Fuel Shortage, Cancellation of Allowances, and ‘Dumsor’ – Bawumia

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and Flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticized former President John Mahama’s time in office, pointing out fuel shortage, cancellation of allowances, and ‘dumsor, what he sees as major failures during Mahama’s time in office from 2012 to 2016.

While on a campaign tour in Akyem Akoroso in the Eastern Region on Saturday, Dr Bawumia reflected on the hardships Ghanaians endured under Mahama’s leadership, claiming that the country was so poorly managed that even essential supplies like chalk were not available for schools.

“Mahama told Ghanaians that the economy was completely broken after his party had been in power for eight years. He said the meat on the bones of the economy was all gone, leaving only the bones,” Dr Bawumia remarked.

He then outlined several issues and frustrations that he believed were characteristic of Mahama’s time in office.

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“Because of these ‘bones,’ his government failed to provide Ghanaians with basic services. He couldn’t pay teacher trainees their allowances; he couldn’t pay nursing trainees their allowances; he couldn’t even supply chalk to basic schools for teaching our children. He also eliminated the allowances for Arabic instructors,” Dr Bawumia continued.

Dr Bawumia also recalled the severe energy crisis, known as ‘dumsor,’ that affected the nation during Mahama’s time in office.

“Because of these ‘bones,’ we experienced dumsor for four years, which devastated businesses. The entire country was in darkness for four years between 2012 and 2016. And due to the poor management of the country, we also had to queue to buy fuel because of shortages under his administration,” he stated.

In contrast, Dr Bawumia claimed that despite facing various global economic challenges, the current government has met its obligations, including paying salaries, hiring more young people, initiating development projects, providing nursing and trainee allowances, and ensuring a stable power supply.

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Looking ahead, Dr Bawumia shared his vision for the future, outlining plans for several sectors, including a new business-friendly tax system, a modern digital economy, a strong partnership with the private sector, an improved mining and agriculture sector, and the creation of jobs for the youth through ICT and vocational training, among others.