The main mistake Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen’s camp is making is comparing the 2023 presidential primaries to the 2007 one and thinking that just as Alan Kyerematen and Aliu Mahama didn’t get the nod and it went to Akufo-Addo, so, this time, Kyeremantenwould get it easily.
They are very wrong, because, unlike Vice President Aliu Mahama, Dr Muhammadu Bawumia is a very active player who has contributed strategically and openly from 2008 to Nana Akufo-Addo and NPP’s 2016 victory.
That is why many NPP members and supporters genuinely sympathize with him. From that perspective, he deserves the nod because he has worked hard for it. We saw his role in the 2012 elections and 2013 election petition hearing. He and Lawyer Addison were the star players of NPP. Nobody can forget that.
We saw the impact of his lectures and how he pulled the middle class to campaign for Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP. Many NPP supporters cannot forget that and they may support him as a reciprocating gesture. This explains a lot of the support he has in the NPP.
Another factor one cannot lose sight of is Nana Akufo-Addo’s role and determination to reward Dr Bawumia for helping him realise his childhood ambition.
It is also no secret that the President and his family are committed to consolidating their legacies, securing themselves and extending their reign through Bawumia. Unlike John Kufuor, Nana Akufo-Addo is capable of employing every power and resource at his disposal to achieve that. We saw how Alan Kyeremanten’s supporters were maltreated during and after the 2007 primaries.
So, Alan Kyerematen’s camp should not think that they can be doing inconsistent communication and sleepwalking until their candidate resigns to start his campaigns.
The candidature of NPP is nobody’s birthright. It has not been willed to Alan nor is it his birthright. They must get that clear before they come back crying for sympathy after the deal is completely done.
What they should know is that regardless of how long NPP has existed, Bawumia has contributed enough to deserve to represent the party just as Alan and any other candidate since the party is not a monarchy that has especially predetermined people to lead.
If Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen is serious to run, it must reflect in his strategy and the communications of his camp.
For now, his posture may give people the impression that he is either not serious or he is thinking that he automatically has the right to lead the party which, could go against him if his opponents do their propaganda work well.
As things stand, none of the candidates should be complacent the way Alan’s camp seems.
Source: Ghanaweb
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana.
The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George has been urged to eat humble pie and apologize to the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu for calling him a liar, over an issue, which Sam George has rather been found to have lied.
The MP suggested on his Facebook page that Dr. Bawumia had said that holders of the Ghana Card could use the card to travel outside Ghana, and resulting from Sam George’s own claims, he went on and discredited the Ghana Card as a travel document and also insulted Dr. Bawumia with invectives.
However, following his insults to the Vice President, it has emerged that the Vice President has never said anywhere that the Ghana Card could be used to travel outside the country. What Dr. Bawumia has maintained, public records prove, is that the Ghana Card can be used by Ghanaians, and Ghanaian dual citizens, to travel back to Ghana from any part of the world.
Again, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirming the Ghana Card as a travel document that Ghanaians, especially dual citizens, can be used to travel into Ghana, has further exposed Sam George’s claims, for which he insulted the Vice President and called him a liar.
It is this development that has drawn the attention of a political communication consultant, Dr. Ekow Acquah to call on Sam George to apologize.
In an article copied GhanaGuardian , Dr. Acquah described Sam George as one who has earned the title of honorable because of the people he represents and asked Sam George to do “what is expected of men of honor” and apologize to Bawumia after he was exposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and public records.
“Following the Foreign Ministry’s press release and Ghana Immigration releasing data on the number of arrivals with Ghana Cards at the airport, will those who insulted Dr. Bawumia and called him a liar apologize to him”? Dr. Acquah asked.
“If nobody will apologize to the Vice President, at least Hon. Sam George, who has earned the title of Hon. by being the representative of the good people of Ningo Prampram , must do what is expected of men with honor and apologize to Dr. Bawumia for insulting him on his Facebook page on issues he Sam George was clearly wrong and has been exposed.”
“The Vice President has never stated anywhere that the Ghana Card can be used for travels to other countries. He has always maintained that following its recognition by ICAO, Ghanaians, especially dual citizen Ghanaians with foreign passports, can use it to board flights back to Ghana without needing a visa.”
“It was therefore disingenuous and mischievous for a whole honorable member of parliament to launch public attacks on the Vice President and call him names for something he has not said.”
“Indeed if we were in a decent political environment, Sam George in particular, and all those who joined him to insult Dr.Bawumia and bastardize the Ghana Card as a travel document, would have apologized, the moment the Foreign Ministry issued a statement to expose them.”
Below is the full article:
Will those who called Dr. Bawumia a liar over Ghana’s card as a travel document do the honorable and apologize after being exposed?
By Dr. Ekow Acquah (Political Communications Consultant)
One of the most profound development-oriented proverbs in Akan is the saying that; the one who climbs a good tree deserves a push.
In other words, a person embarking on any useful endeavor, whose outcome will benefit all, deserves to be encouraged and supported.
This thought-provoking adage has been part of the daily Ghanaian lexicon, bequeathed to us by our forefathers, to inspire and encourage good deeds and profitable ventures in our societies.
However, on the national scale, the opposite has now become the case. Instead of supporting and pushing people who climb good trees, our society now rather cuts down the tree to see the fall of both the tree and the climber.
The above scenario is the case in the commitment of the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to champion a digitized Ghana, using the Ghana Card launch pad.
Rather than providing a joint, patriotic effort to support the fruitful effort of Dr. Bawumia, some Ghanaians have become the proverbial crab that won’t allow any other crab to climb up the basin. Others are even cutting down the good tree Bawumia is climbing so that both the tree and the Vice President will fall.
For the umpteenth time in recent times, certain elements, within the media and political front, this week, launched a sustained campaign to vilify Dr. Bawumia – all because he enumerated the immense benefits of the Ghana card, at the launch of the ePharmacy platform on Monday.
Among the benefits of the Ghana Card Dr. Bawumia mentioned, was its recognition by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as a travel document, thus making it possible for Ghanaians, especially dual citizen Ghanaians with foreign passports, to be able to use the card to board flights to Ghana without requiring a visa, as was the case.
This unique and remarkable function of the Ghana Card is public knowledge, following public ceremonies in Canada by ICAO earlier this year, and public directives by state institutions such as Ghana Immigration, Ghana Airports Company, and Ghana Civil Aviation, among others, that the Ghana Card has become a travel document.
In fact, Ghana Immigration recently held an event at the Kotoka International Airport to officially announce the setting up of special booths to process Ghanaians arriving in Ghana with the Ghana Card.
