Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia introducing Kojo Oppong Nkrumah to stakeholders
In a move that could potentially change the face of Ghana’s agricultural landscape, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has unveiled an ambitious plan to make agriculture his top priority if elected President in 2024.
During a campaign stop at Ofoase-Ayirebi Constituency in the Eastern Region, Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision for a modernised agricultural sector, one that leverages cutting-edge technology and international expertise to boost productivity and competitiveness.
At the heart of his strategy is the establishment of District Agricultural Mechanisation Centres, which will provide farmers with access to affordable equipment and training, enabling them to increase yields and improve efficiency.
Dr. Bawumia said his plan goes beyond just providing tools and training as his aim is to fundamentally transform the sector by addressing long-standing challenges such as land ownership, water scarcity, and market access.
“We need to bring agriculture into the 21st century,” Bawumia declared, addressing a gathering of farmers and stakeholders.
He added, “We need to adopt the best practices and technologies from around the world to make our farmers competitive.”
Digitalization Agenda
The flagbearer of NPP further also outlined his plan to harness the power of digitalisation to transform the country’s economy and create opportunities for its youth.
Dr. Bawumia emphasised his next government’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
He announced plans to train one million youth in digital skills, creating a workforce that can revolutionise key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and finance.
This initiative, he said, will enable the Ghanaian youth to conduct business and collaborate remotely, both locally and globally, enhancing connectivity and economic growth.
He expressed confidence in the can-do spirit of the Ghanaian youth, saying that with the right mindset and opportunities, they can compete globally and drive economic growth.
The Vice President emphasised that the foundation has been laid for the past seven years to leverage digitalisation to create and sustain jobs and opportunities.
However, he believes that the Ghanaian youth have shown their ingenuity in the digital space and are ready to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
BY Daniel Bampoe