Vice President Dr. Bawumia has revealed a bold and ambitious plan to expand Ghana’s youth capacity and create access to international employment markets. At least one million young Ghanaians will receive IT skills training, including software creation, as part of government-private sector collaboration under the presidency of Dr.Bawumia.
Bawumia Speaks
This innovative project is being presented at a critical juncture, as technological proficiency and digital literacy are becoming more and more important in the global job market. Dr. Bawumia’s policy aims to solve unemployment and establish Ghana as a hub for qualified professionals in the world of technology by providing young Ghanaians with contemporary IT capabilities.
The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Technology is advancing so quickly that there is a continuing demand for skilled IT professionals across all businesses. The government is empowering people and enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in the global marketplace by funding the education and training of one million young Ghanaians.
Moreover, the collaboration with the private sector ensures that the training programs are aligned with industry needs and standards, maximizing the employability of the participants. This strategic partnership fosters a symbiotic relationship between the government, private enterprises, and the youth, driving economic growth and prosperity for all stakeholders.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Flagbearer of the NPP
Dr. Bawumia’s vision goes beyond job creation; it is about unleashing the untapped potential of Ghana’s youth and positioning them as drivers of innovation and progress in the digital age. By nurturing a skilled workforce capable of competing on a global scale, Ghana can attract investment, foster entrepreneurship, and chart a path towards sustainable development.
Vice President and the Presidential Candidate of the NPP speaks
Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to training 1 million youth in IT skills is a transformative step towards harnessing Ghana’s demographic dividend and securing a brighter future for generations to come. It is a bold vision that holds the promise of unlocking Ghana’s full potential in the digital era.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Assin Central, Ken Agyapong, has said his recent comment about government’s “poor” management of the cedi was not targeted at Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia.
“You call yourself a strategist but when we were taking over power the dollar was GHC4, today US$1 is GHC12 and yet you call yourself a strategist,” Agyapong told NPP delegates. “In March 2022, I had US$40 million in cedi equivalent, in August 2022 the value of the US$40 million had dropped to US$16 million.” According to him, the strategist he was referring to in his tirade was a specific lawmaker.
“The truth hurts… so you are the victim, and I am educating you, and you think I’m hitting back? You see, they are not being fair. I did not hit the Vice President but I hit one MP because he said, ‘We don’t want somebody who will come and say that I have done this and that for the party and Ghana, but we want a strategist,’” Agyapong told Home Radio in the Upper West Region. Respect for Bawumia “I have the utmost respect for Vice President Bawumia and his strategic thinking,” Agyapong, who is also aspiring to become the party’s presidential candidate said. “He has demonstrated time and again his ability to effectively strategise for the benefit of the party and the country as a whole.”
Hon. Kennedy Agyapong
Agyapong did not name the lawmaker in the interview but said that MP was in Parliament “shouting” Ghana was not going to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) but “within two hours the country was there.” The maverick politician also called on the media to avoid sensationalism in their reportage.
“The people that I have helped, made them who they are today, they are the ones that are against me. I bought cars, gave them money, campaigned for them to win their seats, but now, they’re my number one enemies. But I just look at them, and I say ‘Lord, forgive them because of their stomach’”, Agyapong said.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, recently outlined his vision for constituency empowerment during his ongoing campaign tour. As part of this vision, he promised to allocate at least 10 government appointments to each constituency if elected as the NPP’s flag bearer and successfully winning the 2024 election. This proposal aims to bridge the gap between the party and government, ensuring that qualified and competent individuals from local constituencies have a voice in national governance. While some critics, such as Franklin Cudjoe, have expressed skepticism, it is essential to examine the merits of this proposition and highlight the potential benefits it holds for the NPP and the nation as a whole.
NPP Flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Empowering Constituencies:
Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to allocating government appointments directly to the constituencies exemplifies his dedication to grassroots empowerment. By offering each constituency a significant number of slots within the government, he aims to provide a platform for local representatives to contribute to the decision-making processes at the national level. This initiative is an integral part of fostering inclusive governance, as it ensures that the concerns and perspectives of grassroots party members are adequately represented in the corridors of power.