Despite all these facts, and the reality that Ghanaians based at home and in the diaspora, continue to return home using the Ghana Card, some people who ought to know better, including parliamentarians, launched scathing attacks on the Vice President and called him names, just for stating the true benefits and uses of the Ghana card.
People are so eager and desperate to run down Dr. Bawumia and the Ghana Card that, they even went to the extent of deliberately misinterpreting the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, to create a state that she had contradicted the Vice President of Ghana Card is a travel document for Ghanaians to travel back home.
Rightly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement to set the records straight and also to confirm that the Ghana Card, indeed, can be used by Ghanaians as a travel document to travel to Ghana from any airport in the world.
Following the Foreign Ministry’s press release and Ghana Immigration releasing data on the number of arrivals with Ghana Card at the airport, will those who insulted Dr. Bawumia and called him a liar apologize to him?
If nobody will apologize to the Vice President, at least Hon. Sam George, who has earned the title of Hon. by being the representative of the good people of Ningo Prampram, must do what is expected of men with honor and apologize to Dr. Bawumia for insulting him on his Facebook page on issues he Sam George was clearly wrong and has been exposed.
The Vice President has never stated anywhere that the Ghana Card can be used for travels to other countries. He has always maintained that following its recognition by ICAO, Ghanaians, especially dual citizen Ghanaians with foreign passports, can use it to board flights back to Ghana without needing a visa.
It was therefore disingenuous and mischievous for a whole honorable member of parliament to launch public attacks on the Vice President and call him names for something he has not said.
Indeed if we were in a decent political environment, Sam George in particular, and all those who joined him to insult Dr. Bawumia and bastardize the Ghana Card as a travel document, would have apologized, the moment the Foreign Ministry issued a statement to expose them.
How people take delight to bastardize the ongoing digital transformation in the country is amazing! But one has to understand the political critics. It is Bawumia leading it so since he will be credited for it, let us vilify him and also condemn the innovation, even if its benefits to the country and the people are immense.
That is what is happening! Attack Bawumia, vilify him, and attack the innovation. It is the reason every digital innovation he has led; Ghana Card, zipline drones, universal QR Code, mobile money interoperability, ePharmacy , and digitization of government services, among others, has been doubted and criticized.
In Dr. Bawumia’s own words, people with impossible mindsets have always doubted and frustrated every digital innovation he has announced.
I think the Vice President has been very charitable in labeling people with impossible mindsets. These are people with unpatriotic and destructive mindsets.
They don’t want to see anything good for the nation and the people, once it is not coming from them. No matter how beneficial every project, intervention, or innovation is, they will always attack and bastardize it.
I cannot understand how any progressive-minded person will attack Dr. Bawumia for being a champion of digitization, a new global phenomenon every serious country is pursuing.
As a country, we should be proud we have a passionate, committed, and smart leader in our Vice President making our country great in an area many African countries are way behind.
The full benefits of digitization won’t be realized now, but the glimpses we have seen, such as making things easy, boosting revenue, and helping in the fight against corruption, should encourage us to fully support him, regardless of political affiliation.
He is doing it for the country and generations to come, not for himself.
Despite all the vilifications, I am happy the Vice President has remained resilient and unfazed.
Continue to prove the naysayers wrong, Mr. Vice President. Progressive-minded citizens appreciate what you’re doing.
Remain focused and do it for God and your country.
The Presidential Advisor on the Economy, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei has rebutted claims that he described the performance of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as worse.
Dr Akoto Osei is alleged to have remarked “Ofori-Atta and Bawumia are worse as each other” in a leaked tape.
In a press statement sighted by The Independent Ghana, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei faulted Ghanaweb for disseminating an article indicating that he made such comments.
“My attention has been drawn to a post on Ghanaweb and other social media platforms including a purported leaked tape which has me allegedly commenting on the performance of the two personalities mentioned in the headline.
“I wish to categorically deny making these unfounded statements either in an interview or in an engagement with anybody.”
According to him, the said voice in the viral leaked tape is not his; adding that he does support the comments made by the unknown individual in the tape.
Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, has therefore, demanded that Ghanaweb retracts the said article on their website and render an apology for the damage caused.
He also wants the media house to ensure his reputation is left untainted by publishing the rejoinder issued by the Office of the President.
“Not only do I demand this rejoinder be published with the same prominence given the wicked allegation, I further demand a retraction and apology from Ghanaweb,” the statement read.
President Akufo-Addo and Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Saturday joined thousands of mourners to pay their last respects to Daasebre Oti Boateng who was the Paramount Chief of New Juaben and the Queen, Nana Yaa Daani.
Former President Kufuor, past and present Ministers of State and government officials also paid their last respects.
The President and the Vice President signed the book of condolence opened at the Yiadom Hwediem Palace in memory of the late Paramount Chief and queen as the week of traditional rites and burial of the two begins today.
Daasebre Oti Boateng, aged 83, reigned from 1992 until August, 2021, when he joined the ancestors while the queen Nana Yaa Daani 67 reigned from 2000 until her demise early this year.
Mourners from all walks of life clad in red and black thronged the Yiadom Hwediem Palace and funeral grounds to mourn the late chief and queen according to tradition.
Daasebre Oti Boateng, a former government statistician and UN official and the queen would be laid in state from Friday until Monday when they would be laid to rest.
Meanwhile the entire Koforidua is in a mournful mood as shops have been closed as part of arrangements to give the late Paramount Chief and queen a befitting burial.
In view of the huge crowd expected in Koforidua on Monday and the observance of Asante funeral traditions, the Regional Directorate of Education has ordered closure of all schools on Monday.
American business magnate and Co-founder of Microsoft, William Henry Gates, popularly known as Bill Gates, has, lauded Ghana for showing exemplary leadership and making strides on several fronts.
Mr Gates made the remarks when Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia held a meeting with him via Zoom, to discuss three pertinent issues affecting Ghana.
They discussed Ghana’s progress on immunization against the new circulating vaccine-derived polio virus type 2 (cVDPV2), the lessons from Ghana’s policy response to COVID-19 pandemic and Ghana’s digitisation strategy.
In a tweet, Vice President Bawumia said, “It was a good exchange of views and he (Bill Gates) congratulated Ghana for the strides we have made on several fronts.
“I also thanked him and the Bill Gates Foundation for their successful work in the fight against polio and other diseases”.
Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, a Deputy Minister of Health, also joined the zoom meeting.
The Office of the National Chief Imam (ONCI) says it has observed the changing pattern of politics in the Zongos ever since the Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia assumed office as Vice President.
In a Facebook post to express gratitude to Dr. Bawumia for his show of respect to the National Chief Imam for officially visiting him to inform him of his re-nomination as running mate, the Office of the National Chief Imam commended the Vice President for transforming politics in the Zongos to development based.
“The ONCI (Office of the National Chief Imam) wishes to acknowledge that it observes the changing pattern and nature of politics in the Zango communities since Dr. Bawumia became the Vice President,†the Office of the National Chief Imam wrote on its its official Facebook post.
The Office further commended Dr. Bawumia for inspiring many development initiatives in Zongo communities, especially in the area of education.
“The Office of the National Chief Imam (ONCI) wishes to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to the Vice President and the President for some number of initiatives that the current administration took to uplift and raise the living standards of the Zango community, part of which is the establishment of the Zango Development Fund (ZDF), the acquisition of 40 scholarships specifically for residents of the Zango to learn medicine and other science-related field in Cuba and the Government plans to make this program an annual exercise.â€
In a direct caution to other political parties and leaders without policies whose sole aim is to exploit Zongo communities by attempting to woo them through the provision of sugar and rice, the Office of the National Chief Imam said Zongo communities of today are wide awake and are not interested in such politics.
“The Zango communities of today (is) no longer interested in receiving bags of rice, sugar and some material things during festive sessions but rather scholarships, employment for its graduates, vocational skills for its drop-outs and entrepreneurship/empowerment training that will translate into development into Zango communities.â€
Ghana is marching to 2020 election and all candidates are so wild trying to win the hearts of Ghanaians to vote for them. The two major political parties in Ghana who are likely to engage in fierce battle to take the flag of Ghana and lead Ghanaians into the promised land are The New Patriotic Party and The National Democratic Congress with Akufo Addo and John Mahama being the flag bearers respectively.
However, due to the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, major percentage of the campaign exercises are taking place on social media, television stations and FM stations unlike previous years where campaign rallies are organised. Campaigns comes with promises which candidates use to convince Ghanaians to vote for them.
Several Ghanaian major news portals have conducted several online polls between the rulling president, Akufo Addo and the former president,John Mahama.
JoyNews conducted an online polls which ended and as usual NDC took the lead. Over 42, 000 people participated and from the results collated, the NDC has 57% while the party in power NPP has 43%.
The voters also are of the view that Dr. Bawumia the Vice president has failed Ghanaians as he has been unable to arrest the depreciating cedi and also level of press freedom in the country and the lack of competency by the rulling government.
After the Joy news poll, popular Ghanaian blog and news website, yen.com also conducted another poll. Yen.com think candidates are still making promises towards the 2020 Election, is only right that the public has the chance to judge which among the them honours his promises and so Yen.com put a Facebook poll to compare the flag bearers of the two major political parties in the country; National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party.
After the poll ended. John Mahama emerged Ghanaians favourite as he was voted as the best president who honours his campaign promises with 66% of the total votes while Akufo Addo bagging only 34%.
The big question is, should Akufo Addo and Bawumia be worried about these online poll results?
NDC has won almost all online polls conducted by many institutions in the previous years but they were still disappointed.
Could these poll results be some kind of mind games being played by NPP members? Well, I don’t think NPP should jubilate over past experiences at all.
From the ongoing polls, it seems the current government might have the shock of their lives just as the NDC in 2016 if care is not taken by the NPP to address the issues raised by the voters, this is because, majority of this year’s election is taking place on social media platforms and other media outlets due to the outbreak of the corona virus. This should imply that this year, social media will have major influence on the election results.
Director of Elections for the Convention People’s Party (CPP), James Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr., has waded into the controversy over whether there is a need for a new electoral register, and sought to find out if the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, could admit that he is a product of an ”incurably fraud voters’ register”.
James Kwabena Bomfeh, also called Kabilla, said this when making his submissions on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) comments about the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) regarding a new voters’ register.
The NDC is of a belief that the EC and NIA are in cahoots with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rig this year’s elections, hence the plan by the Commission to use Ghana card and passport as the only legal documents for the compilation of a new voters’ register.
The NPP 2020 Campaign Manager, Peter Mac-Manu fired back at the opposition party saying the NPP doesn’t need the Electoral Commission to win the elections but rather the party has a solid track record for Ghanaians to re-elect them during the December polls.
Although the EC has debunked the claims and defended their position on why they are going for those two requirements for the registration exercise, the NDC leadership and members are the least convinced about the intention of the Commission.
Contributing to the Wednesday edition of ”Kokrokoo” on Peace FM, Kabilla picked on the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana referring him to statements he made in 2016 regarding the latter’s call for a new voters’ register under the Charlotte Osei-led Electoral Commission.
Kabilla recounted to host Kwami Sefa Kayi that the Vice President described the register as an ”incurably fraud register” and therefore didn’t believe in it.
According to him, though Dr. Bawumia didn’t believe in the old register, it was the same register that the former Chairperson of the Commission, Charlotte Osei used to declare the Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) winner in the elections which saw him (Bawumia) become the Vice President of Ghana.
Kabilla, therefore, wants to find out if Dr. Bawumia would describe himself as a product of a fraudulent register.
Dr. Bawumia ”should be ready to tell how he would describe himself; as the product of an incurably fraud register? My point is that if you call a system incurably fraud and that system is used to produce you…how would you describe yourself, the product of an incurably fraud register”, Kabilla said this in an attempt to advise opponents of the compilation of a new voters’ register to mind their language and choose their words carefully.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has paid glowing tribute to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu on the occasion of his 101st birthday.
Sheikh Sharubutu turned 101 on Thursday, and the Vice President paid him a surprise visit at his residence on behalf of the President, Nana Akufo-Addo and on his own behalf.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice President said Sheikh Sharubutu has contributed immensely to the development of the country and described him as a national asset.
“The Chief Imam is a national asset. He is a rare national asset,” Dr Bawumia said.
“What he has done and continues to do for this country is incalculable.
He is a major force of the peace and stability that we are witnessing and enjoying in this country.”
“The tolerance that he has exhibited between Muslim community, Christian community and other religion is really exemplary and remarkable.”
Dr Bawumia added that Ghana has to be thankful to God for a gift like the Chief Imam and also prayed for God to continue to grant the National Chief Imam good life and long life.
“On such a day, we have to be thankful to God for his life and continue to pray for his life.
“What we are witnessing today; it isn’t normal that you will get to 100, let alone 101 and still be looking as healthy as he is. So God has blessed him.”
“And by God blessing him, God has blessed Ghana because it is God’s gift to Ghana and we continue to pray for his long life so that we will continue to shower his blessings on all of us.”
