As Ghana’s 2024 presidential race heats up, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, spokesperson for National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate John Dramani Mahama, has raised concerns about recent campaign promises from Dr.

Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer and Ghana’s current Vice President. In a pointed statement, Mogtari urged Ghanaians to take a closer look at Bawumia’s pledge to offer free dialysis treatment for renal patients, which he announced would begin in December.

In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Mogtari questioned the timing of Bawumia’s promise, suggesting it may be aimed at securing votes rather than addressing the long-standing healthcare needs of the nation.

She pointed out that Bawumia has held the authority to make such changes over the past years and could have prioritized policies on critical health services, including dialysis, much earlier.

Mogtari highlighted the NDC’s commitment to healthcare access, referencing Mahama’s People’s Manifesto, which promises enhanced healthcare services, including provisions for dialysis and fertility treatments. She argued that Mahama has consistently committed to meaningful healthcare reforms, contrasting with Bawumia’s latest announcement, which she framed as a potentially insincere appeal for electoral support.

"Long before Dr. Bawumia’s promise of free dialysis treatments, John Mahama and the NDC included these healthcare services in the People’s Manifesto," Mogtari wrote. "Voters face a choice between a leader who has consistently delivered on his word and another making last-minute pledges."

This exchange brings healthcare policy to the forefront of the upcoming election. The NDC has long prioritized universal healthcare access and equitable services, and Mogtari’s comments underscore Mahama’s track record of integrating healthcare improvements into his platform.

As voters weigh campaign promises from both sides, Mogtari hopes to persuade Ghanaians that the NDC's long-term plans will be more reliable and impactful than last-minute campaign promises.

As the campaigns continue, healthcare policy is expected to remain a central issue, with both the NDC and NPP aiming to convince voters that their approach will best serve Ghana’s needs.

Mogtari's remarks serve as a call for Ghanaians to critically evaluate the promises put forward and to support leaders who have shown a commitment to fulfilling them over time.