The Role of the Constituency Party:
Under Dr. Bawumia’s proposal, the constituency party will have the responsibility of nominating 10 qualified and competent individuals for government appointments. This process not only fosters local participation but also ensures that those selected are accountable to their respective constituencies. The nominees will be aware that their appointments were made through the local party, reinforcing the connection between the party and its elected officials. Additionally, this mechanism prevents any appointees from disregarding their party responsibilities, as the party can use the whip system to address any such issues. Ultimately, this approach establishes a stronger bond between the party, government, and the constituents they represent.
Countering Skepticism:
Critics, including Franklin Cudjoe, have questioned the competence and viability of Dr. Bawumia’s proposal. However, it is important to note that competency is not solely determined by the size or reach of an individual’s organization, such as IMANI Ghana. Dr. Bawumia’s emphasis on selecting qualified and competent individuals reflects his commitment to ensuring that the best talents are engaged in driving national development. Furthermore, the process of nomination by the constituency party adds an additional layer of scrutiny, minimizing the risk of appointees being chosen based on nepotism or favoritism.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia’s vision for constituency empowerment through government appointments is a commendable step towards enhancing inclusive governance and strengthening the bond between the party and its grassroots supporters. By providing each constituency with at least 10 slots, he is offering an avenue for capable individuals to contribute to national decision-making processes. This initiative will bridge the gap between the party and government, reinforcing the party’s influence and ensuring that appointees remain accountable to their respective constituencies. While skepticism exists, it is important to recognize the merits of this proposal and the potential positive impact it can have on Ghana’s governance. Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to inclusive and competent governance warrants support and recognition from within the NPP and across the nation.
On behalf of the entire Dombo family, l extend our humble greetings to the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and the entire leadership at all levels of the New Patriotic Party, both past and present.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
As a family that has been part of the root and fabric of the great historic tradition of the founding of the United Party tradition, through to the Progress Party (PP), the Popular Front Party (PFP) and now the New Patriotic Party, the Dombo faction has always demonstrated their unflinching and unwavering loyalty to our historic United Party tradition.
From the historic journey and constructive engagement of our great Patriach, Chief Simon Diedong Dombo (Chief S D. Dombo), in the politics of what brought our country Ghana, into being today, we his offspring, are in no doubt or elusion whatsoever, that our great Patriarch, didn’t achieve those heroics as a statesman, on his own or as an individual whose qualities stood out distinct and unique from those of his northern peers and brethren at the time.
The leadership role of our great Patriach emerged as a result of the unity and totality of support of his entire northern brethren at the time, of which one Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, of blessed memory, was one of them. Some of these brethren of our Patriach, we believe, might have had to subdue their own personal ambitions at the time, for the sake of a common cause, in order to support their senior brother to assume the leadership mantle at the time.
Brethren of this our great UP tradition, we of the Dombo family, will want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation, first and foremost to all the northern political forerunners, like in the persons of and not exclusive or in any order of preference, Alhaji Yakubu Tali, Alhaji B.K. Adama, Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, Chief Jatoe Kaleo, Chief Lawyer Abeifa Karbo, H E Dr. Hilla Liman, (President of the Third Republic), all of blessed memory and many other unsung heroes of the political struggles of the then Northern Territories. These and many others, at the time, all threw their singular united and unwavering support behind our father and Patriach, Chief SD Dombo to lead the then Northern People Party, until the enactment of ADA 1957, (CA 38).
S.D. Dombo
It is for the sacrifices of these great fellow Northern compatriots and Patriachal political fathers that the name Dombo had the privilege of being the name used as among the founding fathers of the United Party tradition. We the decendants of the Chief SD Dombo Patriachal line, wish to take this opportunity to make this humble admission and also to express our deep sense of belonging and appreciation and to acknowledge all of our Northern decent, who have been part of making possible this history of the United Party that has come to stay for ever.
Brethren of our great political tradition, since the formation of the United Party as a result of the Avoidance of Discrimination Act (ADA) 1957 (C.A. 38), we on this side of the tradition, for the sake of unity of our tradition, have always thrown our support behind whoever gets elected at our presidential primaries. This is what democracy entails and as we of this tradition stand firm and hold high these values, we should be the last to want to ask for any favours that may in one way or the other, diminish these our credentials.
However, as the old adage goes, if a family is one, then they should demonstrate that in the manner they revolve the cleaning of the soup bowl. In making this our humble appeal, it is not about entitlement or making a premature call for ‘our turn’. It is a humble plea and an appeal to the rank and file at all levels of our party, to support the Presidential primaries bid of H.E. the Vice President, Dr. Mahamoud Bawumia.
