On Wednesday, 7th February 2024, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, took the podium to address Ghanaians for the first time regarding some of the policies he aims to implement if elected as the next president on December 7, 2024. In this pivotal discourse, Bawumia spoke with a sense of urgency and authority, revealing the core content of his message.
Dr. Bawumia is the flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana’s general elections scheduled for December 2024. Some of the initiatives associated with Dr. Bawumia currently as the vice president include the digitization of various government services, the implementation of the Mobile Money Interoperability system for seamless transactions across different mobile money platforms, and efforts to formalize the economy through initiatives like the National Digital Property Addressing System. Bawumia is a strong advocate for leveraging technology to improve government services, enhance financial inclusion, and foster overall economic development.
The Core Content of Bawumia’s Message
This write-up aims to uncover the key points of his speech, giving a closer look at the important things he talked about.
Constitutional Review
He proposes amending Article 87 of the 1992 Constitution and the NPDC Act (Act 479) to require political party manifestos, economic and social policies, and budgets to align with agreed-upon broad contours in specific sectors. Additionally, amendments to the 1992 Constitution will focus on reducing presidential powers, empowering other institutions, addressing ex-gratia, protecting the rights of dual citizens, and facilitating the election of MMDCEs through extensive public consultations as a way of deepening decentralization processes.
Abolish E-levy and Remove the Vat on Electricity
It is part of his vision to eliminate digital taxes, including the electronic levy (E-levy). Additionally, the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity will also be removed.
No Emission and Betting Taxes
He will ensure the removal of taxes on emissions and betting
Repositioning Education and Expand Schools Infrastructure
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has outlined his commitment to repositioning the education system, emphasizing a shift towards Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Technical and Vocational skills, as well as Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. This strategic move is focused at aligning the education sector with the requirements of the fourth Industrial Revolution and fostering job creation. Additionally, there are plans to enhance school infrastructure, particularly in Medical and Ghana Law schools.
Growth Mindset Curriculum
He is committed to implementing a growth mindset curriculum designed to help students develop critical thinking skills, embrace risk-taking, enhance problem-solving abilities, recognize opportunities, and foster design skills upon assuming the presidency through your vote.
50 Ministers and Deputies
Dr. Bawumia has indicated that he plans to reduce the number of ministers and deputy ministers to 50 if elected as president.
Training 1,000,000 Youth in Information Technology (IT)
He is prepared to collaborate with the private sector to train a minimum of 1,000,000 youth in IT skills, including software development, to create job opportunities on a global scale.
Decentralize Minerals Administration
Ensure the complete implementation of a decentralized Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring their presence in all mining districts.
Sports
Prioritize the establishment of incentives for corporate sponsorship as a sustainable model for financing sporting activities and supporting the national teams.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the NPP, has proposed several policies in his pursuit of becoming the next President of the Republic of Ghana.
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