“We are here very simply to pay our respect and wish him a happy birthday.”
The Vice President presented three symbolic birthday cakes to the Chief Imam on behalf of the President, himself and the government.
Responding, the National Chief Imam expressed appreciation to the President and the Vice President for their continuous support and warm gesture.
He prayed to God to continue to grant them good health and wisdom to enable them to steer the affairs of the country well.
The Vice President was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Water and Sanitation and MP for the area, Hon. Patrick Boamah and Deputy Minister at the Ministry of National Security, Hon. Henry Quartey.
The Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says Ghana’s approach to dealing with the novel Coronavirus is better than some advanced countries.
The Vice President speaking at the launch of the GH COVID-19 Tracker App said Ghana has dealt with the disease better than countries like US, South Africa among others.
“We are chasing the virus and not waiting for people to get so we count them as patients, we are getting ahead of the virus even though we are a small country and a developing one, we are doing better in terms of dealing with the virus than USA, South Africa and other nations. If you use per capita situation of all these countries, Ghana has done better with the contact tracing and testing than them.”
“If we had not done contact tracing we would not have gotten a huge number, many people will be with the virus without our knowledge so the COVID-19 tracker has come at a better time. It will help us easily track people with the virus, those who have had contact with others. It is also useful in quarantine reliability if certain individuals need self-quarantine.”
“Ghana is one of the few countries to deploy such a tracker to haunt the virus. I will encourage many Ghanaians as possible to access the tracker and produce some basic information for the health authorities but the best measure to avoid contracting the disease is staying home and observing all safety measures.”
The USA currently lead the world chat on deaths with 20,580 with Spain and Italy the following suit.
In Africa South Africa lead in terms of cases confirmed with 2,028 with 25 deaths.
As of 11 April 2020, 23:00 Hrs, a total of 37,954 persons have been tested with 566 being positive for COVID-19 in Ghana.
The breakdown of the 566 positive cases are as follows: four (4) have been treated, discharged and tested negative, 552 cases have been categorised as mild disease on treatment, two (2) moderate to severe cases, none currently on ventilators and eight (8) have died.
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has donated 500 Cedis to each of the stranded Kayaye (head porters) who were stopped at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region on their way to the Northern Region.
The head porters, numbering about 76, had attempted to flee from Accra back to their hometowns in the wake of the President’s order for a partial lockdown in the Capital City and other parts of the country, but their journey back home was unsuccessful as it fell within the lockdown time on Monday.
Their attempted mass crossover to the north was seen as a threat to stop the spread of the virus in the country, and they were thus stopped from proceeding by security officials, who returned them to Accra.
Despite the temporary provision of shelter for them by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, many have raised concerns over the plight of the Kayayes under the current circumstance, as business activities in the heart of Accra have come to a halt.
It is in response of this that the Vice President has donated 500 Cedis to each of them to ameliorate their plight during the period of the partial lockdown.
The donation was made on behalf of the Vice President by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama. She was accompanied by Dr. Sagare Bambangi , MP for Walewale and Mustafa Ussif, CEO of the National Service Secretariat.
Hajia Alima Mahama also revealed that President Akufo-Addo has directed that government assist all Kayaye head porters by giving each of them GH 10 cedis per day to buy food throughout the lockdown period.
Meanwhile the Vice President has also urged all Ghanaians to continue to observe the preventive measures of regular washing of hands with soap under running water, while they observe the partial lockdown at their respective homes.
“While we stay at home to prevent the spread, let us continue to adhere strictly to all the preventive measures to avoid the spread of the virus,” he urged.
“Let us continue to wash our hands regularly with soap under running water, as well as constantly use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to sanitize our hands. We shall overcome, in shaa Allah.”
The Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has joined scores of Ghanaians to celebrate the 76th birthday of President Akufo-Addo on social media.
Vice President Bawumia eulogised President Akufo-Addo for being a divine blessing to Ghana. “Life is so precious and we should never take it for granted.
I wish my boss and the precious gift of our time, H.E President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a happy 76th birthday” he extolled on his social media pages. Dr. Bawumia asserted President Akufo-Addo’s sterling leadership will ensure that Ghana will overcome the struggle against COVID-19.
“In these difficult times of our nation, your steady and strong leadership will see us through.” he assured. He also wished the President of Ghana an elongated life with good health to continue driving the country to higher heights.
“May Almighty God continue to endow you with more wisdom and knowledge to develop Ghana in good health and long life” he concluded.
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged Ghanaians to adopt online payment systems, especially the newly launched Universal QR Code payment system which was launched in Accra today, in order to help curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
The innovative universal digital payment system, the first to be introduced by any African country, allows customers to make direct payments to merchants from any mobile money wallet and bank account through a mobile phone.
Speaking at the launch, which was done online due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the Vice President said the launch couldn’t have been held at a better time than this moment when the world and the nation is saddled with the Coronavirus outbreak, which both government and citizens are taking steps to curb its spread.
“The launch of the (universal QR) Code, which takes away the need to handle cash for transactions, could not have come at a better time,” said Dr. Bawumia.
“In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, economic activities must go on even with social distancing. People must buy and pay for goods and services like food and medicines to exist.”
“The science says that there is a risk of transmission from every item that our hands touch. In a cash dominant economy such as ours, the risk inherent in the transmission of the coronavirus through banknotes is something we should be concerned about.”
“This means that once the use of cash diminishes, the risk of the spread of the coronavirus through banknotes will also diminish.
“It is therefore important that we do everything we can to expedite the wholesale use of electronic payment channels. It is now clear that electronic payments also have health benefits,†the Vice President noted.
The Vice President also stated the introduction of the universal QR code payment system is a major step towards transforming Ghana into a cashless society, adding that embracing it comes with other immense benefits to businesses and Ghanaians.
He, therefore, urged businesses and service providers, no matter how small they are, as well as all adult Ghanaians to get a mobile money or a bank account to be able to benefit from the universal QR Code payment and the Proxy Pay system.
“This QR Code and Proxy Pay is a game-changer,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“For most merchants, this means little or no cash will be kept in the shops, taxis, buses, on the person, etc. so armed robbery and petty crime will decline. It is important that every merchant or service provider takes steps to get a universal QR code from their bank, telco or a fintech as soon as possible.”
“If we all do this, we can transition Ghana into a near cashless economy in a very short period of time.â€
USING THE UNIVERSAL QR CODE
The QR Code, ( a two-dimensional code made up of black and white squares that can be read by smartphone cameras, point of sale (POS) terminals or other devices including ‘yam’ phones) is very simple and inexpensive for even retailers.
