Your dishonesty earned you 41% in the 2024 election,” – NPA Boss drags Bawumia

The acting chief executive officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has fired back at the former vice president and 2024 NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia after the latter downplayed the role of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi.

Tameklo, who is also a lawyer and known NDC voice, described Dr. Bawumia’s remarks as dishonest and said they reflect the kind of performance that made Ghanaians vote against him in the 2024 general elections.

“When he says he doesn’t know what has been done, it is this level of dishonesty that earned him just 41% in the 2024 election,” Tameklo said in a media interview.

Background: What Did Bawumia Say?

Dr. Bawumia, while speaking at a Young Executive Forum (YEF) event in London recently, claimed that the NDC shouldn’t be praised for the strengthening of the Ghana cedi in recent months.

According to him, the NDC government hasn’t done anything concrete to influence the currency’s performance.

“If you are to ask the NDC to point out exactly what policy they have implemented that has resulted in the appreciation of the cedi, they cannot tell you one,” Bawumia told his audience.

He argued that the current government only passed its 2025 budget in March and has not yet started implementing any meaningful economic programme that could directly impact the cedi’s value.

Tameklo: “This Is the Same Man Who Promised to Stabilise the Cedi”
In a sharp rebuttal, Edudzi Tameklo reminded Ghanaians that Dr. Bawumia was in charge of Ghana’s economic management for over seven years, during which time the cedi performed poorly.

“You are known to be an economist. Your boss Nana Akufo-Addo told us you were brought in to give strength to the cedi. What happened?” Tameklo asked.

He pointed to the record under the NPP government where the cedi depreciated badly, at some point crossing GH¢17 to the dollar, and inflation shot up to 57%.

“This is your scorecard. This is your legacy. You left the economy in shambles,” he said.

“Bawumia Should Be Humble After His Loss” – Tameklo Advises

According to Tameklo, it is surprising and disappointing that Dr. Bawumia, after losing a national election, would quickly switch gears and start criticising his opponents without reflection.

“When you have that kind of scorecard, the best thing to do is to be humble. You should reflect, be sober, not quickly put on a new cloth and start talking about economic theories,” he added.

Tameklo described Dr. Bawumia’s behaviour as someone trying to stay politically relevant and hold on to his influence within the NPP, rather than offering honest analysis.

“He is in a tight corner politically. He is trying to rally the NPP base and show that among the others, he’s the best of the worst. But let me tell him, he should keep quiet and let Dr. Ato Forson and the Bank of Ghana continue fixing the mess he and his party left behind.”

The Cedi’s Recent Performance

Over the past few months, the Ghanaian cedi has shown signs of stabilisation and mild appreciation, giving some relief to importers, traders, and the general public. This comes after several years of decline that caused prices of goods and services to soar.

Analysts credit the improvement to a combination of factors, including:

Tighter monetary policy by the Bank of Ghana

Rebuilding of foreign exchange reserves

Better fiscal management

International support through loans and IMF assistance

Improved investor confidence due to clearer economic direction

The NDC has also claimed that its early moves, especially regarding budgetary discipline, restructuring public debt, and showing commitment to fighting corruption, have played a role in restoring confidence in the economy.

Tameklo to Bawumia: “Sit Back and Let Others Work”

Tameklo further accused Dr. Bawumia of shifting blame and refusing to accept the role he played in damaging Ghana’s economy.

“Dr. Bawumia wants to pretend like the last eight years didn’t happen. But we remember. Under his watch, the cedi fell like a mango. He now wants to become a critic, as if he had no hand in where Ghana is today.”

Tameklo advised that instead of jumping into public debates and making bold economic claims, Dr. Bawumia should allow those currently in charge to focus on recovery and reform.

“Let Ato Forson and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana do their jobs. This is not the time for economic showmanship. It is time for hard work and humility.”

Ghana’s Economy: A Long Road Ahead

Even though the cedi is showing signs of recovery, many Ghanaians are still struggling with high prices, low incomes, and unemployment. Economists say it will take several more quarters of consistent growth, low inflation, and good governance to fully stabilise the economy.

Inflation, although reduced from last year’s peak, remains a concern. Fuel prices are still high, and the cost of basic goods remains out of reach for many.

The NDC government has promised to:

Strengthen the local currency

Support local industries to reduce imports

Increase productivity in agriculture and manufacturing

Be transparent with government borrowing and spending

The Political Undertone

Many analysts believe that the exchange between Tameklo and Bawumia is part of a larger political struggle ahead of the 2028 elections. Though the next general election is over three years away, both the NDC and NPP are trying to shape public opinion early.

Bawumia, having lost the presidency, will be fighting to maintain his influence within the NPP, while the NDC seeks to prove its competence and deliver on its promises.

Final Thoughts: Ghanaians Watching Closely

For many ordinary Ghanaians, what matters most is not who is talking but who is delivering results.

The economy needs fixing. The cedi needs to remain strong. Jobs need to be created. Prices need to come down. And leaders, both past and present, must take responsibility for their actions.

As one trader in Makola market said:

“We don’t want plenty talk again. If NDC can fix the cedi, let them fix it. If Bawumia couldn’t fix it, he should relax and allow those in charge now to try. We are tired.”