Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Former Vice President and flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to reinstate workers whose appointments have been revoked by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dr. Bawumia made this known yesterday when he filed his nomination forms at the NPP headquarters in Accra.
He accused the NDC of failing to deliver on the numerous promises it made while in opposition, such as the introduction of the 24-hour economy, and instead sacking many Ghanaians, particularly the youth, thereby depriving them of jobs and livelihoods.
Thousands of enthusiastic supporters thronged the party headquarters, waving placards with inscriptions such as “Bawumia is the formidable choice”, “Winnable Candidate for 2028”, and “Win with Bawumia”, while chanting and singing.
Dr. Bawumia, accompanied by his wife Samira Bawumia, both dressed in white, greeted and cheered the crowd as songs dedicated to him played intermittently across the forecourt of the party’s office.
Also present at the event were former Members of Parliament and several former Chief Executives who witnessed the filing process.
Dr. Bawumia described the decision by the NDC government to lay off Ghanaian workers as an affront to national development, promising that he would restore their appointments if elected President.
Vision for Ghana
Outlining his vision, the former Vice President said his administration would roll out policies aimed at improving the economic well-being of Ghanaians, especially the youth.
“My vision is to introduce 12 measures that will reduce the cost of living for the average Ghanaian and provide support for the vulnerable,” he said.
He added that he would pursue a constituency-based development and budgeting framework that empowers local people, while pushing for a modern, digitalised economy that ensures equal opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and grassroots communities, not just the wealthy.
Dr. Bawumia further promised to strengthen job creation, introduce a national credit system, energise domestic production, reduce fiscal burdens, and dedicate three percent of Ghana’s GDP expenditure currently undertaken by the public sector to the private sector through local procurement, in line with practices in advanced economies.
Call for Unity
On internal party matters, Dr. Bawumia reiterated his call for unity within the NPP, stressing that the party’s ability to implement its policies depends on winning the 2028 elections.
Touting his record, he described himself as the most prepared candidate to lead the party, citing his extensive experience over the last 16 years both in government and within the NPP.
“I may not be wealthy like many others, but I have dedicated my life, knowledge, and reputation to building this party and supporting the development of our nation,” he said.
Track Record
Dr. Bawumia listed a number of initiatives he spearheaded as Vice President, including the Bank of Ghana’s Gold Purchase Programme, the Gold for Oil initiative, the accelerated issuance of the Ghana Card, Mobile Money Interoperability, the Ghana Post Digital Property Address System, and Agenda 111.
He also highlighted the One Constituency One Ambulance project, the Zipline medical drone delivery service, the Universal QR Code Payment System, the “No Guarantor” Student Loan Scheme, Ghana.Gov, Citizens App, and NHIS mobile registration and renewal, among others.
According to him, these initiatives have earned him recognition as one of the most effective Vice Presidents in Ghana’s history.
“The combined effect of how well I am known today and my experience as Vice President makes me the most prepared person for the NPP’s quest for the 2028 election and governance in 2029. This is what the streets refer to as being rich in ideas,” he declared.
A Word of Caution
Dr. Bawumia cautioned party members, especially fellow flagbearer aspirants, against attacking one another, warning that divisive rhetoric, particularly religious-based attacks, would only serve as ammunition for the NDC in the 2028 elections.
“The opposition is not within; it is out there. Instead of using our energy to fight among ourselves, let us focus on the NDC government,” he urged.
He further criticised the governing party for failing to deliver on key campaign promises, including the pledge to pay cocoa farmers at least GH¢6,000 and the vow to repeal L.I. 2462 to declare a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining.
“It is already evident that the NDC does not intend to fulfil the lofty promises they made in their quest for power,” Dr. Bawumia added.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah