Author: dailyinsights

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NEWS Politics

Revolutionizing Financial Inclusion: The Introduction of E-Zwich in Ghana, Driven by Visionary Dr. Bawumia

E-Zwich is a revolutionary payment system that has transformed the way Ghanaians carry out financial transactions. This innovative platform was introduced to Ghana in 2008, and it has since become a crucial component in the country’s financial landscape. The brain behind the introduction of E-Zwich in Ghana is none other than Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a man of vision.

Dr. Bawumia is an economist and a banker by profession, with vast experience in both fields. He served as the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana from 2006 to 2009, where he championed the adoption of new payment systems to improve financial inclusion in the country. During his tenure, he introduced several innovative initiatives, including the E-zwich payment system, which has had a significant impact on the country’s financial system.

The concept of implementing an electronic payment system in Ghana was not novel, as previous attempts to launch similar programmes had failed. However, these efforts were not effective owing to a lack of infrastructure and the expensive cost of implementation.
Dr. Bawumia recognised the need for a fresh approach to make electronic payments a reality in Ghana.

The introduction of E-Zwich was part of an extensive financial inclusion agenda that aimed to promote access to financial services for all Ghanaians. Before the introduction of E-Zwich, the financial landscape in Ghana was dominated by traditional banking institutions that served only a small percentage of the population. Most Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas had limited access to financial services, which hindered their ability to participate fully in the country’s economy.

E-Zwich was designed to bridge this gap by providing a reliable and accessible payment system for all Ghanaians. The platform allows users to access their funds using biometric identification, which ensures that only the rightful owner can access their account. This feature has made it easier for Ghanaians to access financial services, particularly those who lack formal identification documents.

The feat of E-Zwich in Ghana has been phenomenal, with over 2.7 million Ghanaians registered on the platform as of 2021. The system has been used to disburse government social intervention funds, as well as the LEAP and NHIS payments, and has also been used to pay salaries for public sector workers, including NSS personnel.

In conclusion, the introduction of E-Zwich in Ghana by a Bawumia led team has had momentous impact on the country’s financial system, a testament to him being one of the competent politician in Ghana. The platform has provided access to financial services for millions of Ghanaians and has transformed the way financial transactions are carried out in the country, also, it has aided in advancing financial inclusion, lowering financial crime rates, and expanding access to financial services. It is a proof to the supremacy of innovation and the significance of financial inclusion in promoting economic growth and development.

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Politics

Who said the Economic Messiah cannot save the Cedi?

Dr. Bawumia saves the cedi
Dr. Bawumia saves the cedi
Dr. Bawumia

The Ghanaian economy under the watch of the Economic Management Team (EMT) led by H E the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has suffered denigrations from critics and some concerned Ghanaians owing to the economic mishap in recent times.


It was obvious and no fluke that the situation was not internally bred as affirmed by the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, however, external factors played a major role, a fact critics always denied.
Amidst the mishaps, the cedi in no time lost its value in the sight of the US dollar, to even make matters worse, the cedi lost half of its value and it took up the last spot on the charts. A dollar at a point sold at 15 cedis.
The exchange rate became a topic and trended across all social media networks weeks after weeks. Renowned media personalities also jumped on the matter in solidarity of the wailing Ghanaian. This I believe was a calculated attempt to score cheap political points. Instead of calming angry Ghanaians down, they were rather instigating citizens against the handlers of the economy.


Fast forward, according to a report by Bloomberg, the cedi has been the best performing currency for the past week, a fad that practically every levelheaded Ghanaian found appealing. It would have only been fair for these same media personalities to applaud the EMT but for their selfish interests they are reluctant.
According to the Bank of Ghana Exchange Rates as at Wednesday, 14th December, 2022, the dollar is selling at 10.4052 while buyers can have it for 10.3948.
I’m now convinced President Akuffo Addo was right when he said ‘they did not know how to bring back lives but know how to bring back the economy’.
The messiah is really up to task and the cedi is alive, indeed there’s Hope.

