Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, has outlined an ambitious and inclusive vision for the country during the launch of the NPP’s 2024 manifesto.
Speaking to a packed audience of party faithful, business leaders, and the media, Dr. Bawumia presented a comprehensive plan aimed at fostering job creation, economic stability, and a brighter future for all Ghanaians.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized his commitment to creating a “big tent” that accommodates every Ghanaian, regardless of ethnic, political, or religious background.
He envisioned a Ghana where the collective energies and talents of the people are harnessed to build a nation characterized by food sufficiency, economic prosperity, and dignity for all.
His administration, he promised, would work tirelessly to create sustainable jobs with meaningful pay while ensuring Ghana’s active participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“To realize this vision, we must collectively have a mindset of possibilities, not impossibilities. There is a critical failure of mindset that manifests itself in the absence of core values, patriotism, and principles within our society.
“We need to invigorate the can do spirit of Ghanaians to believe that we can even do better than we have ever imagined if we put our minds to it. For example, students from Manfi Girls and Prempeh College have won international robotic competitions against their peers in the US, Germany, South Korea, and so on”.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana and NPP Flagbearer
To nurture this potential, Dr. Bawumia proposed introducing a growth mindset curriculum in schools, focusing on critical skills such as problem-solving, risk-taking, and design thinking.
Economic Recovery and Fiscal Discipline
Acknowledging the economic challenges Ghana has faced, Dr. Bawumia praised the resilience of the Ghanaian people in weathering the storm.
However, he stressed that more needs to be done to achieve sustained macroeconomic stability. He outlined a plan to protect and expand the rebounding economy, promising to maintain low inflation, stabilize exchange rates, and ensure fiscal discipline.
A key aspect of his economic strategy is the enhancement of fiscal discipline through the establishment of an independent Fiscal Responsibility Council, enshrined in an amended Fiscal Responsibility Act.
This council will ensure that budgeted expenditure does not exceed 105% of the previous year’s tax revenue, preventing overly optimistic revenue forecasts from derailing the budget.
Empowering the Private Sector
Furthermore, Dr. Bawumia placed significant emphasis on reducing the fiscal burden on the government by empowering the private sector to take on a greater role in the provision and management of public services and infrastructure.
He credited the NPP’s two-term administration under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for its achievements in uplifting the poor and vulnerable through initiatives like Free SHS, Free TVET, Agenda 111, and the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“My administration will continue to protect and deepen these programs,” Dr. Bawumia pledged, while also prioritizing job creation and business support.
He promised to incentivize the private sector to complement government efforts, particularly in infrastructure development, such as road construction, hostels, housing, and schools.
The NPP flagbearer emphasized that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will be a cornerstone of his strategy, designed to attract private investment in critical infrastructure projects and reduce the budgetary burden on the state.
“From my interactions with the people, the 3 top major concerns of Ghanaians are the cost of living, jobs and roads. The 2024 manifesto of the New Patriotic Party prioritizes what you, the Ghanaian people, say are your priorities.
“The manifesto lays out a clear path of how we plan to solve these major problems among others. That is why my government will make business and jobs our number one priority. True to our philosophy, I believe the private sector has the capacity to provide jobs and create wealth for society”.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer
Streamlining Government and Tax Reforms
Dr. Bawumia also announced his intention to streamline government operations by reducing the number of ministers to no more than 50, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and cutting waste.
He also outlined an ambitious plan to overhaul Ghana’s tax system, introducing a flat tax system that is simple, citizen-friendly, and business-friendly.
This new tax regime, he explained, would be the first major change since independence and would broaden the tax base while reducing the burden on taxpayers.
To support this new tax regime, Dr. Bawumia proposed the digitalization of tax administration, allowing individuals and businesses to file taxes electronically.
This, he argued, would increase transparency and accountability while eliminating the need for manual tax assessments and reducing the opportunity for corruption.
Supporting Business and Reducing the Cost of Living
Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his belief that the role of government is to empower businesses to deliver for society.
His administration, he said, would support the growth of businesses by offering investment tax credits to Ghanaian startups in strategic sectors, implementing a flat rate system of duties for importers, and harmonizing port charges with regional competitors like Togo.
In addition, Dr Bawumia outlined plans to reduce the cost of living by ensuring food security through technology and irrigation, stabilizing food prices with financing and guarantees from the Development Bank Ghana, and expanding the “Gold for Oil” program to stabilize fuel prices.
Affordable Housing and Social Infrastructure
Addressing the housing crisis, Dr Bawumia announced a major focus on public housing, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s model.
He promised to partner with the private sector to build large housing estates without burdening the government with additional debt.
According to him, the National Rental Assistance Scheme, which has already benefited thousands, will be expanded to address the challenges of rent advances.
He also highlighted plans to provide a variety of accommodation types, from social housing for low-income workers to affordable housing projects supported by incentives for the private sector.
This, he said, would ensure that all Ghanaians have access to suitable and affordable accommodation.
Dr. Bawumia’s vision, as articulated in the NPP’s 2024 manifesto, is one of inclusivity, innovation, and economic growth.
His comprehensive plan to empower the private sector, streamline government, and support businesses is aimed at creating jobs, reducing the cost of living, and building a prosperous future for all Ghanaians.
With a focus on fiscal discipline, tax reforms, and infrastructure development, Dr. Bawumia seeks to lead Ghana into a new era of economic stability and growth.
READ ALSO: GNPC Set for Major Breakthrough in Oil and Gas Exploration
