Kwadwo Poku defends Bawumia's critique of NDC economic statistics

Kwadwo Poku, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Communications Team, has defended Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s assessment of Ghana’s economic performance, asserting that the current administration's favorable statistics do not reflect the reality of citizens' lives. Speaking on Metro TV’s "Good Morning Ghana," Poku argued that while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government cites positive economic indicators, the high cost of food and essential goods tells a different story. He emphasized that for the average Ghanaian, the economy is measured by the money in their pockets rather than figures on paper. Poku’s comments follow Dr. Bawumia’s recent statements at an NPP Thanksgiving Service, where he highlighted the disconnect between official economic reports and the daily hardships faced by the public. Poku supported this by pointing to the prohibitive prices of food items and automotive spare parts as evidence that economic growth has not translated into tangible benefits for the populace. He maintained that the struggles of ordinary people are the true barometer of economic success, echoing Bawumia’s sentiment that the NDC’s claimed achievements are largely theoretical. Additionally, Poku called on the NDC government to acknowledge Bawumia’s role in conceptualizing the domestic gold purchase policy. While he noted that the current administration has refined the initiative through the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board, Poku insisted that the original framework of using gold to strengthen foreign exchange reserves was a brainchild of the former Vice-President. He challenged the NDC to identify any previous proposals from the 2012-2017 Mahama era that mirrored this strategy, urging fair recognition for Bawumia’s policy contributions. Clarifying the mechanics of the gold-for-reserves program, Poku explained that the initiative involves a complex cycle of purchasing gold with local currency before it is converted into foreign exchange. He refuted suggestions that the program provides immediate cash for government spending, instead characterizing it as a strategic tool for economic stabilization. By reinforcing Bawumia's criticisms and claiming credit for key policies, Poku sought to challenge the NDC’s narrative on economic management and highlight the persistent cost-of-living crisis.