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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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Africa needs data and transparent systems to develop- VP Bawumia

Technology, according to the most competent Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is still crucial for the African continent to catch up to the developed world.
This call was made in his presentation at the Harvard Law School function he attended over the weekend, on April 15.

“I shared my views on the broader theme of re-imagining Africa’s growth on our terms. I indicated that at the heart of this vision is the transformative power of technology.

Dr. Bawumia at Harvard

“In my view, the greatest bane to the development of Africa is our inability to solve the basic problems of the absence of unique identity for our population, functioning property address systems, financial inclusion, payment systems, efficient public service delivery, etc. that underpin our economic activities,” he wrote on his official Facebook page.
Additionally, Bawumia urged African nations to embrace what he called the potential mindset and resist being constrained.
Read his full post below:
Yesterday, as the guest speaker, I addressed a gathering of students, academics and the business community at Harvard University during the African Development Conference at the Harvard Law School.

I shared my views on the broader theme of reimagining Africa’s growth on our terms. I indicated that at the heart of this vision is the transformative power of technology.

In my view, the greatest bane to the development of Africa is our inability to solve the basic problems of the absence of unique identity for our population, functioning property address systems, financial inclusion, payment systems, efficient public service delivery, etc. that underpin our economic activities.

For many years after independence we have been trying to transform our economies without data and transparent systems. Without data and systems African countries cannot participate in the fourth Industrial Revolution.

The truth is that we have for long been shackled by an impossibility mindset that is probably the result of the experience of years of slavery and colonialism. We don’t believe in ourselves.
However, for us to realize our full potential and set ourselves apart we need to break the shackles of impossibility mindset and embrace the mindset of possibility. African countries can do what the advanced countries have done and more. It is possible.

Read more…

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Ghanaians are clamoring for Dr. Bawumia because he is competent – Omari Wadie

source

Michael Omari Wadie, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the choice of the party.

He said the support the Vice President has within the NPP extends to the majority of Ghanaians.

Speaking on Accra FM, he said the 2024 elections will be between the competent one which is Dr. Bawumia and the incompetent one which is John Mahama.

“It is going to be a contest between the Vice President, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, who is ‘The Competent One’ and former President John Dramani Mahama, who is also ‘The Incompetent One’,” he explained.

He said Dr Bawumia is NPP’s surest bet for victory as the majority of the party’s support base is clamouring for his appearance on the ballot paper as the flagbearer.

“I have been to all 270 constituencies across [the country] and the chorus is: ‘Let Dr Bawumia come and we will come out in our numbers to vote for him and the party to break the eight-year political jinx’,” he said.

In his view, while Dr Bawumia is incorruptible, the same cannot be said of Mr Mahama.

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joe Osei-Owusu said majority of the members in parliament support Dr. Bawumia.

Speaking in an Oyerepa TV interview, Joseph Osei-Owusu, who is affectionately called Joewise, said that he is one of the over 100 MPs who are supporting the presidential bid of Dr Bawumia.

“Most of the NPP MPs at the last count were about 118 MPs and I am one of them. I speak for myself and my support for Bawumia, and I know over 100 NPP MPs also support Bawumia,” he told the morning show host of Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV, Kwesi Parker-Wilson.

He added that declaring his support for Bawumia does not violate the party’s order against active campaigning because most of the presidential candidates themselves have started campaigning.

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THE DISLOYALTY OF ALAN KYEREMATEN AGAINST PRESIDENT KUFUOR

Alan Kyerematen

Come November 4, 2023, will be that time in the life of every Patriot of the Elephant family to make a decision that will somewhat make or break the party. Of course, the fortune of every patriot is dependent on the candidate we present for the general elections come December 2024.

Loyalty won’t be taken for granted when accessing the right candidate to lead the party. Alan Kyeremanten over the years has shown enough of his disloyalty to persons who gave him a shoulder to stand on when it mattered most.

It is a no-brainer that Alan Kyerematen rose to the political and national limelight due to the benevolence of President Kufour.

President Kufuor first appointed Alan Kyerematen as Ghana’s ambassador to the US in 2001 and then as a Minister of Trade and Industry until he resigned to contest as NPP flag bearer in 2007.

