Osman Ayariga has cast doubt on the sincerity of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent apology to Ghanaians, branding it a calculated political move rather than a genuine act of accountability.
Speaking in a fiery interview on GHOne TV monitored by MyNewsGh, the acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority expressed deep skepticism about the Vice President-turned-flagbearer’s motives, accusing him of trying to emotionally manipulate voters ahead of the 2024 general elections.
“Bawumia’s apology is a very dishonest apology,” Ayariga said, adding that “it’s all theatrics and dishonesty — the hallmarks of someone trying to be a con artist.”
According to Ayariga, Ghanaians are not looking for dramatic public relations stunts but sincere leadership that accepts responsibility for past failures. He described Bawumia’s public apology not as an admission of missteps, but a tactical move aimed at rebranding himself for political gain.
“He’s not apologizing because he regrets what happened. He’s doing this to create a narrative that he’s a changed man — but the truth is, he’s trying to deceive the NPP and Ghanaians,” Ayariga stressed.
The NYA boss further questioned why Bawumia had remained silent throughout the economic crisis, only to emerge with an apology now that political tides are shifting.
“Where was this remorse when the economy was sinking? Where was this humility when the cedi was crashing and inflation was hitting the roof?” Ayariga asked pointedly.
He warned Ghanaians — and particularly members of the opposition — not to fall for what he called “Bawumia’s theatrics,” asserting that the electorate is more politically aware than ever.
“I believe the people of Ghana — including those in the NPP — are wide awake. They won’t fall for this staged humility. What we are seeing is not transformation, but desperation,” he argued.
Ayariga urged Bawumia to back his apology with concrete actions, including acknowledging the work of current economic leaders like Finance Minister Ato Forson, whom he praised for stabilizing the economy in a matter of months — something Bawumia and his touted “economic management team” failed to do in years.
“If he’s really sorry, he should congratulate the likes of Ato Forson and His Excellency John Mahama, instead of pretending he alone has answers,” he concluded.
