Osman Ayariga, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), has launched a blistering critique of Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, centering his accusations on alleged economic mismanagement and deceptive political maneuvering. Ayariga’s condemnation stems from what he perceives as Bawumia’s leading role in implementing economic policies that have inflicted hardship on Ghanaians, particularly the youth, during his eight years as Vice President and head of the Economic Management Team. Ayariga contends that Bawumia’s current campaign apologies are superficial and lack sincerity, demanding a more comprehensive acknowledgment of the economic difficulties faced under his leadership.
Ayariga’s core argument revolves around the perceived economic failures under Bawumia’s stewardship. He highlights the introduction of taxes like the e-levy and the betting tax as prime examples of policies that have exacerbated the economic struggles of young Ghanaians. He contrasts this with the perceived successes of the current economic management under Finance Minister Ato Forson, suggesting that Forson has achieved in a few months what Bawumia’s team failed to accomplish in eight years. This comparison serves as a foundation for Ayariga’s demand for an apology, not only to the general public and the youth but also specifically to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), implying that the party and the nation were victims of Bawumia’s economic mismanagement.
Ayariga further accuses Bawumia of engaging in political theatrics by offering selective apologies to his party supporters while failing to acknowledge his broader economic failures. He interprets these apologies as a calculated political strategy aimed at regaining public trust without genuinely addressing the underlying issues. This perceived lack of sincerity forms the basis of Ayariga’s accusation that Bawumia is engaging in deceptive political rebranding and acting as a “con artist” to manipulate public opinion. Ayariga insists that genuine remorse requires acknowledging the competence of the current economic leadership under President John Mahama and Finance Minister Ato Forson.
Ayariga’s demand for an apology is not merely a call for personal accountability but also a political statement highlighting the perceived contrast between the previous and current economic management. By emphasizing the alleged hardships caused by Bawumia’s policies and juxtaposing them with the perceived successes of the current administration, Ayariga seeks to reinforce the narrative of economic recovery under the NDC. This strategy aims to discredit Bawumia’s economic credentials and bolster the public’s confidence in the current government’s economic direction.
The timing of Ayariga’s remarks coincides with Bawumia’s intensified campaign for the upcoming presidential elections. Bawumia’s campaign has included apologies for past mistakes, a move interpreted by some as an attempt to address public concerns about his economic record. However, Ayariga dismisses these apologies as insincere and politically motivated. By characterizing Bawumia’s apologies as deceptive, Ayariga attempts to undermine their effectiveness and portray Bawumia as untrustworthy in the eyes of the electorate.
The core of Ayariga’s critique rests on the alleged economic hardships faced by young Ghanaians under Bawumia’s leadership. He argues that the implementation of various taxes, coupled with a lack of job creation, has pushed the youth further into economic despair. This focus on the youth aligns with Ayariga’s position as the CEO of the National Youth Authority, emphasizing his concern for the well-being of young people. By linking Bawumia’s economic policies directly to the struggles of the youth, Ayariga aims to resonate with a demographic that is likely to be a key voting bloc in the upcoming elections. His call for an apology is thus not just a demand for accountability but also a strategic political move to galvanize youth support against Bawumia and his party.