Those of us who were active in government and party saw how President Kufuor gave his huge shoulders for Alan Kyerematen to stand on. Alan became so powerful that he could appoint, transfer or remove appointees at will.

Former Trade Minister

Alan Kyeremayen was seen engaging in an opulence campaign. Sharing money both GhanaCedis and US dollars all over, hence the name Alan Cash.

Alan Kyerematen was abusing his power by flying Presidential jets and military helicopters to go and meet with delegates.

Unfortunately, Alan Kyerematen lost the Presidential primaries to Nana Akufo Addo.

Since then, Alan Kyerematen has consistently exhibited his disloyalty, self-seeking and ingratitude traits toward President Kufuor.

Alan Kyerematen has over the years boasted to close circles that he does not owe any loyalty to President Kufour. According to Alan, President Kufuor smartly tilted toward him at the end when he saw that Alan was the obvious choice to succeed him.

Alan Kyerematen gets furious when he is described as a protege of President Kufuor.

This is the reason why Alan never visited President Kufuor after the latter left power. Alan as a Trade Minister who never visited President Kufuor privately at his residence except showing up during birthdays to take pictures.

Alan never visited President Kufuor until it occurred to him that he will be contesting another Presidential primary and needed to create an impression in the eyes of his supporters.

Why is Alan Kyerematen trying hard to take cover from President Kufuor now that things are getting more difficult for him?

It is not surprising that President Kufuor has never publicly or privately said anything good about Alan.

The future is indeed pregnant. To be continued…..

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Years of slavery, colonialism has left Africa with an impossibility mindset- Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the most competent vice president of the Republic of Ghana, has lamented the inability of Africans to deal with everyday issues.
He claims that the continent’s incapacity to solve issues is largely a result of its mentality of impossible.

Dr. Bawumia, a credible politician


“In my view, the greatest bane to the development of Africa is our inability to solve the basic problems of the absence of unique identity for our population, functioning property address systems, financial inclusion, payment systems, efficient public service delivery, etc. that underpin our economic activities. For many years after independence, we have been trying to transform our economies without data and transparent systems. Without data and systems, African countries cannot participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.


“The truth is that we have for long been shackled by an impossibility mindset that is probably the result of the experience of years of slavery and colonialism. We don’t believe in ourselves,” Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia shared over the weekend.


The Vice President expressed these ideas while serving as a guest speaker at Harvard University’s African Development Conference at the Harvard Law School.
Dr. Bawumia thinks that Africa has capacity and has to start tackling its problems.


“for us to realize our full potential and set ourselves apart we need to break the shackles of impossibility mindset and embrace the mindset of possibility. African countries can do what the advanced countries have done and more. It is possible,” Bawumia stressed.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also discussed his thoughts on the subject of envisioning Africa’s development on our terms.
He also said that the transformative potential of technology lies at the core of this idea.

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Bawumia and Samira extends warm Ramadan greetings to all Muslims

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, considered as the most credible and trusted vice president of the Republic of Ghana, and his wife Samira Bawumia have sent their best wishes to Muslims in Ghana and all across the world as they observe the holy month of Ramadan.
Vice President Bawumia and his wife Samira Bawumia extended their sincere wishes for a plethora of blessings, peace, and tranquillity to every family and household during the holy month of Ramadan in a social media post.

Alhaji Mahamudu and Hajia Samira


“As we embark on another sacred journey of fasting and prayers in the month of Ramadan, Hajia Samira and I extend our warmest wishes to Muslims in Ghana and the world over,” Dr. Bawumia said.
The Islamic month of Ramadan is the ninth in the year and is a time when Muslims around the world observe a fast from dawn to dark, skipping meals and other basic demands. It is a season of introspection, heightened worship, and charitable deeds.

Dr. Bawumia’s Eid Message

Regardless of their affiliation with a particular religion, the Ghanaian government is dedicated to ensuring that all Ghanaians have the freedom to practise their religion and coexist in peace and harmony.

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Bawumia assures Yagbonwura of government’s support

Damongo

Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who is tauted as the most credible and effective politician in Ghana has stated that the Ghanaian government will completely support the newly outdoored and enskinned Prince of the Gonja Kingdom in his efforts to build the kingdom.
He gave Bii-Kunuto Jawu Soale, the new Yagbonwura, the assurance that the government will support his development plans.