All that a shop or a retailer has to do is to get a sticker with a QR code (from a bank or telco) or download the merchant app and create a QR code to accept digital payment.
Interestingly, both smart and ‘yam’ phones can pay through QR codes.
For customers with smartphones, all that they need to do is to scan the QR code displayed by the merchant or shop owner with their phones and then enter the amount to be be paid for goods they have bought.
For customers with ‘yam’ phones, they can pay through the QR code payment system by dialling a code that will be displayed at the seller’s end for payment to be effected.
As Dr. Bawumia explained during the launch, the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GhIPSS) are key players for the implementation of the universal QR Code payment system in Ghana.
Regardless of one’s bank or mobile money wallet, GhIPSS will make it possible for customers to be able to scan any displayed QR Code in Ghana and effect payment instantly through their mobile phones.
As soon as payment is made by a customer through the QR Code payment system, the customer’s bank balance or mobile money wallet will be debited instantly, while that of the merchant will be instantly credited.
With the huge success of government’s other digitization drive such as the paperless systems at the DVLA, Passport Office, the Ports, Registrar General, etc., experts believe the QR code payment system will bring significant relief to millions of Ghanaians as far as their daily business transactions are concerned.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has justified why the government has decided to seek God’s intervention in the quest to combat the spread the of Coronavirus.
President Akufo-Addo yesterday met Christian leaders for a breakfast prayer meeting, and the Vice President did same with Muslim leaders at the Jubilee House earlier today.
A few people have criticised the government for resorting to prayers to deal with the situation.
Vice President Bawumia, has however rejected such criticism, insisting that while the government puts in measures to curb the situation, it is equally important for Ghana, as a country of faith, to also call on the Almighty God.
“We have unflinching belief in the Almighty Allah that he has what it takes to save us and the world from this affliction,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“As Allah himself says in the Holy Qur’an Chapter 6:17, “And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except him. And if he touches you with good, then he is over all things competent.”
The Vice President himself prayed for Allah’s intervention, reciting verses in the Qur’an including Chapter 112, which he explained is one of the most powerful chapters in the Qur’an which underlines the supremacy of the Almighty Allah.
“Indeed, it is you alone we worship, and it is you we ask for help. May the Almighty Allah have mercy on us and save us from this malady,” prayed the Vice President.
The Vice President urged the eminent Imams and Ghanaians in general that, while praying to the Almighty Allah for his intervention, they should also seriously observe the preventive measures the government has announced.
“While we observe our daily prayers at home and supplicate to Allah to save us from the Coronavirus, it is essential that we continue to strictly observe the preventive measures that have been announced to help keep everyone safe,” the Vice President advised.
“Covering our mouths when coughing and sneezing, as well as washing our hands regularly with soap and under running water are some of the preventive steps we should continuously adhere to.”
Dr. Bawumia particularly advised Muslims to wash their hands with soap under running water before they perform ablution.
“It is also important for us (Muslims) to thoroughly wash our hands with soap under running water to ensure our hands are thoroughly clean before we start ablution.”
“As the government continues to take decisive steps to curb the spread and we strictly observe these preventive measures to protect us from contracting and further spreading the virus, inshaa Allah, I wish to urge our eminent Imams to continue to pray for us, our dear nation Ghana and the world.”
Vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Thursday, March 12, 2020, commissioned 365 pickup trucks and 493 motorbikes to various districts of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
Out of the 365 Isuzu pickup trucks distributed, 206 have been allocated to MMDCEs, 105 to the Ministry of Education and its various agencies. The remaining trucks will be given to some selected Senior High Schools.
The 493 motorbikes are to aid the work of circuit supervisors in various districts.
The distribution of the vehicles at the Black Stars Square in Accra, is in line with the government’s plan to pursue several reforms in the educational sector to improve learning outcomes in schools.
The vehicles were procured by GETFund.
Dr Bawumia urged all stakeholders to make good use of the vehicles and motorbikes presented to them.
He also assured Ghanaians of the Akufo-Addo-led administration’s commitment to investing in the sector to provide quality
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Tuesday introduced a new greeting style following the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus, COVID-19.
If you may recall, President Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to stop shaking hands to avoid the spread of the virus.
Attending the maiden edition of the Mobile Technology for Development (MT4D) Conference, organized by the Ghana Chamber of Telecoms and the Financial Inclusion Forum Africa, in Accra on Tuesday, 10 March 2020, Vice President Bawumia adhered to the President’s call by introducing a new greeting.
They have been married for 16 years and celebrated that anniversary on February 14, 2020, but in a radio interview Monday afternoon, the Second Lady, Mrs 87086951 revealed that the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia could not propose directly to her when they first met.
Explaining how they met, Mrs Samira Bawumia said she completed the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in the year 2000. “We [me and Dr Bawumia] met years later… we met through mutual friends,” who introduced us and it was love at first sight.
According to her, Dr Bawumia was attracted to her the moment they first met and concluded he had met his soul mate, “a catch,” she said amidst laughter when she appeared on Asempa FM Monday afternoon [March 9, 2020].
The couple has four children, three boys and one girl.
Mrs Bawumia was on the radio programme to talk about a wide range of issues but in responding to a question from a listener who wanted to know how the couple met, she said Ghanaian men in general normally do not propose to their women and that is exactly what Dr Bawumia did when they met.
Speaking in the Twi language, Mrs Bawumia said Dr Bawumia had to beat about the bush but she [Samira] concluded he was interested in her when they first met, she said amidst laughter.
They have been married for 16 years and celebrated that anniversary on February 14, 2020, but in a radio interview Monday afternoon, the wife of the Vice President, Mrs Samira Bawumia revealed that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia could not propose directly to her when they first met.
Explaining how they met, Mrs Samira Bawumia said she completed the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in the year 2000.
We [me and Dr Bawumia] met years later… we met through mutual friends,” who introduced us and it was love at first sight.
According to her, Dr Bawumia was attracted to her the moment they first met and concluded he had met his soul mate, “a catch,” she said amidst laughter when she appeared on the Ekosii Sen radio programme on Accra based Asempa FM Monday afternoon [March 9, 2020], which was monitored by Graphic Online.
The couple has four children, three boys and one girl.
Mrs Bawumia was on the radio programme to talk about a wide range of issues in line with the International Women’s Day (IWD) which fell on Sunday March 8, 2020, but in responding to a question from a listener who wanted to know how the couple met, she said Ghanaian men in general normally do not propose to their women and that is exactly what Dr Bawumia did when they met.
Speaking in the Twi language, Mrs Bawumia said Dr Bawumia had to beat about the bush but she [Samira] concluded he was interested in her when they first met, she said amidst laughter.
