Bawumia can’t be absolved from Ghana’s current economic mess; he played a critical role – Prof. Adei

Former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Stephen Adei is insisting that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia cannot evade accountability for the economic challenges faced during President Akufo-Addo's tenure.

He asserted that as the head of the Economic Management Team, Dr. Bawumia played a crucial role in the country's economy and therefore cannot absolve himself of responsibility.

According to Prof. Adei, accountability and taking ownership of shortcomings are essential qualities of good leadership, and Dr. Bawumia must embody these traits.

During an appearance on JoyNews' AM Show on Thursday, February 29, the economist emphasised that the state of the economy will be a significant issue in the upcoming December 2024 elections.

He stated that any attempt by Dr. Bawumia and his associates to justify his "driver and mate analogy" would be perceived as an insult to the intelligence of the Ghanaian people.

"I think it's actually insulting the intelligence of Ghanaians to say now that 'I wasn’t part of it'. Was he the one who was claiming the wonderful things they achieved before COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War? At the time was he a mate or a second driver? I think that politicians don’t take us seriously, but I will not hold him accountable solely for what has happened, I think that he played a critical role in the economy of Ghana, and he cannot say now Ken Ofori-Atta was the Finance Minister, because he is the Head of Economic Management Team," he said.

In the wake of recent criticisms aimed at Vice President and New Patriotic Party flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, over his depiction of serving as a mere advisor to the President in governance, Dr. Bawumia reiterated his commitment to leading Ghana towards economic recovery at a conference held in Accra.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has reiterated that he bears ultimate responsibility for the administration he has superintended.

During his State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Tuesday, February 27, President Akufo-Addo underscored the collaborative role of cabinet members and ministers in providing advisory support.

"Under the Constitution, the executive power of the state is vested in the President of the Republic. He or she is the Executive. There is no ambiguity about where the buck stops when it comes to responsibility for what happens in the government. It stops with the President, he or she has ultimate responsibility. It would be an unwise President that would pretend to have all the answers, and refuse the advice of his officials, but the fact remains that the President holds the executive power."

"The Cabinet, the Ministers of State all act in an advisory manner. Of course, a member of the government might take an idea, be it generated by the President or the official or a committee, and turn it into a huge success, and the honour would be claimed or shared where public perception falls. But, ultimately, the President is responsible, and, therefore, takes the credit or the blame for whatever happens in his or her government."

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