On March 21, 2023, at the outdooring of the newly skinned Overload of the Gonja Kingdom at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo, the Vice President made the promise. He was speaking at the time.

VP Bawumia

He emphasised the necessity for peace and togetherness as a prerequisite for the struggle against poverty and the pursuit of progress.
“I want to assure him that the Government will give him the utmost cooperation in fulfilling that vision for the development of the Yagbon State…We should always remember that our enemy is poverty, and we should make sure that we come together to have development, the development we cannot have without peace. And therefore, we need to hold peace as a very high-level objective and work towards getting peace among ourselves,” he said.

The Vice President continued by saying that the establishment of the Savannah Area, which is mostly populated by the Gonja people, has resulted in noticeable progress in the region, which is clear evidence of the government’s dedication to improving the area.

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Gov’t will be fully involved in Atsu’s funeral-Dr. Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, vice president, has promised the Twasam family a respectable funeral for their late son, Christian Atsu.

Two weeks ago, an earthquake in Turkey claimed the life of Atsu, a winger for the national team. His body was found on February 18th.

The arrangements were made for a Turkish Airlines flight to take his body to Ghana as part of plans to bury him in his own country.

Speaking at a homecoming ceremony for the late Atsu at Kotoka International Airport, the vice president disclosed plans to work with the family to arrange for Atsu to be buried properly.
Dr. Bawumia stated that Atsu deserves to be honored because of his humanitarian work.
“He played for the Black Stars and he was much loved so we will sorely miss him. This loss is a very painful one and this is a sad day for Ghana. We all prayed and prayed, we hoped against hope for everyday that passed, but God knows best,” he said.
He referred to the Turkish occurrence as a tragedy that had stolen happiness from Atsu’s beneficiaries and the entire Ghanaian population.

On behalf of President Nana Akufo-Addo, he expressed condolences to the Twasam family.

The funeral procession for Christian Atsu has left the airport in anticipation of the customary family customs.

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Isaac Adongo may be the biggest liar in Ghana?

Rex Asanga, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate in the Upper East, claims that his opponent has resorted to lying in a last-ditch effort to retain the Bolgatanga Central seat.

He contends that the candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lacks experience and is thus forced to use fabrications to damage the well-earned reputation he has built up in the constituency over the years.
He said that someone of Isaac Adongo’s caliber should refrain from lying in order to garner votes since Bolgatanga Central voters are intelligent and won’t fall for his outright lies this election.
Rex Asanga stated that Adongo is on record “according to the Station the Hon MP while addressing NDC supporters at an event stated that I have been going around and telling people that he, Isaac Adongo was in collusion with Hon Kofi Adda, the Minister for Aviation and MP for Navrongo Central and His Excellency President Akufo Addo to relocate the Bolgatanga airport project to Navro.” This is not merely a fabrication but a diabolical strategy aimed at causing bad blood between myself and the Hon Minister and His Excellency the President”.
He is surprised by Isaac Adongo’s assertion that he sponsored a brain operation in India for one of Rex Asanga’s children who was close to passing away.


“Another wicked lie the Hon member of parliament told in the write up is that he had paid the medical bills for one of my sons for a brain surgery in India. This is a very wicked lie and i urge all to disregarded it with all the contempt it deserves. Since their birth, never at any stage of their lives have my sons or daughter needed a surgery, let alone being flown abroad under the imagined benevolence of Jon Isaac Adongo for a brain surgery. Not even an extended family or member of my clan has had any such medical condition or any financial assistance from Hon Adongo.Just a few years ago, the Hon MP’s name was in the newspapers for non payment of loans owed the then struggling GN Bank. This contributed to the eventual collapse and liquidation of the bank. Isn’t it curious then that he suddenly has the financial wherewithal to sponsor people to India for imagined brain surgery.”
He took advantage of the opportunity to urge residents of the Bolgatanga Municipality to vote out Isaac Adongo and change the face of politics in the Constituency.
“I have a track record to campaign on and do not need to rely on falsehood, lies and fabrications to help me make my case to the good people of Bolgatanga. I call on all and sundry to let us unite to change the face of our politics by showing this MP the exit. Bolgatanga Central deserves better.”

