In what insiders describe as a major political earthquake within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), former Deputy Finance Minister Dr Alex Ampaabeng has officially joined Kennedy Agyapong’s growing presidential movement, publicly rejecting Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic leadership and labelling the government’s policies as “import-driven, IMF-dependent, andluninspired.”
Dr Ampaabeng, a respected economist, lecturer, and former fiscal-policy head at the Ministry of Finance, delivered a detailed critique of Ghana’s current economic trajectory in a televised discussion this week, a move seen as an intellectual and political boost for Kennedy Agyapong’s 2028 presidential bid.
Speaking passionately about Ghana’s stalled industrialisation agenda, Dr Ampaabeng argued that the country must abandon Western economic templates and build home-grown, “hands-on, Ghanaian-owned solutions.” Dr Ampaabeng explained that after 14 years as a university lecturer and years in government, he has concluded that Ghana’s progress depends on indigenous industrialisation, youth employment, and decentralised innovation. The former minister said his alignment with Kennedy Agyapong’s movement was based on shared belief in practical leadership rather than “political slogans.” He outlined a strategy to limit imports, boost local manufacturing, and create mass youth employment, arguing that Ghana’s development should not rely on “financial-sector talkshops” but on real-sector growth.
In a subtle but sharp jab at Vice-President Bawumia, Dr Ampaabeng accused the current administration of promoting cosmetic growth. He added that finance ministers serve at the direction of the president, implying that Ghana’s economic struggles are due to weak leadership and misplaced priorities. Political analysts say Dr Ampaabeng’s defection could mark a turning point in the NPP’s internal power struggle. His expertise in fiscal policy, taxation, and macroeconomic planning gives Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign the technocratic credibility it previously lacked.
Dr Ampaabeng’s move underscores growing discontent within the ruling party over Bawumia’s economic credibility and IMF dependence. His call for “industrialisation by Ghanaians, for Ghanaians” echoes Kennedy Agyapong’s populist message of discipline, local empowerment, and self-reliance. As the 2028 race heats up, one thing is clear: the battle for Ghana’s economic soul has begun, and Kennedy’s camp is arming itself with both brains and boldness.
Source: https://youtu.be/TBsU5xEyQIA?si=CQFPpeLzbrBEDzBG
From Opera News I’m
