{
  "id": 15474536,
  "title": "Ghana now has two economies. A Paper Economy and a Pocket Economy – Dr Bawumia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/ghana-now-has-two-economies-a-paper-economy-and-a-pocket-economy-dr",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T19:26:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-now-has-two-economies-a-paper-economy-and-a-pocket-economy-dr-bawumia/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP Presidential Candidate, has highlighted a stark contrast in Ghana's economy, describing it as a dual economy - a paper economy and a pocket economy. Speaking at the NPP's National Thanksgiving Service in Sunyani, Dr. Bawumia noted that despite government claims of decreasing inflation and a stronger cedi, life remains difficult for the populace. He questioned the relevance of economic stability when the people are suffering, emphasizing that a healthy economy should improve their lives.\n\nDr. Bawumia alleged that various sectors, including farmers, teachers, traders, and healthcare workers, have been deceived by government promises. He pointed out that cocoa, cashew, soybean, rice, and maize farmers have not received the promised benefits, teachers and nurses have faced challenges, and traders are struggling due to low consumer demand. He also criticized the rise in utility bills, petrol prices, and transport fares, which have exacerbated the cost of living.\n\nDr. Bawumia further criticized the government's education policies, including the collapse of Free Senior High School, the failure to cancel the double track system and teacher licensure exam, and the non-implementation of automatic teacher postings. He also expressed concern over the galamsey issue and the government's 24-hour economy policy, stating that galamsey has more than tripled and that the 24-hour economy remains a mere promise.\n\nIn conclusion, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that Ghana now has two economies: a paper economy with low inflation and exchange rates, and a pocket economy characterized by high living costs and widespread suffering. He stressed that the economy's stability is irrelevant if it fails to alleviate the people's hardships. Dr. Bawumia vowed that the NPP will present feasible, costed, and practical ideas for the next four years, contrasting this with the NPP's commitment to avoid making unattainable promises before 2028.",
  "summary": "The NPP Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has taken a swipe at the NDC government, describing Ghana's current economy as a tale of two economies - a paper economy and a pocket economy.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ghana has a dual economy: paper economy and pocket economy",
    "Dr. Bawumia criticizes government promises unfulfilled for citizens",
    "NPP pledges feasible, costed ideas for next four years"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Joy Business",
        "title": "Ghana now has two economies. A Paper Economy and a Pocket Economy – Dr Bawumia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/ghana-now-has-two-economies-a-paper-economy-and-a-pocket-economy-dr-15476465",
        "published": "2026-10-18T19:26:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}