In a rousing speech at the launch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2024 manifesto on Sunday, Vice President and the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, expressed his unwavering confidence in the party’s ability to continue leading Ghana towards growth and prosperity. Drawing from his recent “possibilities tour,” Dr. Bawumia emphasized that he had encountered immense hope and the possibility of transforming the nation, underlining the importance of the NPP’s track record in governance.
“The momentum is on our side,” Dr. Bawumia declared, underscoring that the achievements of the NPP government under President Akufo-Addo serve as a testament to their commitment to the people of Ghana. He noted that the promises made by the NPP have largely been kept, paving the way for Ghana to move onto the next level of development.
Reflecting on President Akufo-Addo’s tenure, Dr. Bawumia remarked, “History will be kind to President Akufo-Addo for the lives he has touched. We are eternally grateful.”
He asserted that the NPP’s overall achievements surpass those of their opponents in every sector, which, according to him, is why the opposition is reluctant to engage in a debate.
Addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the difficulties Ghanaians faced, particularly high food inflation, but praised the calm leadership and understanding of the people in overcoming these obstacles. He pointed to policy interventions that have begun yielding positive results and reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to alleviating the struggles of Ghanaians.
One of the key achievements highlighted by Dr. Bawumia was the creation of 2.4 million jobs, a feat that he claimed no other government in Ghana’s history has accomplished. However, he acknowledged that youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, but argued that continuity under the NPP is preferable to the alternative, referencing the return of power outages, or “dumsor,” under a previous administration.
Looking ahead, Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision for a Ghana that embraces food sufficiency, economic transformation driven by data, and a reinvigorated national spirit. He promised to introduce a growth mindset curriculum in schools and to focus on building a robust economy. “We are not yet where we want to be, but we must protect our rebounding economy,” he emphasized.
In terms of governance, Dr. Bawumia pledged that in his administration he will limit the number of ministers to no more than 50 and to refocus the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on broadening the tax net. He also promised to introduce a citizen-friendly tax system, simplify corporate tax and VAT structures, and implement a tax amnesty system to give businesses a fresh start. Additionally, he committed to incentivizing start-ups and using government purchasing power to stimulate business growth.
Dr. Bawumia’s manifesto also promised significant investments in infrastructure, including the construction of roads through public-private partnerships, prioritizing the Pwalugu Dam project, and enhancing the National Rental Assistance Scheme. He vowed to improve the availability and affordability of power, advance STEM education, and build Ghana into a world-class digital economy.
“We will boost sports, creative arts, and tourism, and bring healthcare services to your doorsteps,” Dr. Bawumia stated, highlighting the NPP’s commitment to social programs such as the NHIS and School Feeding Program. He also assured Ghanaians that the manifesto is designed to provide hope, ideas, and jobs, and that he will bring trust and integrity to the fight against corruption.
As the NPP gears up for the 2024 elections, Dr. Bawumia’s speech sets the tone for what is expected to be a highly competitive race, with the Vice President positioning himself as the candidate to lead Ghana into a future of sustained growth and development.
By Jeorge Wilson Kingson || ghananewsonline.com.gh