The 63rd Independence Anniversary Celebration was marked in Ghana on Friday, 6th March, 2020, with the Ashanti Regional Capital, Kumasi, hosting the historic event.
It was a big day in the Garden City as the occasion was being hosted in the Region for the first time since Ghana gained freedom from her colonial masters.
The Baba Yara Sports Stadium where the event was organised, was filled to capacity.
Although there were lots of happenings at the venue, one moment that caught the attention of many, was when the Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia bowed to greet the ruler of the Asante Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The very moment has also gotten some Ghanaians on social media unleashing blessings on the second gentleman of the land.
While some centred on his genuine humility, others talk about the fact he [Dr. Bawumia] respects culture and tradition in the country.
Some actually said his humility and respect will end him as President of Ghana someday.
The prosecution of the Ghanaian suspected coup plotters charged for treason has taken an interesting twist as they have been accused by the State prosecutors of planning to abduct President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The coup plotters have also been accused of plans to abduct the Speaker of Parliament, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
The Senior State Attorney, Ms. Hilda Craig, told the Kaneshie District Court court on Tuesday, 3 March 2020, that the men also planned to jam communications signals of the National Communications Authority (NCA).
She said the state will call 19 witnesses and also present 113 exhibits as evidence to prove its case.
The accused persons are Dr. Mac-Palm, a medical practitioner; Donyo Kafui, alias Ezor, a blacksmith; Bright Alan Debrah, a fleet manager.
Other accused persons are Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr. Benjamin Agordzor, Warrant Officer II Esther Saan Dekuwine, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Lance Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon and Johannes Zikpi, a civilian employee of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The 10 individuals were accused of being members of Take Action Ghana (TAG), a group alleged to have hatched a plan to “destabilise the country and possibly take over the government”.
Four Executive Directives from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) who are on a Consultation Mission to Ghana led by Dr. Bright Okogu on Monday, 2 March 2020 paid a courtesy call on Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at the Jubilee House.
The Consultation Mission is an annual event that is undertaken by AfDB to get familiar with developments in member countries.
The team and Dr. Bawumia deliberated on a number of policy issues ranging from the macroeconomy, infrastructure, inclusiveness, the role of the private sector, among others.
“It was very refreshing to note that the AfDB mission team are very full of praise for the many innovative digital infrastructure projects going on in Ghana which have put Ghana ahead of most African countries in the area of digitization. They requested that Ghana shares her experiences with other African countries,†Dr. Bawumia said.
He added that the government is fully committed to keeping and strengthening its partnership with the AfDB and hope to leverage this partnership for accelerated development.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has advised Ghanaians not to allow religion to be used as a vehicle for hatred to divide them.
Dr Bawumia said this on Thursday, February 27, 2020 when the Board of Directors of the Sanneh Institute (TSI) called on him at the Jubilee House.
The Sanneh Institute is named after the late Prof. Lamin Sanneh who taught for many years at the University of Yale in the USA.
Professor Sanneh was a world-acclaimed academic and researcher in the area of religions and society.
Yale University is supporting the establishment of this research institute in his honour.
The work of Professor Sanneh emphasises the need for the peaceful coexistence and tolerance of humankind, Christians, Muslims and other religious groups.
“We have more in common than we realise and we should not allow religion to be used as a vehicle for hatred to divide humanity,†Dr Bawumia said.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and the National Council of Zongo Chiefs have commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their progressive vision for education in the country.
Speaking at a ceremony in Accra where 40 selected students from deprived and Zongo communities who have been granted full government scholarship to study medicine in Cuba called on the Chief Imam to bid him farewell ahead of their departure, both the National Chief Imam and the Council of Zongo Chiefs lauded the Akuffo-Addo government’s vision for education in glowing terms, especially the decision to award full scholarships to 40 students from deprived communities to study medicine in Cuba.
The National Chief Imam said education and knowledge is the future of society and to focus on improving education or seeking knowledge is to focus on the future.
“Knowledge is the future. Knowledge is everything that guarantees your elevation in society,” Sheikh Sharubutu said.
“Let us embrace the policy on education this government has introduced because it is good for us and our children.”
The Chief Imam quoted from the Holy Qur’an that it is Allah who grants leadership to whom He desires, adding that Allah gave Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia and called for support and prayers for them to execute their policies.
“As Allah has said in the Qur’an, He decides whom to give leadership position to. So whoever Allah has given to us as our leaders, we have to support and pray for them to succeed.”
“God gave us Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia. Therefore, I pray for Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia for Allah to guide them to execute all their good policies for this country, especially on education.”
On the scholarship granted 40 students from deprived and Zongo communities to go and study medicine in Cuba, Sheikh Osman said it is a great vision by the government which will be of immense benefit to society and the students. He therefore, urged the beneficiaries to work hard and make good use of the opportunity.
Council of Zongo Chiefs hail government
The National Council of Zongo Chiefs also commended President Akuffo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia for their efforts at promoting education.
Spokesperson of the Council, Alhaji Imoro Baba Issah, said education has been a challenge to many children from deprived communities and thanked the President and his Vice for the welcome opportunity they have given 40 students to be trained as doctors in Cuba.
“We want to commend the efforts of President Nana Akuffo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their efforts,” said Alhaji Baba Issah.
“When you talk about the Zongo Youth, education has been a challenge and we are grateful to all those who have facilitated this (40 medical scholarship to Cuba) especially the President and the Vice President for initiating this to get youth from deprived and Zongo communities to train as doctors to serve our communities and the nation.”
Be ambassadors of Ghana
The Council of Zongo Chiefs adviced the students to embrace the opportunity granted them and focus on why the country is sending them to Cuba.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for you so cease it and make yourselves proud so that you can come back and help your community and your country.”
“As you go there, you will meet people from other countries. Uphold your values and be worthy ambassadors of Ghana by holding high the flag of Ghana.”
“We will keep praying for you and the National Chief Imam will keep praying for you. But you should be focused at all times.”
Representatives of the various Islamic sects; Ahlusunnah Wal Jamaa Jamaah, Shiat and the Ahmadiyya Mission, all lauded President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Bawumia for initiating this opportunity for these underprivileged students from the deprived communities they were selected from.
The representative of all the religious sects also advised the students to repose the confidence the government has showed in them.
Importance of diversity
In his closing sermon and advise, the National Chief Imam urged all to continue to respect religious diversity and leave peacefully with people of different religious beliefs.
When all the 40 students on the fully funded government scholarship to Cuba introduced themselves, it demonstrated the diversity the Chief Imam spoke about because the names of the students suggested they were carefully selected from varied religious, ethnic backgrounds across the country.