We are making this plea for the first time since the marriage that brought forth the UP tradition. It is a national voluntary call, that transcends ethnic or tribal boundaries. It is not based on any ethnocentrism or sense of entitlement but on grounds of every healthy marriage and mutual co-existence, a mutuality that pre-supposes and disposes of mutual respect.
In the Presidential primaries of 2007, a son of Northern Ghana extraction, in the person of HE Alhaji Aliu Mahama, and thus, representing the Dombo faction of our great tradition, who had loyally served as a deputy to then President J.A. Kuffuor, among many others, contested but lost to our current President of the Republic of Ghana, HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo.
For reasons of not being seen as seeking entitlement, we of this faction of our great tradition, always bury our heads in the sand. We however feel that this time around, we should appeal to the sympathy of our great party faithful and loyalists, to rally behind the second gentleman of the land, who has demonstrated the abilities to capably succeed HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and to lead us into winning the 2024 general elections.
Once again, we are grateful to you all and appreciate and acknowledge the role everyone played in getting our political tradition to where we are today. Undeniably, it has been a long and tedious political journey from the 1950s to now, but has all been made possible by our common understanding and unity. Nothing is impossible. Thank you.
It is now necessary, according to Vice-President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to position the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in a way that inspires confidence, hope, and trust “both in ourselves and the larger Ghanaian community in order to break the eight.”
That, he claimed, had grown in importance as a result of the nation’s socioeconomic struggles brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak and the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Things have not always gone as planned, and we have not accomplished everything we set out to do on the day we were sworn into office.
Despite the difficulties, we have produced a strong track record of successes, Dr. Bawumia stated.
The Vice-President was speaking at a conference that the NPP’s United Kingdom Chapter had organized in London.
Dr. Bawumia was in the UK to co-chair the 8th UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) meeting in addition to attending the third Ghana Investments and Opportunities Summit (GHIOS), which was jointly organized by the Ghana Investments Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Ghana High Commission in the UK.
Crisis
According to him, the pandemic disrupted international supply networks, and the reaction taxed the government’s resources.
According to him, “the war increased the prices of commodities in the country due to an inflation from 12.9% in December 2021 to 54% by December 2022 with an accompanying depreciation of the cedi by 30% in 2022.” Fertilizer and grain prices were among the other things that were negatively impacted by the war.
He claimed that the two crises occurred when the country was still paying $1 billion per year under a questionable energy Power Purchase Agreement inherited from the previous administration for power it had not used over the previous six years.
“These events’ combined effects harmed an economy that expanded at an average pace of approximately 2 percent.
Judge by achievement
The Vice President claimed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the primary opposition to the administration, had capitalized on the ominous trends to minimize its accomplishments during the previous six years.
Politicians and commentators alike have been talking a lot.
Politicians are rumored to talk a lot but rarely discuss their accomplishments, the speaker remarked.
Therefore, he urged Ghanaians to evaluate the NPP government on the basis of its accomplishments, noting that it had inherited a dire economic situation from the previous administration.
Many of the government’s programs and policies that were enacted after the NPP took office in 2017 were being implemented for the first time under the Fourth Republic, according to the Vice-President.
Among other things
“It is important to note that many of the transformational policy initiatives that we have introduced since 2017 are being done for the first time since independence and most have benefited women,” he stressed.
He added that because many of the measures had never been implemented before, many individuals believed that they were inconceivable and that only the government could have made them possible.
According to him, the government has already started implementing over 100 programs and projects.
Message
Dr Bawumia, one of the 11 flagbearer hopefuls of the NPP, urged party members to reject claims that the party would have no message to persuade voters.
Election Message
“Let nobody tell you that we don’t have a message for 2024.
I must hasten to add that this does not mean we have done everything we intended to do or ought to have done.
There is clearly a lot more to do and we will work hard to do more,” he intimated.
With the introduction of problem-solving policy initiatives, according to Dr. Bawumia, the NPP government headed by President Nana Akufo-Addo has accomplished a lot. He named a few of them, including the Ghana Card, Tax Identification Number (TIN), National Health Insurance Number, and development of the Elmina Fishing Harbour.
