Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and NPP flag bearer, is expected to deliver a key message on his vision for the country ahead of the December 7 elections on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
The leader of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is expected to devote more attention to the country’s digitalisation agenda.
The theme of the speech is “Ghana’s Next Chapter: Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future.” The address will be held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra’s (UPSA) Kofi-Ohene Konadu auditorium.
The Vice President’s speech is expected to emphasise the use of technology, data, and systems to promote inclusive economic growth.
Dr. Bawumia’s goal is to position Ghana as an African digital hub, bridging the digital divide and transforming sectors like healthcare, education, and public service delivery with digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Bawumia became the first NPP leader of northern descent. Having won the party’s special and main presidential candidate elections, he will succeed his current boss, President Akufo-Addo.
Since taking office in 2017, Mr Bawumia has championed numerous digital transformation initiatives, particularly in the public sector. This drive earned him titles such as “digitalisation man” and “digital Bawumia.”
Some of his digital initiatives include Ghana.gov payment options, mobile money interoperability, and GhanaPost GPS, among others.
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Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia has been widely criticized for plunging the economy into recession despite being taunted as the “economic messiah,” and as the head of the Economic Management Team (EMT) over the last eight years.
Furthermore, the Ghanaian cedi has depreciated significantly, though it has seen some relative stability, trading at 12 dollars per cedi. Inflation was at a record high, despite some drops of around 23%.
Another issue weighing heavily on the NPP leader’s mind is the high rate of youth unemployment. Several job numbers have been thrown around; however, the unemployment figures are concerning.
Dr. Bawumia has also been accused of applying double standards when it comes to financial inclusion. The contentious electronic levy (E-levy) has discouraged some people from going cashless, undermining the progress made in that area. He also oversaw an EMT that led the country back to the IMF.
Also, in their efforts to shift the economy from “taxation to production,” the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration has implemented more than 15 taxes since taking office.
As the NPP strives to “break the 8,” these and many other failed promises, as well as the fight against corruption, will take center stage as the election campaign approaches. The Ghanaian economy, according to the ruling party, was in good shape prior to COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.
It is only a matter of time to see how Dr. Bawumia will conduct himself and whether he will capitalize on Mr. Akufo-Addo’s achievements in the run-up to the 2024 election.
3news