Background of Scholarship
At the 2019 Maulid Commemoration in Accra, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced he had successfully brokered a deal for students from deprived and Zongo communities to be sent to Cuba by the government of Ghana to study medicine during his State visit to Cuba.
He added that the move to make a special arrangements for students in these deprived areas was in line with the Akufo-Addo government’s quest to develop human capital through education and training.
The 40 students are expected to leave Ghana this month.
President Akufo-Addo has announced that he will be running for President in the 2020 elections with the sitting Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, as his running mate.
The President made the disclosure at the Headquarters of New Patriotic Party (NPP) when he addressed party faithful after submitting his nomination forms to the Party leadership in fulfilment of the laid down rules in the NPP constitution.
“Our party regulations says that once a flagbearer is chosen, the flagbearer must choose his running mate. This is not a matter that needs any consideration, once my hands are lifted, I will also lift up the hands of the Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He is certainly the one I will be running with†President Akufo-Addo said.
Voter Registration Exercise
President Akufo-Addo was quick to suggest to the Party folk to make sure that as soon as the Electoral Commission begins its upcoming “Voter Registration Exerciseâ€, they and their households will go and write their names in order to secure their right to vote in the 2020 elections and beyond.
General Secretary of the NPP
General Secretary of the NPP, John Boadu, before he invited the President to address the Party members noted that President Akufo-Addo is the only member of the NPP who has filed his nomination forms to run for the flagbearership position of the NPP ahead of election 2020. He urged the rank and file of the party to get into campaign mode forthwith to ensure that the party wins back to power after the 2020 elections.
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has announced that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is piloting an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system which when fully operational will completely eliminate electricity stealing in the entire country.
Addressing a ceremony at the ECG head office to officially launch the ECG Mobile Application (ECG POWER), the Vice President noted that the greatest challenge in the energy sector is its inability to collect revenue due her after supplying electricity to the consuming public.
“If we produce power and we are only able to collect sixty percent (60%) of the revenue, it means we have lost 40% of the revenue. The issue of solving the collection problem at ECG is a major part of solving the energy issue in Ghana,†Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia said.
He further indicated that he is aware that the board and Management of ECG are looking at applying technology in the collection process of it revenue.
“I know they are piloting a system now and by the Grace of God if all goes well we will have implemented a new system starting this year whereby nobody will be able to steal electricity in Ghana again†Dr Bawumia noted.
ECG Board Chairman
Chairman of the Board of Directors of ECG Kelly Gadzekpo, in his remarks registered the delight of ECG to her Information Technology (IT) staff who he solely credited as those who developed the entire infrastructure of the new app, ECG POWER.
He also emphasized that an effective monitoring system has been instituted by the ECG to ensure that revenue generated by the App will be secured and guaranteed.
ECG Power App
The new ECG application (ECG POWER) had been introduced to bring convenience to electricity consumers in the country. Essentially, the App can be used by ECG customers who have Smart Prepayment Meters to recharge their electricity credit any time of the day as well as do same for family and friends. It has a mobile wallet payment options and consumption information for the App user. Prepaid topups can be made through the App and payment can also be made with the App for post paid meters.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has charged the people living in the various Zongo communities to ask politicians who come to them with propaganda and empty rhetoric to provide their development policy for the Zongo Community.
Addressing thousands of members of the Zongo community in Aboabo over the weekend during the 52nd commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad by the Tijaaniya Muslims of Ghana, Dr. Bawumia said until the government of President Akufo-Addo came up with a national policy for the development of Zongo communities, Zongos in the past had been taken for granted by some politicians who claimed to love them but only provided sugar and tea as their development blueprint.
“When they come to you with their propaganda and empty rhetoric, ask them what is their development policy for the Zongos. Kindly ask them what was their policy and legacy for the people of Zongo when they had the opportunity to serve,†the Vice President said, in apparent reference to the opposition NDC.
“The good people of the Zongo deserve better, not lip service and occasional provision of tea, sugar and rice by opportunistic politicians without policies for our people.â€
The Vice President noted that it was because of the deceit and marginalization of Zongos by opportunistic politicians that Nana Akufo-Addo came out with a development policy to help bridge the developmental gap between Zongos and other parts of the country.
“For us, we have not left the Zongos out of the development agenda of the government,†Dr. Bawumia said.
“Having realised how the Zongos were excluded and used by some politicians who claimed to have Zongo at heart, Nana Akuffo-Addo promised to create a special Ministry and a special fund to bridge the gap in development between the Zongos and other parts of the country.â€
“True to his word, President Akufo-Addo has delivered by establishing the Ministry of Inner Cities and Zongo Development, as well as the Zongo Development Fund. For the first time in the history of this country, Zongos have their own budgetary allocation for development projects. And thanks to the Zongo Development Fund established by President Akufo-Addo, there are over 200 completed and on-going infrastructure and development projects in Zongos throughout the country.â€
“Real, visible and traceable projects such as construction of access roads, health facilities, boreholes, recreational parks (astro turfs), water systems, class room blocks, toilet & drainage facilities, provision of street lights, desks and other educational materials, renovation of mosques and madrasats, as well as human development initiatives such as vocational training, computer literacy and public sensitisation initiatives, among many other development programs are going in many Zongos in the country across all 16 regions.â€
Dr. Bawumia added that the development programs of President Akufo-Addo for the Zongos are sustainable, and designed not only to develop infrastructure and other social amenities, but also to develop human capital in the Zongos through education and training.
“These are real, sustainable development projects, which have emanated from a well thought out policy by a visionary leader, Nana Akufo-Addo and his government,†said the Vice President.
“The good people of Zongo, just like any other Ghanaian, deserve better. The strong and energetic youth, the brilliant student, the gifted athlete, the persevering parent, the hardworking artisan and the enterprising trader of our Zongos need a leader and government with progressive policies such as we have under the Zongo Development Fund to help them achieve their objectives and bring real development to our people and communities.â€
Dr. Bawumia urged the people in the Zongo communities to continue to pray and support President Akufo-Addo and his government, so that they will continue to do more for them and the country.
“Let us also continue to support and pray for President Akufo-Addo and his government so that, inshaa Allah, we can stay on for 4 more years and do more for the good people of Zongo and Ghana.â€
The President of Council of Zongo Chiefs in Ashanti Region Chief Musah Akambounga has prophesied that a Muslim will be elected as President of the Republic of Ghana through New Patriotic Party (NPP), MyNewsGh.com reports.
