Bryan Acheampong jabs Bawumia over cedi performance during NPP era

New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Dr. Bryan Acheampong has blamed the Ghana cedi decline during the Akufo-Addo administration on poor management by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Addressing delegates in Kwadaso as part of his campaign tour of the Ashanti Region on October 20, 2025, Dr. Acheampong criticized the handling of the cedi and the economy, suggesting that Bawumia’s performance contributed significantly to the NPP’s 2024 election defeat.

“[Former President] Akufo-Addo said he was bringing in a gentleman who will achieve comfort for us. We took the dollar from 4 [cedis] and when we were booted out of office, the dollar was at 17 cedis. You’ve been given a home match,just run the economy so you can win elections for yourself. You took it from 4 to 17 [cedis],” he said in a veiled jab at the former vice president.

Dr. Acheampong also pointed to the controversial Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) as a major factor in the party’s loss. “People queued at the Ministry of Finance so they could get their money, leading to our loss,” he noted, referencing the policy introduced during Akufo-Addo’s second term.

He dismissed attempts to associate him with the party’s electoral defeat, urging delegates to disregard such claims.

Ahead of his Ashanti Region visit, Dr. Acheampong praised the region’s loyalty to the NPP. “The love in Ashanti is powerful! Everywhere I turn, I see unity, strength, and a clear understanding of our shared mission. We’re not slowing down. We’re growing stronger, bigger, and better together. The journey continues, and together, we win,” he said.

The Ashanti Region remains the NPP’s electoral stronghold, contributing over 70 percent of its national votes in most elections. A commanding presence there is considered vital for success in the party’s 2026 presidential primaries, which will feature Dr. Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, and Kwabena Agyapong.