The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has engaged the media where he addressed various national issues from youth employment to healthcare and fiscal policy.

Dr. Bawumia’s comments reflected the party’s position on ongoing national programs and certain sectors’ challenges. Dr. Bawumia began by discussing the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO), a program designed to tackle youth unemployment by providing work experience for graduates.

Dr. Bawumia acknowledged that although NABCO had employed approximately 100,000 individuals, the issue of arrears remained a concern. According to him, “Out of the 100,000 that were taken, 34,000 have exited into permanent jobs under NABCO.” However, Dr. Bawumia noted that many employees still face unpaid arrears and assured that steps were being taken to address this issue. Dr. Bawumia disclosed his commitment to resolving the matter.

“I’ve raised this issue with the Minister for Finance, and I’m trying to persuade them to make these arrears payments.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP

Incentives for Healthcare Workers and Teachers

The conversation shifted to the manifesto’s focus on healthcare and education. Dr. Bawumia clarified that the NPP did not limit its incentives to imported vehicles, emphasizing the importance of supporting local industries.

Dr. Bawumia pointed out that under President Kufuor, there were incentives for healthcare workers and teachers to bring in vehicles, and the import duty was waived. However, this initiative was abused, leading to the need for a more digitally monitored system. While expressing a preference for local products, Dr. Bawumia left the door open for discussions with manufacturing companies to ensure timely production.

“Our preference is to buy local [products] so we will work with them to see how best they can meet their terms, in terms of production on time and all of that.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP

Tax Reforms and New Initiatives

When asked why certain tax reforms, such as the tax amnesty and import duty relief were not implemented sooner, Dr. Bawumia explained that as Vice President, he did not have full control over these decisions.

“The budget that has gone to parliament which has been passed is not my budget, Is it my budget? It’s not my budget.’’
Dr. Bawumia’s highlighted the distinction between his role as Vice President and the executive authority held by the President. Dr. Bawumia further underscored the need for continuous innovation.
“Everyone who is running for office whether you are Kamala Harris or you are Bawumia, you still have to think about what you have to do when you get into office.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP

This comment reflected his forward-thinking approach and commitment to introducing new ideas should he and his party be elected.

Moreover, addressing concerns about scholarships for Ghanaian students studying abroad, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the difficulties students and their families face when financial support is delayed. He noted that ‘’There’s nothing more heart-wrenching than taking a student abroad and not being able to take care of them.” Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for transparency and visibility in the scholarship process, committing to publishing the names of all scholarship beneficiaries.

“We have undertaken in the manifesto to publish all the beneficiaries of these scholarships as they come so that everybody knows who is getting the scholarships.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP

COCOBOD and the National Cathedral

Dr. Bawumia was also asked about COCOBOD’s financial health and the ongoing construction of the National Cathedral. He was cautious in his response regarding COCOBOD.

“I’m not aware of COCOBOD being on the verge of collapse. We’ll look at that I cannot comment on that.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP

Dr. Bawumia’s cautious approach indicated a need for further investigation into the matter. On the National Cathedral, Dr. Bawumia recognized the importance of completing the project but emphasized the need for engagement with stakeholders. “Taxpayers’ money has gone into it, and many people would like to see it completed,” he acknowledged. Dr. Bawumia suggested that revisiting the design and holding discussions with church leaders could help determine the best way forward.

“We need to sit down and talk, If the design has to be looked at again to make sure it can be completed, we have to put everything on the table.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP

Moreover, Dr. Bawumia was informed about the grievances of 322 pharmaceutical doctors who threatened to sue the Ministry of Health over unpaid allowances. Dr. Bawumia expressed surprise at this information saying;

“This is the first time I’ve heard about this particular issue.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP

Nevertheless, Dr. Bawumia assured that he would take up the matter with the relevant authorities.

“We’ll talk to the Ministry of Health and Finance, it’s an important issue that we should resolve.’’
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the Flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP

Dr. Bawumia’s engagement with the media revealed a wide range of issues that the NPP seeks to address, demonstrating a clear focus on resolving key national challenges. Dr. Bawumia’s responses showed a commitment to addressing areas promoting local industry ensuring transparency in scholarships and engaging stakeholders in national projects like the National Cathedral.