Newly independent presidential candidate, Mr. George Twum-Barimah Edu has shared insights into his background, entrepreneurial ventures, and vision for Ghana’s future.
As he positioned himself as a viable alternative to the traditional political parties, his thoughts reflected a desire for substantial change in Ghana’s political landscape.
Mr. Barimah began introducing himself to the audience. His educational journey took him from Garrison Elementary School to Presec, followed by earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Florida International University. He returned to Ghana in 1993, serving at the Insurance Commission before venturing into entrepreneurship.
“Mainly am a game enthusiast. When I left the government in 2001 April, I formed a company with a friend called Fun Games.”
Mr. George Twum-Barimah Edu Independent presidential candidate
This venture focused on transforming the Ghana Highway Code into an educational card game, aimed at helping drivers learn essential road safety rules. “It was adopted by DVLA and was known as road user playing cards,” he explained. Mr. Barimah’s entrepreneurial spirit did not stop there; he further established Dominion Games Unlimited, which produces digital games, including a popular online game called “Word Meets Tea.” His extensive experience in the gaming industry highlighted his innovative approach and commitment to education through entertainment. Mr. Barimah is essentially an entrepreneur, a businessman, and quite a bit of an investment pool in Ghana.
Addressing the Betting Tax
The topic of a betting tax arose, prompting Mr. Barimah to share his perspective.
“I think when we make our income, we have to pay the government their due. The issue I don’t think is the tax perse is what government does with the tax they collect.”
Mr. George Twum-Barimah Edu Independent presidential candidate
While he acknowledged the need for taxation, he suggested that the current rate of 10% on winnings might be excessive. “I believe that if we see something from the tax government collects, we would not have a problem with it,” Mr. Barimah argued, proposing a lower tax rate of 3-5% initially to assess its impact and the income tax would be used properly.
Political Landscape: A Call for Change
Mr. Barimah’s entry into politics is driven by his observations of the current political landscape. “After 32 years of NDC and NPP, we’ve gone backward,” he asserted. He criticized the two dominant parties for prioritizing electoral success over genuine national development. “Political parties… are structured to win elections.” He believes that a candidate without ties to either the NDC or NPP is essential for Ghana’s progress advocating for a leader whose allegiance lies with the people of Ghana. Mr. Barimah’s personal voting history underscored his commitment to policy over party allegiance. “I have voted NDC, I have voted NPP,” he admitted, emphasizing that his choices were based on manifestos. “Unfortunately, the parties don’t follow their manifestos… they just write them so nice and so beautiful,” he lamented, highlighting a disconnection between political promises and actual governance. He noted; “When I was a kid… I remarked to my dad, If I will vote, I will vote for Liman.”
His choice was based on Liman’s promise to eliminate long queues for essential goods—a concern that resonated with many Ghanaians at the time.
As Mr. Barimah continued his campaign, he sought to resonate with citizens who were disillusioned by the political status quo. “We need to find someone who has no ties to the NDC or NPP,” he reiterated, expressing hope that his independent status can inspire a new political narrative in Ghana. Mr. Barimah called for a change in leadership and governance reflecting a broader desire among Ghanaians for accountability, transparency, and effective policy implementation. With his entrepreneurial background and commitment to education and innovation, he aims to position himself as a credible alternative in the upcoming elections. Mr. Barimah’s aspirations represent a shift towards a more inclusive and responsive political environment in Ghana. His journey, rooted in personal experience and a genuine concern for national development, sets the stage for a potentially transformative candidacy in the 2024 presidential race.
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