Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has issued a stern rebuke of former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of presiding over significant economic mismanagement and misleading the Ghanaian public.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr. Ayariga contended that Dr. Bawumia’s recent apology tour targeting NPP supporters lacks sincerity and fails to address the broader national impact of his leadership as Chairman of the Economic Management Team.
He insisted that any genuine expression of remorse must extend to the entire nation, including the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and, most importantly, the youth of Ghana.
“Dr. Bawumia should not only be apologising to his party faithful but also to the NDC and the wider Ghanaian populace for his inability to stabilise the economy, particularly the cedi. He should be commending Hon. Ato Forson for the progress made in just four months—progress that eluded the Economic Management Team for eight years,” Mr. Ayariga stated.
He described the former Vice President’s legacy as one characterised by unfulfilled promises, the imposition of burdensome taxes, and sustained economic hardship, especially for young Ghanaians.
“He owes the youth an apology for failing to create adequate employment opportunities and for introducing levies such as the E-levy and the betting tax, which have significantly impacted their livelihoods,” he added.
Mr. Ayariga further accused Dr. Bawumia of political dishonesty, alleging that his ongoing apologies are a calculated attempt to obscure a deeply unpopular record in governance.
He argued that without a full admission of policy failures and recognition of current efforts to restore economic stability, such apologies ring hollow.
“If he is merely going around apologising to party supporters while continuing to mislead the public, it raises serious questions about his integrity,” he asserted.
The NYA CEO concluded by urging the youth and the general public to critically assess Dr. Bawumia’s campaign messages and to remain vigilant against what he described as attempts to repackage failed leadership as renewed commitment.
