Evron Rothschild Hughes, Technical Economic Advisor to Vice President Dr. Bawumia, attributes Ghana’s status as a beacon of peace in a turbulent region to deliberate effort, rather than mere coincidence.
Hughes attributed Ghana’s peaceful status to the NPP government’s strategic investment in a dual-pronged security approach, addressing both internal and external threats to ensure national stability and security.
“For example, we increased the number of the Ghana Police Service by almost 40% (from 33,213 in 2016 to 46,116 in 2023), and significantly upgraded its operational capabilities by providing it with 933 vehicles, 4,202 motorbikes, and 3 helicopters”.
Evron Rothschild Hughes
Hughes further observed that this investment has significantly enhanced police mobility and visibility nationwide, allowing for more effective law enforcement and a stronger security presence in all regions.
He highlighted that the deployment of 11,000 CCTV cameras and 65 automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) sites has significantly enhanced public safety and security, providing a robust surveillance network to deter and detect criminal activity.
He explained that receiving a ‘test’ text message from the Police for speeding is a direct result of the successful integration of ANPR technology, DVLA data, and GhanaCard information, which enables accurate identification and notification of traffic offenders.
Hughes revealed that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia aims to bolster community safety and security through the implementation of the Safe Neighborhoods Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to protect citizens and prevent crime
He emphasized that the initiative will encompass a range of measures, including the installation of adequate lighting in communities, to reinforce Ghana’s border security and safeguard citizens’ well-being.
Hughes added that the program will also involve the widespread deployment of an additional 50,000 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in neighborhoods, significantly expanding the existing anti-crime surveillance network.
Hughes further highlighted that the initiative will also outfit police officers with body-worn cameras, enhancing transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policing in their daily operations.
NPP Unveils Plan To Boost Security Forces
Furthermore, Evron Rothschild Hughes announced that the initiative will include a significant expansion of the security forces, with the recruitment of at least 20,000 additional personnel by 2028, to support effective community policing and improve response to emerging threats.
He revealed that the government will complete the construction and deployment of fifteen strategic Forward Operating Bases (FOB) at key border locations, strengthening Ghana’s border control and defense capabilities.
“This is to allow the military to swiftly respond to any external hostilities and threats posed by terrorists in the Region”. – Evron Rothschild Hughes
Hughes praised Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, as a visionary leader with a proven track record of integrity and problem-solving skills, poised to inspire and empower the next generation of Ghanaians.
“Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia proposes, among many others, to ensure better oversight of fiscal policy and implementation, as a core plank in Ensuring A Resilient, Business-Friendly Economy”.
“…the way he proposes to do this is to establish a US-style Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to, among others, ensure a better alignment of policy and budgeting, and relieve the overburdened/overextended Finance Ministry so it can focus on being the Treasury/Exchequer and better manage the nation’s financial assets”.
Evron Rothschild Hughes
He announced that Dr. Bawumia plans to introduce a fiscal responsibility measure, limiting yearly budgeted expenditures to a maximum of 105% of the previous year’s real revenue, promoting prudent financial management, and reducing the risk of fiscal imbalances.
Hughes noted that this measure will harmonize expenditure and revenue planning, ensuring a strong correlation between the two, and exert greater control over public spending to prevent fiscal excesses.
He revealed that Dr. Bawumia’s administration will institute an autonomous Fiscal Responsibility Council to monitor and advise on fiscal policy, promoting prudent decision-making, and safeguarding Ghana’s economic stability.
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