READ FULL STATEMENT HERE
Lies are a Sign of Desperation My attention was drawn to some very disturbing and astonishing claims made by Hon Isaac Adongo, the MP for Bolgatanga Central Constituency on his official Facebook page on the 8th of October. My first response was that such a claim couldn’t be made by Mr. Adongo, arguing that the Hon MP wouldn’t peddle such palpable falsehoods about me or my family knowing very well that those lies will be exposed sooner or later.


However, as prove, the informant screenshot the statement and sent it to me as confirmation. He (Adongo) has since pulled down the post for reasons best known to him. However, given the fact that many people have already read the story before it was pulled down, I deem it appropriate to make a response so that people will know that they are total fabrications and an effigy of his own imagination. I am therefore writing this piece to let all and sundry know that Hon Adongo peddled lies and falsehood in that write up. His aim in peddling those lies must be obvious to all. It us intended to tarnish my image and make me appear a bad person in the eyes of the public all in the hope that he could salvage his own sinking image.
The only truth in that worthless piece of write-up is that i am a staunch Catholic. Let me add that, not only am i a Catholic, but an active one who plays various roles in the church including marriage counselling, Communiun Minister and a teacher. In view of my Christian faith, I am married to one wife and not many women as Mr Adongo has sought to portray. Despite this being public knowledge Hon Isaac Adongo chooses the path of deliberate mischief thinking he can bring my Christian character into question and disrepute for his selfish political ends.


Another wicked lie the Hon member of parliament told in the write up is that he had paid the medical bills for one of my sons for a brain surgery in India. This is a very wicked lie and i urge all to disregarded it with all the contempt it deserves. Since their birth, never at any stage of their lives have my sons or daughter needed a surgery, let alone being flown abroad under the imagined benevolence of Jon Isaac Adongo for a brain surgery.
Not even an extended family or member of my clan has had any such medical condition or any financial assistance from Hon Adongo.Just a few years ago, the Hon MP’s name was in the newspapers for non payment of loans owed the then struggling GN Bank. This contributed to the eventual collapse and liquidation of the bank. Isn’t it curious then that he suddenly has the financial wherewithal to sponsor people to India for imagined brain surgery. While I was figuring out how to respond to these lies, i was hit with yet another lie by the Hon Adongo.


A Bolgatanga based FM radio station, A1, called me and ask me for my response to another pack of lies peddled by the Hon MP against me. According to the Station the Hon MP while addressing NDC supporters at an event stated that I have been going around and telling people that he, Isaac Adongo was in collusion with Hon Kofi Adda, the Minister for Aviation and MP for Navrongo Central and His Excellency President Akufo Addo to relocate the Bolgatanga airport project to Navrongo.
This is not only a lie but a wicked scheme aimed at creating bad blood between myself and the Hon Minister and His Excellency the President. It is very clear that the desperation of Hon Isaac Adongo is getting to fever pitch. In his frustration, he is clawing at everything possible in an effort to cause disaffection for me, for his own narrow and temporal political ends. But I can assure him that he has already failed. I urge the public to disregard the MP’s unguarded comments as they are just a figment of his own imagination and a spillover of his desperation.


I remain an honest and focused Politician who will not trade my integrity on the altar of lies. Winning the Bolgatanga Central seat in the upcoming elections is my focus and I will not be distracted from it with such infantile lies. Hon Isaac Adongo’s sudden love for lies are only a sign of the extent of his desperation, haven realised that the people of Bolgatanga Central have resolved to show him the exit in the December polls, for none performance and his lack of concern for matters affecting the Constituency and their very lives. All who know me can testify that all my life I have worked to transform the lives of people within the Constituency and the UER in general.


I have a track record to campaign on and do not need to rely on falsehood, lies and fabrications to help me make my case to the good people of Bolgatanga. I call on all and sundry to let us unite to change the face of our politics by showing this MP the exit. Bolgatanga Central deserves better.

Read more…

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A ‘Can-Do Veep’ – Transformational policies championed by Bawumia

Ghana’s Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has completely transformed the role of the Vice President, establishing himself as the most transformational holder of his position in the history of Ghana’s democratic dispensation.

Whilst many Veeps have come and gone without affecting any change from the position, Dr Bawumia has completely ushered in a new era of the can-do Veep – spearheading multiple transformational government projects that clearly have his stamp.