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NEWS

Bawumia launches $450m Gulf of Guinea project

Dr. Bawumia is a visionary
Dr. Bawumia is a visionary
H.E Dr. Bawumia

Source

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President, has launched a multi-country development project in Bolgatanga called the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project.

The SOCO Project is a $450 million multi-country credit facility project secured by the governments of Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin from the World Bank, and it aims to improve facilities and security in the four West African countries’ northern sectors and border towns in the face of emerging extremism in the sub-region.
Launching the project in Bolgatanga on Friday, November 25, 2022, Vice President Bawumia revealed that out of the total amount of $450m, the Government of Ghana has secured US $150 million to implement the project in 48 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) in six regions of the country.
The beneficiary MMDAs are;
Northern – 8 district assemblies
North East – 6 district assemblies
Upper East – 15 district assemblies
Upper West –11 district assemblies
Savannah – 4 district assemblies
Oti – 4 district assemblies


Dr. Bawumia described the project as “a very important and timely intervention aimed at addressing some key emerging and recurring challenges in the northern part of Ghana.”
“The Project has been conceived and designed to address the effects of the spillover of conflicts and extremism from the Sahel Region; reduce vulnerability because of exposure to the impacts of climate change; strengthen local institutions; improve economic opportunities and build public trust,” he added.


For the Ghana project, the Vice President further explained that the project will focus mostly on border communities in these regions, where the citizenry especially women and youth are exposed and susceptible to the threats of terrorism from the Sahel Region.
“This is very significant as countries all over the world are pursuing strategies to address these challenges in view of the anticipated worsening of the situation if the necessary interventions are not promptly instituted,” said the Vice President.


“The project as conceptualised, takes cognisance of regional perspectives and impact of the issues that are common to the four countries, whilst enabling country led actions that respond to local needs. It also leverages experience sharing on prevention of the spillover effects from the Sahel, fragilities, climate-related risks in the four participating Gulf of Guinea countries, as well as, conflict prevention by the affected countries,” he added.


The project will also prioritise the needs of communities and strengthen local institutions to give the citizenry, especially the vulnerable, a voice to take part, influence and play a vital role in prioritising local development investments, as well as, promote social cohesion and build trust in their communities.


For almost a decade, the living conditions of over 16 million people living in the northern parts of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo have been threatened by the spread of conflict from the Sahel, which has led to increased vulnerability to the impact of climate change.

Read more here…

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NEWS

Have faith in the government- Bawumia

Hardworking Bawumia touts government's achievements
Hardworking Bawumia touts government's achievements
H.E Dr. Bawumia

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged Ghanaians to reflect on the great achievements of the past six years and have faith in the government to continue to provide for Ghanaians in these trying times in the midst of the economic crisis.
To demonstrate the government’s capacity to address the current issues, the Vice President listed several interventions that had been implemented in the previous six years.


Dr. Bawumia said the government is prepared to do more to help ease the plight of the typical Ghanaian during his speech at the 60th Hogbetsotso Festival of the Anlos in Anloga.
“It is important to note that in the midst of all of this turmoil, we should put things in perspective,” he said.
“The government of Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo has over the last six years taken many steps to reposition and transform the economy.”
“So whilst we have hardships today which we are working very hard to alleviate… let us not forget what we have been able to do in the last six years.”


As an example, Dr. Bawumia said they had created more jobs “than any other government in the fourth republic.”
“Let me recall that we have constructed more roads than any other government in the fourth republic,” he added.

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NEWS Politics

DR BAWUMIA’S GENIUS LED TO THE ELECTORAL REFORMS AFTER THE 2012 ELECTIONS PETITION

Competent Bawumia
Competent Bawumia

It is by no means a stroke of luck that a determined Walewale innate would rise through the ranks of academia. Of course, it is not surprising that our brothers and sisters from the Northern part of Ghana are well-known customarily for their hard work and dedication, H. E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is no exception.

H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

I recall vividly in 2012 when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost the general election and had to challenge the results at the Supreme Court. Many Ghanaians like myself then were stunned by the analytical ability, articulacy and intellect displayed by Dr Bawumia in the court of law, a trend that gave me some memories which are deeply ingrained in my psyche. Not forgetting the popular ‘you and I were not there’ response that Dr Bawumia gave to Lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his team at the time after gathering and analyzing data available realized the elections were not transparent therefore proceeding to court to challenge the results was necessary.

Challenging the results at the Supreme Court was not only a means to test our democracy but also brought some reforms to our elections.

Dr Bawumia and his team, unfortunately, could not win the case, however, the petition presented to the court had exposed the need for certain electoral reforms which a document from the judges confirmed.

 • The Voter’s register must be compiled and made available to the parties as early as possible.

•   A supplementary register may cater for late exigencies.

•    The calibre of presiding officers must be greatly raised.

•     The pink sheet is too elaborate, a much simpler one to meet the pressures of the public, weariness, and lateness of the day at the close of a poll etc.

•    The carbon copying system must be improved upon.

•   The Biometric Device System must be streamlined to avoid breakdowns and the stress on the electorate involved in an adjournment of the poll.

•    Invalidating wholesale votes for insignificant excess numbers is not the best application of the administrative principle of the proportionality test.

The dissenting justices who held the view there were issues to be settled with allegations of overvoting, absence of presiding officers’ signature and voting without biometric verification suggested the above reforms, all thanks to Dr Bawumia who did not allow himself to be dwindled by naysayers.

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Politics

DMB: A WORKAHOLIC PATRIOT, FIT TO LEAD

Workaholic DMB
Workaholic DMB

H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) can boast of vibrant and dedicated members who have toiled and sacrificed over the years. However, the least has been said about Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. His works over the years are palpable enough to be extolled. From his time at the Bank of Ghana through to international assignments and back home, Dr Bawumia’s impact on the NPP and Ghana at large cannot be shrugged off.


The love and appraisals for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia are no fluke, however, his hard work and dedication have brought him this far.
As a son of Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia of blessed memories who was a lawyer and a Regional Minister, just to mention a few, it was very easy to tap into his father’s eminence, however, it wasn’t the case. Dr Bawumia wasn’t going to sit on his behind and mope, hence, every single accolade was fittingly worked for.
Dr Bawumia returned to Ghana in 2000 after schooling overseas. The “borga” title as one is called when they touch down was not going to get into their head but rather propelled him to even work more as though he was Isaac and had been promised another woman.


Soon after his arrival, Dr was sent to the Bank of Ghana to help diagnose and heal the sick economy that the Kufuor administration inherited.
To those who did not know, Dr Bawumia worked and rose through various ranks at the Bank of Ghana, including helping to design and implement the inflation-targeting framework that continues to guide monetary policy and the workings of the Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of Ghana, at least I’m glad they know now.
Fast-forward, Dr Bawumia was chosen by candidate Nana Akufo-Addo as his running mate heading into the 2008 general elections. It is no doubt that the hard work of Dr Bawumia helped increase the NPP’s vote shares in the Northern part of Ghana as compared to previous elections, particularly the 2004 election.


Unfortunately, but for some overconfidence and joy on the part of some leading members of the NPP who had relaxed heading into the run-off election at Tain because they had taken lead but could not amass the required number of votes (50 + 1), the Elephant would have been reinstated due to the relieve the Kufuor administration brought on the economy which cannot be discussed without the Bawumia factor.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia yet again was chosen to be the running mate for the Elephants in the 2012 general elections, although some core members of the party wanted a new face. The Nana-Bawumia combo had just begun.


The Bawumia factor continued as the Party won ten (10) seats in the Northern Region including Yendi, Walewale, Yagaba – Kubore, Bunkpurugu, Bimbilla, Chereponi, Kpandai, Tatale – Sanguli, Tolon and Zabzugu. The Nabdam and Talensi Constituencies in the Upper East Region were also swept away by the NPP.
Again, the NPP lost the presidential seat, however, this time, it wasn’t a fair loss.
Data analysis being one of his prowess, after collecting and analyzing data, Dr Bawumia together with his team noticed the elections were not fair hence the need to challenge the results. As a man of integrity and peace, Dr Bawumia and his team requested that though the Umbrella had been erroneously unfastened, every member of the Elephant keep calm and not resort to violence nonetheless, the result will be challenged legally.
All documents were ready but then again, the one to lead the Lord’s battle which this time round was going to be in the courtroom nearly dwindled the vigour gathered. Dr Bawumia owned up and accepted to be the star witness.

Competent Bawumia


For a young man with no legal background to have that intelligence and valour to appear before high-profiled legal practitioners to present facts came as a surprise which eventually turned into a trend that caught the fancy of almost the entire nation. Perhaps, that was the awakening of the DMB fever.
Though the NPP lost by a slim margin (4, 5) in the 2013 court ruling, it was evident the Electoral Commission headed by Dr Afari Gyan had its shortcomings which were exposed, all thanks to Dr Bawumia, the star witness at the time.
Such a workaholic and results-oriented patriot are not sidelined when the need to ‘Break the Eight’ for a ‘Greater Ghana for All’ is necessary.
I will leave you with this wise saying, short advice is like a mini skirt, it covers only the important parts.

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Politics

DR. MAHAMUDU BAWUMIA’S STEWARDSHIP OF THE NPP DURING PRESIDENT KUFUOR’S ADMINISTRATION (II)

Dr. Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia

By: Chief Obosu Mohammed
LL.M MA ACIarb LL.B DPA

[email protected]
19/09/2022

H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Whereas I have underscored some of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s significant contributions while working in various capacities at the Bank of Ghana with other distinguished members of the erstwhile Kufuor government in my preceding article, there are still other impacts he made that are deserving of notice. However, I will strive to highlight only a handful. The sedulous Dr Bawumia’s technical influence on several of President Kufuor’s major accomplishments cannot escape our microscopic lenses.

The Millennium Challenge Account

The Millennium Challenge Account was one of the primary programmes that spiralled economic growth and poverty alleviation under President Kufuor’s NPP government. Dr Bawumia was a part of the Government Team that negotiated the Millennium Challenge Account Compact with the US Government, which was signed on August 1, 2006. In the first instance, the program raked in $547 million for the nation. These funds benefited the Ghanaian people in a variety of ways since they were used in critical sectors of national development. For example, the rural economy was bolstered by agricultural modernization, as well as the expansion and rehabilitation of roadways throughout the country, most notably amongst them was the George Bush Highway. All of this was primarily aimed at pulling many of our people out of poverty through increased production. Today, the Millennium Challenge Account continues to have a significant impact on our national economy.

GhIPSS and E-Zwich Initiative

Dr Bawumia was involved in the conception and realisation of the E-Zwich common platform for all banks, savings and loans businesses, and rural banks, which allows for interoperability across financial institutions in Ghana. While in charge of the Bank of Ghana’s digitalisation programme, he spearheaded the establishment of the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhIPSS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of Ghana which seamlessly connected all the financial institutions in Ghana. This project was a watershed moment for Ghana’s financial and banking sectors. The E-Zwich provided significant assistance to those involved in various financial activities and enhanced the rate of financial inclusion among Ghanaians.

The Redenomination of the Cedi

We cannot do justice to this topic without considering the redenomination of the Ghanaian Cedi. Again, as a member of the team, Dr Bawumia played an important role in the design and implementation of the Ghanaian Cedi redenomination through his technical expertise. This singular height saved the economy from the excessive cost of printing money and strengthened the cedis. At one point, the Cedi equalised with the dollar.

