Economist Godfred Bokpin Questions Vice President Bawumia’s Job Creation Claims, Calls for Verifiable Data

In response to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s assertion that the current administration has created 2.6 million jobs, respected economist Godfred Bokpin has raised doubts, stressing the need for verifiable data to support such claims.

During an interview on *The KeyPoints* with Alfred Ocansey on November 9, Bokpin expressed concern about the absence of transparent data sources backing the job creation figure. He emphasized the importance of focusing on policies that foster “job-rich” growth, meaning strategies specifically designed to create employment.

“I hold a different view,” Bokpin stated, arguing against the assumption that economic growth alone results in job creation. He highlighted the shortcomings of the “trickle-down” employment approach, advocating instead for deliberate policies that directly generate jobs.

For job creation claims to hold weight, Bokpin noted, they should be reflected in both employment statistics and tax records. “If 2.6 million jobs have indeed been created, we should see a corresponding increase in tax-paying citizens,” he pointed out, referencing data from the Ghana Revenue Authority, which currently reports only about 2.3 million active personal income taxpayers.

While acknowledging Vice President Bawumia’s contributions and the nation’s economic growth, Bokpin remained unconvinced about the claimed job numbers. “Based on verifiable data and sources of information on unemployment and employment response to growth, I think we are not there yet,” he concluded.