The result is a track record of achievement for the current Vice President that no Vice President – and even many Presidents – in the history of Ghana would struggle to match.

This stunning impact from the Veep has not gone unnoticed, with many political pundits and strategists remarking on how uncommon it is for a Vice President to wield such power and influence.

In a recent op-ed, a United States-based Ghanaian political consultant, Dr Ekow Acquah, noted how Bawumia is a rare political unicorn in being an impactful Vice President, not just in Ghana but in the entire world.

“Even in the United States, which is widely considered the world’s most advanced democracy, the role of a Vice President, as defined by the American Constitution, is extremely limited.,” Dr Acquah wrote.

Meanwhile, he added, Vice Presidents in the 4th Republic have played “limited roles…largely as a result of their limited and undefined roles by the 1992 Constitution,”

Dr Acquah continued: “Unlike his predecessors, who limited themselves to their constitutional roles, and merely acted as representatives of the President at meetings and festivals, Dr. Bawumia has made the position more relevant through his foresight and spearheaded many transformational policies, which have not only endeared the NPP Government to the public, but are also making meaningful impacts and transformation on the Ghanaian people,”

Whilst Bawumia has a calling card – digitisation is his bread and butter – the Vice President’s achievements are broad-based, spanning multiple sectors and impacting all.

Transformational Policies, Services and Projects Championed By Dr. Bawumia

In his brilliant op-ed titled, ‘Dr Mahamudu Bawumia: The most effective Vice President in Ghana’s History’, the aforementioned Dr Acquah provides a list of Dr Bawumia’s most impressive achievements as a Vice President.

They include….

*Zipline Drones for delivery of medical supplies (Omenako, Mpanya, Vobsi, Sefwi Wiawso, Anum, and Kete Krachi), which has made Ghana the country with the the largest medical drone delivery service in the world!

*Mobile Money Interoperability between bank accounts and mobile wallets – first in Africa. This has made Ghana rank first in Africa in terms of access to financial inclusion.

• Zongo Development Fund – a development vehicle for inclusive Zongo development.

• Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) – a stop-gap measure to respond to increasing graduate unemployment, and also to offer young graduates work experience.

• One Constituency One Ambulance, the policy which provided all 275 constituencies with brand new ambulances.

• Agenda 111 – the construction of district hospitals in districts without district hospitals.

• Digitization of National Identity Card (Ghanacard), which is building a strong national identity system

– Universal QR Code payment system- Ghana is the first and only country in Africa to implement this

– GhanaPay mobile wallet by banks- Ghana is the first country in the world to implement this.

o National Digital Property – Address System -First in Africa

o Paperless Ports, which has increased efficiency and revenue mobilisation.

o The Ghanacard as a travel document to travel to Ghana

*No Guarantor student loans

*Online Passport Application

*National E-Pharmacy Platform. Ghana is the first country in Africa to implement a national scale digital e-pharmacy platform.

o E-Ticketing at Football Stadia

o Ghana.Gov Platform for the delivery of Government services

  • Bank of Ghana Gold Purchase Program
  • exchange of Gold for oil imports program – a transformational policy which will impact on prices of oil products, foreign exchange reserves and the depreciation of the exchange rate.

*Also proposed Sinohydro barter agreement for infrastructure development. This has resulted in the following;
o Kumasi Innercity Roads (100km)
o Sunyani Innercity Roads
o Prestea Innercity Roads
o Nyinahin Roads
o Jasikan-Dodopepesu
o Tamale Interchange
o Takoradi Point 7 interchange
o Cape Coast Innercity roads

This a resume a President should be proud of. For a Vice President, it is an unprecedented sign of competence and efficiency.

As the world and consequently Ghana reels from massive shocks caused by the unprecedented conditions of the past couple of years, bold and visionary leaders find new ways to create an impact and Bawumia is doing just that in Ghana.

Little wonder then that he was recently adjudged one of the 100 most influential leaders in Africa. As a Vice President, he achieved that honour, rubbing shoulders with celebrated African Presidents such as William Ruto of Kenya and Macky Sall of Senegal.

That, on its own, demonstrates the rarity of Bawumia’s exceptional leadership.

Source: theGhanaianVoice.Com