The Inflation Targeting Framework

Dr Bawumia was instrumental in the formulation and implementation of the inflation targeting framework, which notably decreased inflation to 10.2% by 2007 from 40% in 2000 while preserving relative exchange rate stability during his time as Head of Monetary Policy and Financial Stability. This inflation targeting framework continues to act as a reference for the Bank of Ghana’s Monetary Policy Committee.

Conclusion

These are just a few of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s contributions to the NPP government from 2001 to 2008. Quite frankly, Dr Bawumia did not just appear on the scene from nowhere in 2008 to be a Running Mate to Nana Akufo Addo (as he then was) as his detractors would have us to believe. His selection as a Running Mate was purely on merit and the solid credentials he demonstrated while serving under President Kufuor’s NPP government in diverse positions at the Bank of Ghana.

The government’s current fiscal and monetary policies will, without a doubt, restore macroeconomic stability and instil confidence in the Ghanaian economy in the medium term. It has been done before, and it will be done again.

Hasta La Vista!

DMB2024

BestToLead

NextToLead

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Politics

WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE DR. MAHAMUDU BAWUMIA?

Competent Bawumia
Competent Bawumia

By: Chief Obosu Mohammed, DPA LL. B LL.M ACIArb
[email protected]

02/02/2022

The NPP is faced with a fateful choice. As a result, there is a better road that inspires us to break the 8 and another one that takes us to an unhappy exit from the government. To clinch the ultimate, we need a new leader with a clear and less burdensome strategy. The history of our party is dependent on the right individual turning up at the right moment. DMB exudes the aura of a “person of destiny.” We require a leader who fits within our current political dynamics and can lead the party to victory in multiple general elections in the future. That being said, I would want to highlight a few reasons why I believe DMB is an excellent choice for the important tasks ahead.

Competent Bawumia

Justification of Inclusion

Our party’s success narrative cannot be written without the name DMB emblazoned in gold. He has shown a stronger degree of dedication to the party since H.E Nana Akufo Addo and the party deemed him worthy to partner with him. He has devoted himself entirely to the party’s service for more than a decade. DMB, like President Akufo Addo, put his highly respected career on wait to guarantee that we return to power and put our country on a road of growth.

After our loss in 2012, the party was at a crossroads, with many of our party folks devastated by the outcome. He stepped up to be counted in those difficult moments, leading the team through the analysis of over 30,000 pink sheets, our primary evidence, and offering himself as the party’s star witness to strengthen our case. The outcome of the legal ruling, as well as the fundamental modifications to our election rules and processes, played a role in our subsequent electoral triumphs. Despite this, he chaired a team that proposed significant election reforms. DMB’s light has impacted our two electoral triumphs, which cannot be diminished by the onslaught of personal assaults on him.

Hands-on Experience

DMB is a plausible candidate who is serving as Vice-President for the second time because of his hard work. He has, without a doubt, transformed from a President-in-Training to a President-in-Waiting. With the greatest of respect, aside from President Akufo Addo and President J. A Kufuor, there is no one in the NPP right now who has greater experience and understands the subtleties of the position of a President than DMB. We cannot afford the sloppiness of trial and error, especially with a vital election against the NDC in 2024. DMB has what it takes to continue President Akufo Addo’s and the NPP’s legacy. He can reach across the aisle and gain non-NPP votes by instinct and considerable experience.

Excellent Communicator

DMB has firmly established himself as one of our most effective communicators. He can simplify complex issues and articulate them in a way that captivates his audience. He is the ideal person to articulate the Akufo Addo administration’s successes and to bring the debate to the NDC. He is the NDC’s Achilles heel and a major impediment to its growth.

DMB has served as the party’s “fall guy” in both opposition and governing. His adversaries have continued to try in vain to undermine him by removing bits of his campaign speeches that are being utilized out of context and the nature of the circumstances under which they were delivered. The positivity that lies behind those propaganda videos underscores DMB’s enormous accomplishments in employing his extraordinary communication abilities in advocating for our electoral victories. Even in government, he continues to display the same communication abilities and exceptional expertise.

