Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in a group photograph with the clergy
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has made it clear that he has what it takes to help change the fortunes of the country for the better.
“I believe strongly that I can do something for this country when given the nod as the President of Ghana in the December 7 General Elections,” he stated.
He said, “It’s only God who selects leaders, but I believe I have what it takes to change the fortunes of this country. I believe I can do something for Ghana. That is why I need the prayers and blessings of the clergy and other faith based organisations.”
Dr. Bawumia stated this at a breakfast meeting with religious leaders in the Western Region as part of his campaign tour in the area yesterday.
The event had representation from Christian leaders of all denominations across the region.
He explained to the eminent clergy that he decided to start the regional campaign tour with religious leaders because of his belief in seeking the grace of God in everything he does.
He commended the religious leaders in the country for their meritorious service to the country in diverse ways as well as ensuring religious tolerance and peaceful atmosphere.
He also acknowledged the religious bodies’ partnership with government over the years in providing a number of developmental projects in the country.
“We want to leverage on the partnership and the support for you to even contribute more to the socio-economic development of the people,” the Vice President pointed out.
Dr. Bawumia urged his fellow politicians seeking office to prioritise the peace and unity of the country ahead of their own ambitions because no leader can successfully lead a disunited nation.
“As politicians, we will come and go, but the country Ghana will remain, so let us unite in peace and continue to respect our diversity. We are Ghanaians first, before our political parties,” he said.
The Vice President told the religious leaders that he was aware of the current economic challenges facing the country.
He was, however, quick to add that various strategies had been mooted through a number of initiatives to improve, better and ultimately stabilise the economy through agriculture, commercial farms and appropriate technologies.
He mentioned robust public transport system, solar energy production, electric vehicles and vibrant private sector as some of the initiatives that would help bring relief to the citizenry.
“I am also thinking of a new tax system to end the complications and abuse in the current operations in the tax regime.
“If I become the president in 2025, I will introduce a new flat rate system where every Ghanaian knows the exact amount to pay as tax from any income level. I will also introduce tax amnesty in 2025,” he indicated.
The Vice President also assured of a new natural resources governance structure where the country would benefit the most.
He said, “The Geological Survey Authority, the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and other equally capable institutions would be resourced to undertake prospecting and exploration expeditions for our greater benefits.”
He said a block chain documentation approach would be adopted to improve land system and registration, to halt the incessant double registration and disputes across the country and help deal with activities of ‘land guards’.
According to Dr. Bawumia, his digitisation initiative has helped to bring about transparency in public sector financial management.
He noted that the initiative has helped in shaping the public sector through the elimination of most corrupt practices, including ‘ghost names’ on payrolls and saving government purse to the tune of 400 million cedis annually.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Bishop Emmanuel Kweku Botwey, Chairman of the Network of Ministers and Councils in the region, said the Network was happy to learn of the Vice President’s stand against LGBTQ+ in the country since the church does not also support the practice.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi