{
  "id": 15476465,
  "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",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-18T19:26:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Joy Business",
    "slug": "joy-business",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-now-has-two-economies-a-paper-economy-and-a-pocket-economy-dr-bawumia/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "During the NPP’s National Thanksgiving Service in Sunyani, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia criticized the NDC government, portraying Ghana’s current economy as being comprised of two distinct systems – a \"paper economy\" and a \"pocket economy.\" Despite the government’s assertions of reduced inflation and a stronger cedi, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the hardships faced by ordinary citizens. He questioned the usefulness of economic stability if it does not improve the quality of life for the people.\n\nDr. Bawumia criticized various sectors, stating that cocoa farmers were promised 6,000 cedis per bag but have yet to receive it, while cashew, soybean, rice, and maize farmers were also deceived. He further criticized the government for failing to improve the lives of teachers, nurses, and doctors, as well as for increasing electricity, water, and transport costs. The NPP candidate also expressed concerns over the galamsey issue, which has worsened, and the 24-hour economy policy, which has yet to deliver on its promises.\n\nSummarizing his grievances, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that Ghana now has two distinct economies. One is the \"paper economy,\" which boasts reduced inflation and a weaker exchange rate. The other is the \"pocket economy,\" characterized by the high cost of living and the suffering of the populace. Dr. Bawumia concluded by stating that the NPP's platform for 2028 would focus on delivering achievable, costed, and practical ideas.",
  "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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "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",
        "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."
}