Champion of the grassroots

DMB has a natural affinity towards the grassroots. He has developed a unique relationship with the party’s grassroots operatives around the country over the years. He welcomes everyone without any intimidating looks and shares his time with everyone, being attentive to their concerns and following through on their expectations. He can mobilise the confidence of the grassroots to wage a vigorous campaign capable of breaking the 8.

Conclusion

We’re at a crossroads, and we need to think outside the box to offer both a strategic candidate and one who has previously been marketed. DMB is who he is, and he is not posing. He has worked relentlessly with President Akufo Addo to secure two major victories for our party. DMB stands tall in aiding us in our winning ways. The DMB project is viable, and everyone should endeavour to be a part of making history.

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Politics

DR. BAWUMIA SHINES MAGNIFICENTLY IN GHANIAN POLITICS

Dr. Bawumia shines magnificently in Ghanaian politics
Dr. Bawumia shines magnificently in Ghanaian politics

OPINION: Saanu Abacha writes;

H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia


The 2012 election petition was the birth of Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia as a force in Ghanaian politics as he shined magnificently as the NPP’s star witness in their case against election irregularities.

Though the NPP lost, his performance served as a fertile ground for the advancement of his standing with the Ghanaian public as Dr. Bawumia displayed his eloquence, intelligence, analytical mind and skills, and complete mastery of debate in the full glare of Ghanaians on national television.

The trial displayed once and for all the potential of Dr. Bawumia as a future leader of Ghana and led to then-candidate Akufo-Addo expressing immense appreciation to him after the trial.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo formed a unique bond on the back of that trial as the running mate completely proved his utility and versatility as an asset to the New Patriotic Party.

Akufo-Addo and Bawumia will eventually win the 2016 elections, once again on the back of a spectacular performance from Dr. Bawumia as he diagnosed the problems with the Ghanaian economy and completely hammered then President Mahama in their public spats, forever gifting him the label of ‘incompetent’.

Incorruptible Bawumia

All this has left many believing strongly that Bawumia is President Akufo-Addo’s natural successor as leader of the NPP.

The incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by President John Dramani Mahama and running mate Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur, took on the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Mahama had taken over as President for the late Professor John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills after his untimely death on July 24th, 2012, and was seeking an extension of his rule after only five months in office.

After a long and acrimonious campaign followed by a somewhat chaotic voting process, then Electoral Commission boss Afari Gyan declared the NDC’s John Mahama as the winner with 50.7% of the vote despite numerous complaints and pointing out of irregularities by the NPP.

The NPP headed to court to fight the verdict and the legend of Dr. Bawumia was born.

Prior to the petition, Dr. Bawumia, set to be the NPP’s star witness, was involved in a ghastly accident on the 18th of March 2012 that nearly claimed his life.

The V8 Land Cruiser he was travelling in whilst returning to Accra from the enskinment of the Bole-Wura suffered two burst tyres and somersaulted.

Miraculously, Dr. Bawumia and the other occupants of the car all escaped unhurt.

The NPP running mate shook off the near-death incident and testified in the trial for days on end as he forcefully made the NPP’s case.

Dr. Bawumia went toe-to-toe with Tsatsu Tsikata, one of Ghana’s eminent lawyers and legal scholars, and by all accounts absolutely acquitted himself well.

Bawumia adeptly and adroitly skipped over all legal traps Tsikata attempted to set in his way and was brilliant in pointing out irregularities the NPP’s audit of the election had uncovered.

The infamous saying, ‘you and I were not there’, was borne out of the legal and intellectual battles between Bawumia and Tsikata in that trial.

Eventually, the NPP lost the petition but it was certainly not due to the lack of presenting a brilliant case.

Bawumia became a political force during that trial and on the back of that, helped Nana Akufo-Addo handily sweep to power by defeating John Mahama in their rematch in 2016.

The 2012 election petition displayed everything that made Bawumia a success as an economist and a politician – intelligence, eloquence, and an uncanny ability to remain cool under pressure.

