The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on Sunday, August 25, 2024, engaged the media in an insightful conversation about the economy and his policies to transform Ghana.
The highly anticipated media engagement comes barely four months before the crucial 2024 general elections.
Also, it follows the official launch of the NPP’s manifesto a week ago and served as an opportunity for Dr. Bawumia to provide a clearer understanding of his vision for the country ahead of the polls.
Here are some key highlights from the engagement.
14 commitments to Ghanaians
Dr. Bawumia reiterated his 14 commitments to the Ghanaian people if elected president in the upcoming December 7 polls.
These commitments include sustaining and expanding Ghana’s rebounding economy, creating new jobs, implementing wide-ranging tax reforms, and building Ghana into a world-class digital economy.
Dr. Bawumia also highlighted plans to reduce the cost of living, expand public infrastructure, and provide better healthcare for all.
He hopes to protect the environment, boost sports, creative arts, and tourism, and enhance border security.
Peaceful elections
The NPP intends to run a campaign focused on ideas and conduct themselves in a manner befitting a democratic group.
Dr. Bawumia, who gave this assurance, urged those threatening violence to reconsider, reminding them that such actions are un-Ghanaian and that the country’s peace must be preserved.
“Not a single drop of Ghanaian blood should be sacrificed for power,” he added.
Job creation
Dr. Bawumia said providing jobs for the youth would be a key priority of his administration if elected president.
Additionally, the youth will be equipped with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
According to the NPP flagbearer, such training would open up job opportunities within Ghana and internationally.
Comprehensive tax reforms
Dr. Bawumia also outlined a comprehensive tax reform programme designed to create a more favourable environment for businesses, including the implementation of a flat tax rate and tax amnesty.
He assured that if given the nod, his administration would introduce a range of incentives to support business expansion.
NABCo beneficiaries will receive their arrears
The Nation Builders Corps (NABCo) programme is a government initiative implemented to address the growing phenomenon of graduate unemployment.
However, some NABCo beneficiaries say for the past 11 months they have not been paid their arrears.
Despite a series of protests, the beneficiaries claim their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
The aggrieved workers said the government’s failure to settle arrears as far back as 2023 has led to immense hardships.
Dr. Bawumia, however, indicated that efforts will be made to get arrears owed to beneficiaries paid.
80% of promises fulfilled
Dr. Bawumia has said the government achieved 80% of promises made in its 2020 manifesto, beating the opposition NDC.
According to the NPP Flagbearer, the NDC was able to achieve only 28% of its 2012 manifesto under Mr. John Mahama.
National Cathedral
The construction of the National Cathedral has garnered significant attention since it was first announced by President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2018.
While the construction is ongoing, the project has not been without its share of controversy, most notably the recent resignations of several prominent clergy members from the Board of Trustees.
Also, questions of accountability and the project’s relevance in the face of the country’s economic crisis have been repeatedly raised by the Minority in Parliament.
Critics say even though they recognise the need to honour God, the timing of the project was not prudent since it was a personal pledge by the President to God.
However, proponents of the project believe that a grand cathedral would serve as a unifying symbol for the nation, a place for spiritual reflection, and an emblem of national pride.
Responding to a question about the project, Dr. Bawumia stated that he would ensure the completion of the stalled National Cathedral project if elected president.
According to him, state funds have been used in the construction of the edifice so far, hence the need to complete it.
Press freedom
Dr. Bawumia has condemned attacks on journalists by supporters of political parties.
According to the NPP flagbearer, such acts undermine democracy.
He maintains that no journalist should be assaulted for doing their job.
Scrap E-levy
Dr. Bawumia has announced that the controversial levy on mobile transactions, commonly known as the e-levy, will be scrapped in his first budget presentation to Parliament by March 2025.
Ultimately, the media engagement served as a key moment for Dr. Bawumia to connect with the electorate and outline his economic priorities as the 2024 elections approach.