Isaac Adongo, the Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament, has expressed concerns over Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s promise to make smartphones accessible and affordable for the youth if he wins the presidency.
Speaking at a campaign event in the Northern region, Dr. Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), pledged to collaborate with mobile phone manufacturers to provide smartphones on a credit basis, with buyers paying as little as Ghc 1 or Ghc 2 monthly until the debt is cleared.
However, during a parliamentary session, Adongo questioned this pledge, arguing that it highlights the current government’s lack of strategic foresight.
He expressed skepticism about the feasibility and relevance of the promise, pointing out that the most pressing issue for Ghanaian youth is unemployment, not access to smartphones.
Adongo questioned why Dr. Bawumia prioritized smartphone accessibility over job creation.
Adongo’s critique suggests that the government’s priorities may be misplaced, and he emphasized the need for initiatives that directly address the economic challenges faced by the youth.
He contended that the promise of cheap smartphones, while potentially appealing, does little to resolve the underlying issues of job scarcity and economic instability.
As the 2024 elections approach, such policy promises and criticisms will likely shape the political landscape and influence voter sentiment.
