the decline in the Audit Service’s performance.

He questioned why Dr. Bawumia did not implement the solutions he now campaigns on during his time in office.

"For 8 years are you telling me you did not have these ideas to profess to your boss?" Mr. Coker quizzed. "Now you’re disowning him," he stated, accusing Dr. Bawumia of distancing himself from the current administration's failures.

 He further condemned Dr. Bawumia for being the leader of the team responsible for the economic difficulties facing the country, yet campaigning as the one to resolve these issues if elected president.

"Today you can’t go around giving lectures but going around saying that he’s going to do this. No, no it’s unacceptable, no civilized democracy will accept these things," Mr. Coker asserted.

Mr. Coker also challenged Bawumia on his promise to abolish the E-Levy if elected president.

"Then he should abolish it now," Mr. Coker demanded, questioning why such measures are being promised for the future rather than being implemented immediately.