George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, has commended Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s swift concession of defeat in the 2024 general election, highlighting it as a noteworthy aspect of Bawumia’s self-proclaimed “digital” persona. Just a day following the December 7th election, Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, publicly acknowledged his loss to former President John Dramani Mahama based on his team’s internal assessment of the results. Ricketts-Hagan, while critical of Bawumia’s overall performance, acknowledged the significance of this prompt concession, stating that Bawumia’s “digital” approach, at least in this instance, served him well by pre-empting the official declaration from the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa. This act, according to Ricketts-Hagan, demonstrated a degree of self-awareness and acceptance of the electoral outcome.
Ricketts-Hagan further elaborated on his perspective regarding the electoral outcome, emphasizing his belief that Ghanaians made a sound decision by rejecting Bawumia’s bid for the presidency. He argued that despite Bawumia’s polished presentations on economic matters, his theoretical grasp of economics failed to translate into tangible improvements on the ground. Ricketts-Hagan acknowledged the effort Bawumia invested in crafting compelling presentations but maintained that effective economic management requires more than just theoretical knowledge and eloquent delivery. He underscored the importance of practical application and tangible results, suggesting that Bawumia lacked the capacity to translate economic theories into effective policies.
While acknowledging Bawumia’s proficiency in presenting economic data, Ricketts-Hagan questioned his ability to implement policies that would positively impact the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. He drew a distinction between academic understanding of economics and the practical skills required to manage a nation’s economy effectively. According to Ricketts-Hagan, merely possessing a strong theoretical background in economics does not automatically qualify an individual to be a successful economic leader. The true test lies in the ability to translate economic principles into concrete policies that address real-world challenges and deliver tangible benefits to the populace.
Ricketts-Hagan’s remarks underscore a broader critique of Bawumia’s approach to economic management, suggesting that it was overly focused on theoretical presentations and lacked the practical grounding needed to address the complex economic realities facing Ghana. This perceived disconnect between theory and practice, according to Ricketts-Hagan, ultimately contributed to Bawumia’s failure to secure the presidency. The electorate, he argued, recognized this limitation and opted for a candidate they believed was better equipped to manage the nation’s economic affairs.
The swift concession of defeat by Bawumia, while lauded by Ricketts-Hagan as a commendable act of political maturity, did not overshadow the fundamental criticism levelled against his economic policies. The act of conceding, while significant in its own right, did not negate the perceived shortcomings of his economic vision and its practical application. The electorate’s decision, according to Ricketts-Hagan, reflected a desire for leadership capable of translating economic theories into tangible solutions that would improve the lives of Ghanaians.
In essence, Ricketts-Hagan’s commentary encapsulates a nuanced perspective on Bawumia’s performance in the 2024 general election. While acknowledging the positive aspect of his prompt concession, it simultaneously highlights the perceived disconnect between Bawumia’s theoretical grasp of economics and his ability to translate that knowledge into effective policy implementation. This critique, coupled with the electorate’s ultimate decision, underscores the importance of practical experience and demonstrable results in the realm of economic governance. The ability to articulate complex economic concepts, while valuable, is ultimately insufficient if not accompanied by a proven track record of translating those concepts into tangible improvements for the citizens of a nation.