Located in West Africa, Ghana is widely known for its beautiful culture and stunning natural beauty. However, in recent years, the country has gained recognition for its impressive advancement in digitisation, thanks in large part to the efforts of the most effective Vice President in Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Under his leadership, the government has implemented several policies and initiatives aimed at leveraging technology to improve service delivery and create a more efficient economy. The implementation of the Ghana Card, Digital Address System, Mobile Money Payments Interoperability System, etc, in Ghana, have been the cornerstones of this digital transformation.
The Ghana Card initiative is one of Dr. Bawumia’s most notable accomplishments in the field of digitisation. The Ghana Card is a biometric national identity card that is intended to collect personal information and biometric data from all Ghanaian citizens and residents. The Ghana Card is a critical component of the country’s digitisation goal as it provides a secure and reliable method of identifying citizens and residents. This, in turn, improves access to public services such as healthcare, education, and social assistance programs not forgetting its security benefits.
The digitisation agenda has also extended to the health sector, with the implementation of the Medical Drone Delivery System. It is the world’s largest medical drone delivery network which is operated by Zipline International and makes on-demand delivery of medical supplies to about 2,000 health facilities. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was not left out in the digital revolution. The mobile renewal service allows NHIS subscribers to renew their insurance using their mobile phones, thus reducing the need for physical visits to NHIS offices. The new addition is the E-pharmacy which allows subscribers to enter drug prescriptions and make requests, the system also allows subscribers to be linked to multiple licensed pharmacy shops online to compare prices and be assured of quality medications.
In the finance sector, the government through Dr. Bawumia has implemented the Mobile Money Interoperability system, which allows for seamless transfer of funds between different mobile money platforms. This system has helped to increase financial inclusion in Ghana by making it one of the first nations to employ a universal QR Code payment system that accepts both bank accounts and mobile wallets. This project has also made Ghana the fastest-growing mobile money market in Africa, with over 36.9 million registered mobile money accounts.
One of the key pillars of Ghana’s digitization agenda is the National Digital Property Addressing System (NDPAS), also known as the Ghana Post GPS. The system was launched in 2017 to provide every property in Ghana with a unique digital address, making it easier for citizens to identify their location and access various services. The system is accessible via a mobile app, which allows users to search for addresses and also provides directions to the location.
Another significant initiative under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership is the paperless port system. The system, which was implemented in 2018, aims to reduce the time and cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports by digitising the entire process. With the paperless system, all documentation is done electronically, reducing the need for physical inspections and enabling real-time tracking of cargo.
Dr. Bawumia was also instrumental in the implementation of Ghana’s e-procurement system, which aims to streamline the procurement process. The e-procurement system is an online platform that allows government agencies and private-sector organisations to publish tenders and receive bids from vendors. The e-procurement system has helped to minimize corruption, improve transparency, and increase efficiency in the public procurement process by digitising the procurement process. This, in turn, has resulted in significant cost savings for the government and enhanced service delivery to citizens.
Dr. Bawumia’s initiatives to accelerate digitisation in Ghana have had a substantial impact on the country’s progress. The use of digital solutions in many different sectors has not only increased productivity and minimised costs, but it has also increased transparency and accountability.
As the world continues to embrace digital solutions, Ghana’s digitisation efforts under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership serve as a shining example of what can be achieved with political will, vision, and commitment to innovation. The country is well on its way to becoming a digital hub in the region, and Dr. Bawumia’s vision and contributions will undoubtedly be remembered as a critical part of this success story.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has provided data to back his claim about the 2 million jobs created. Dr. Bawumia over the weekend when speaking about youth employment and opportunities during the national Eid-ul-Fitr Fitr celebration at Independence Square made mention of job created by his government. In a Facebook post on Wednesday while demonstrating why he is one of the credible and most effective vice president in Ghana, Dr. Bawumia provided facts and comprehensive data to back his claims. The post which contained the Ministry, the organisation or department of the Ministry, and the total number of employment created from 2017 to 2022 under each category was somewhat aimed at his critiques and naysayers. Below is the Facebook post with and image of the data: “Dear friends, I recently stated that our government has created over 2 million jobs since 2017. As usual, the naysayers have questioned how we could have done so. Their mindset of impossibility prevents them from accepting that. Well, the data attached shows year by year, ministry by ministry, and agency by agency, the jobs that our government has created since 2017. This excludes jobs under planting for food and jobs and the National Identification Authority. Away with negative thinking! It is possible!”
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.