Columnist: Saanu Abacha

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NEWS Politics

NHIS NOW COVERS CHILDHOOD CANCERS-BAWUMIA

Bawumia is Honest
Bawumia is Honest

Bawumia announced this on Thursday (25 August 2022) in Accra, saying that reimbursement for childhood cancers under the NHIS became effective on July 1, 2022.
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) now covers treatments for childhood cancers as well as the cost of Hydroxyurea, an essential drug for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia, according to Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia.
Bawumia announced this on Thursday (25 August 2022) in Accra, saying reimbursement for childhood cancers under NHIS became effective 1 July 2022, and plans to add treatment for other types of cancer to the list of ailments covered by NHIS are well underway.
“Our children’s present and future can only be secured if all the factors that threaten their existence and quality of life are eliminated. We are determined to make it happen and we should not relent,” he stated.

Honest Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

“A diagnosis of cancer often appears to be a death sentence, affecting not just the subject but the rest of the family and entire community, unless well-structured and well-resourced interventions are at play to curb the burden. In many developing countries, cancer is on the rise and its consequent effect on economies, is and will be grave, if nothing is done to control it,” he said.

He further said, “Where countries have attempted to curb it, the perception of acutely exorbitant costs of management have meant that many under-resourced countries have often avoided opening the Pandora’s Box for fear of being unable to manage those costs. Childhood cancers in particular have shown significant success rates in achieving desired management outcomes and often at manageable costs.
“I am glad that we, as a nation, are putting our children first and protecting them and their dreams. Sometimes it is good to look at the value of investments and not just the cost.”
To ensure the program’s success and sustainability, Dr. Bawumia urged all parties involved to contribute their resources. She noted that “for most things to be sustained funding is required: good funding streams enable projects to be sustained and this is same in childhood cancers and other disease areas. We must all work together to be creative in coming up with solutions and investing in them, as well as in all other aspects that will guarantee the best results.
“For a health project such as this great childhood cancer services to continue, all stakeholders need to bring their resources to the table – expertise, awareness creation, early detection, treatment etc should be made available. The successful outcomes of provision of these is what will keep things sustained. Seeing that our children are being diagnosed early and treated and recovering will certainly encourage the NHIA and all other partners to continue to fund the services. We all have a role to play.”

The NHIS

Collaboration, data, technology
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the significance of technology, effective collaboration, and data in health management, noting that there are numerous players in healthcare who require data for valuable investments, with health data actually generating income for some countries.
“Clinical trials, research, budgeting, all require data. But data is not valuable if it is just that, and not useful. I will encourage us to prioritize data capture related to childhood cancers and other cancers to ensure that investments in healthcare are well informed. For a middle-income country, every cedi we spend must be well thought through and data will enable us to so.

“Reducing wastage is a key means of enabling that efficiency we desire which will ultimately support the sustainability of this journey we have embarked on… Click to see more

“It will be key for us to have standard platforms across private and public sector that enable easy access and top-quality data that inform work going forward. Extraction of population level data and its analysis will enable favourable investment and development of strategies that are directly impactful to our people.”
Initiatives like One Constituency One Ambulance, Medical Drones for the delivery of vital supplies and blood, and Agenda 111 Projects, which would see to the construction of District Hospitals in all districts lacking one, as well as the construction and or upgrading of regional hospitals, were all motivated by the desire to ensure a greater geographical spread of access to healthcare, especially for people who require specialist care and medication.

“Government is also showing leadership and keen commitment to addressing geographical access limitations through Agenda 111 and we are keen to drive this and make it reality. In these facilities that will be set up, we will be looking at providing all relevant and priority services and will look at how we could also aid improved cancer control including childhood cancers in Ghana,” he said.
Vice President Bawumia thanked First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the minister and ministry of health, the board chair of NHIA and his team, the CEO of NHIA, World Child Cancer, Roche, and all collaborators for their contributions to the success of this life-saving initiative.
He said, “What we have achieved here is no mean feat and we should not underestimate it.”

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