Bawumia will focus on job creation and economic growth – Oppong Nkrumah

Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has reaffirmed that the next leadership of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) will focus on job creation and economic growth.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Election 2024 Dialogue held at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) on Thursday, October 3, 2024, the minister provided insight into the NPP’s vision for Ghana’s future under the leadership of Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah, who also serves as vice-chair of the NPP’s manifesto committee, informed the participants at the programme that Dr Bawumia’s vision is built on transforming Ghana’s economy through a strategic shift from dependence on raw materials to a focus on value addition and industrialisation.

He noted that this approach would create jobs, particularly for the youth, and ensure sustainable economic growth.

“Dr. Bawumia’s plan is to move Ghana beyond being a raw material exporter to becoming a hub for value-added products,” he explained.

He pointed out that the NPP’s manifesto includes the creation of technology hubs and industrial parks as part of efforts to foster innovation, attract investment, and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These initiatives, he said, would be central to driving job creation and securing Ghana’s place in the global economy.

He also stressed that under a Bawumia government, the ongoing digitalisation agenda will be further leveraged to formalise the economy and improve government revenue collection.

“We have already seen significant gains through digital transformation initiatives like mobile money interoperability and the Ghana Card. The next phase will ensure these innovations are fully integrated into our financial systems to support businesses and create more jobs,” he added.

Governance reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency were also highlighted as key components of Dr. Bawumia’s vision.

Oppong Nkrumah indicated that the NPP plans to introduce reforms that would streamline public services and hold government institutions accountable.

“A Bawumia government will ensure that every public official is accountable, and corruption is rooted out at all levels of public service,” he added.

Addressing housing issues, the minister for Works and Housing noted that the NPP’s manifesto includes concrete plans to scale up affordable housing projects across the country, aimed at reducing the housing deficit. He explained that public-private partnerships would be key to delivering housing solutions for low- and middle-income Ghanaians.

“Housing is a basic necessity, and Dr. Bawumia’s vision ensures that all Ghanaians have access to decent, affordable homes,” he stated.

As the conversation continued, Oppong Nkrumah emphasized that addressing youth employment remains a top priority.

He outlined specific plans for education reform and entrepreneurship programs aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with the skills necessary for the modern economy.

“Every year, millions of young people enter the job market, and it is our duty to create opportunities for them to succeed,” he said.

The Election 2024 Dialogue, spearheaded by GIMPA’s Law Students’ Association, provided a platform for the NPP to present its vision ahead of the 2024 elections.

Meanwhile, the party has assured that similar events are expected to be held across various university campuses, where the NPP will engage with students and other stakeholders to further elaborate on its plans for Ghana’s future.