The leader and Founder of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Pastor Christian Kwabena Andrews has underscored the party’s distinctive strategy to win the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The GUM leader stated, that unlike the (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), engaging in mass rallies in canvassing for votes, GUM is focusing on house-to-house campaigning, especially in areas without electricity.
“We are campaigning in the villages, even where [there is no] electricity. We are on our feet, working very hard.”
Christian Kwabena Andrews leader of Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
The GUM leader also addressed concerns raised by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of GUM regarding the closure of some party offices across the country. He highlighted that the offices were rented and that keys were given to those he trusted.
“I have given the keys to those that I cherish, those that I think are good. They are working very hard, dismissing claims made by an “old chairman” who has since been removed from office.”
Christian Kwabena Andrews leader of Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
The GUM leader Emphasized GUM’s choice for a running mate in the upcoming election. The Flagbearer announced that the running mate would be a woman from the Ashanti Region, specifically Evelyn Sewa Bonsu. “
“…She has been in Germany for 14 years, and moved to Britain before returning to Ghana in 2020, the party plans to unveil her officially on Saturday.”
Christian Kwabena Andrews leader of Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
On policy matters, the Flagbearer expressed a strong desire to reform Ghana’s education system, moving away from what he described as the “chew, pour, pass” method.
The GUM leader Stated that GUM plans to focus on practical education, where students are trained in skills relevant to local industries.
“We don’t need that… we just want education in the practical form.”
Christian Kwabena Andrews leader of Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
The GUM leader emphasized, suggesting the establishment of specialized schools for various trades and industries.
GUM Policy Towards Education
Regarding the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, The GUM leader proposed a targeted approach. He suggested that only students pursuing practical skills, such as artisans and farmers, should receive free education, while those aiming for careers in law or other fields should pay for their education, he argued, criticizing the overemphasis on academic professions
“It is your own business, we are not going to benefit anything out of that.”
Christian Kwabena Andrews leader of Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
The Flagbearer also outlined his vision for economic reform, particularly in the mining sector. He criticized the current system where foreign companies and certain local elites dominate the industry, vowing to take back control.
“Those who have the licenses in the mining sector, like NPP people, NDC people, I will seize all.”
Christian Kwabena Andrews leader of Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
Moreover, the GUM leader further proposed that the government should buy and sell the mined gold, keeping the profits within the country.
Addressing the issue of illegal mining, which has significantly impacted the environment and cocoa production, The GUM leader stressed the need for proper management rather than banning small-scale miners.
“We are going to adopt those people on the field… we need to mine what is underground,” while also advocating for reforestation and other environmental restoration efforts.
Christian Kwabena Andrews leader of Ghana Union Movement (GUM)
The GUM leader further criticized the lack of practical knowledge among Ghana’s leaders, particularly in agriculture. He accused the current leaders of NDC and NPP as “book leaders” who do not appreciate the importance of farming and other hands-on professions. This critique underscores GUM’s broader campaign theme of practical, grassroots solutions to Ghana’s challenges.
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