Chief Musah Akambounga charged his fellow Muslims, Zongo dwellers and Zongo leaders to disabuse their minds of the perception that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is anti-Muslims and Zongos.
Speaking at the 10th Anniversary celebration of AL-WAHDA Club of NPP at Kumasi Central Mosque, Chief Musah Akambounga explained that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) loves and cares about Muslim communities more than any political party in the country.
According to him, the various policies and programmes being implemented by the Akufo-Addo led government for Muslims and the Zongo communities manifests how NPP loves and cares about Muslims especially Muslim communities.
“At first we thought it was the NDC that had the Muslim community and Zongos at heart, but what the NPP government have done shows that it is the NPP that really cares about Muslims. We should support NPP to continue to implement policies which will have good impact on our Muslims communities. NPP is not anti-Muslim party but people say it because of propaganda and cheap Politicsâ€. He said.
Chief Musah Akambounga pledged that the association will continue to support NPP and explain government policies to the good people of Ghana.
A leading member of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Allotey Jacobs has admitted Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has raised political discourse in the country to a level which is making it very difficult for his party to match up.
Speaking as a panel member on Peace FM’s morning show, Kokrokoo on Tuesday, Allotey Jacobs averred that Dr. Bawumia’s series of intellectual presentations were becoming a worry to the NDC , and expressed concern over his party’s inability to match-up to the Vice President.
“He is doing something that as communicators and party leaders, we should watch out,” said Allotey Jacobs.
“Dr. Bawumia’s lectures target the Intellectual community and then other people who form the structure of our society are also targeted and invited,” Allotey Jacobs said on Tuesday during a discussion on Dr. Bawumia’s delivery at the Government’s Town Hall Meeting on Monday.
Allotey Jacobs, who is also a former Central Regional Chairman of the NDC, said Dr. Bawumia exhibited his intellectual prowess in opposition by delivering a series of lectures, which contributed in sending the NDC out of power.
He added that even in government and in an election year, Dr. Bawumia is repeating same, expressing worry that his part, the NDC, has so far found no antidote to match up to the Vice President.
“He did this kind of presentation while in opposition, and in government too, he has taken over and doing same,” said Allotey Jacobs.
“We weren’t serious and our communication wasn’t cohesive and this ensured that the NPP won the election.”
“Dr. Bawumia has driven into our political space. From 2017 up to now, he has occupied about 2/3 of our political space. We have been criticising him but the more you mention him, the more he resonates with the people,” the former NDC regional chairman added.
Allotey Jacobs expressed both admiration and worry over Dr. Bawumia’s latest delivery at the Government Town Hall meeting in Kumasi, describing the Vice President’s presentation as a separation of propaganda and facts.
“He (Vice President Bawumia) has digitized our communication and he has separated propaganda and facts,” Allotey Jacobs said, in reference to the Town Hall Presentation by the Vice President.
” I won’t even go into the details of his presentation, but I’m looking at it from afar and asking are we going to leave it again when he is occupying the political space? Look, this is greater than what he did at Central University.”
“Look at the people present. Chiefs, this, that; from all our social structure. They were all invited and they were allowed to ask questions.”
“What I’m saying is, who can come forward and punch holes in the presentation of Vice President Bawumia?”
When show host, Kwame Sefa Kayi told Allotey Jacobs that NDC party communicators have already started responding to Dr. Bawumia’s presentation, Allotey Jacob gave a less enthusiastic response.
“They say monkeys play by sizes. That is why I am saying we need someone who can match up to Dr. Bawumia,” Allotey told show hist Kwame Sefa Kayi.
DR. BAWUMIA RAISING THE BAR
The NDC elder expressed worry over the parties inability to nominate a running mate, adding that Dr. Bawumia is raising the bar to make things even more difficult for the NDC.
” Up to now, we haven’t even nominated our running mate,” Allotey Jacob’s lamented.
“What Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is doing is that he is raising the bar to the extent that we need somebody like him to interface with him.”
“When you listen to Dr. Bawumia’s presentations, he is very eloquent and he spices his presentations with his twi to make it even more exciting.”
“When you are doing analysis of a person and how to defeat that person, you bring all these things on board. We need somebody at his level to face off with him.”
“Dr. Bawumia has raised the bar and I want to plead with my brother President Mahama to get a running mate who can match up to Dr. Bawumia.”
Head of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Appiah in December 2017 disclosed that the utility company was creating an app that will enable its customers to purchase prepaid credits online.
The move was aimed at facilitating the purchasing process as well as prevent customers from joining long queues at vending points anytime they want to buy prepaid credit.
With the app, customers would pay for their electricity bills as well as make a purchase for another.
According to him, his outfit got the inspiration to design the app after the utility company was faced with a server challenge that left about 30,000 customers sleeping in darkness.
It is quite unclear yet what ECG app Dr Bawumia spoke about when he made the statements about a launch on February 18, but the vice president during his Town Hall meeting in Kumasi Tuesday announced that government will launch a mobile app that will enable ECG customers buy prepaid credits on their phones without necessarily moving to the vendor to make a purchase.
This initiative is part of government’s plan to digitise the economy.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is opting to start the payment of prepaid electricity credit through a mobile application.
Head at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Appiah says the move will facilitate the fast purchase of credit so that customers will not have to move distances to buy prepaid credit.
“Going forward, the company intends to ensure that all ECG payment metering system will be smart devoid of customers visiting vending points, but instead utilizing a mobile application to purchase credit online,†he said.
What this means is that customers will also be able to pay their electricity bills through a mobile application.
This move by the ECG follows recent challenges on the company’s server which has left about 30,000 ECG customers in some parts of Accra without power for days.
Affected arrears suffering the challenge has seen residents of Dansoman, Korle Bu, Achimota and Kaneshie manage to live in the dark since Monday, December 4th. As at Tuesday, the number of persons reporting at the ECG for clarification om the development has reached over a hundred affected customers.
YEN.com.gh has learnt that about four distressed customers have collapsed in the scramble for electricity units at the ECG office in Accra. According to Myjoyonline.com, the men “fell one after the other and were rushed to the nearest hospitalâ€.
Meanwhile, general manager of ECG Revenue Protection, David Asamoah has assured customers of an immediate resolution of the matter.
The Founder of policy think tank, Imani Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has indicated that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has done more on the economy than it has highlighted.
Speaking on the PM Express television programme on Joy News on Tuesday evening [February 11, 2020], Mr Cudjoe said the NPP was understating its achievements after Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia rendered an account of NPP manifesto promises delivered and delivering.
Mr Cudjoe appeared on the television programme as part of the analysis of the 78 per cent manifesto promises fulfilled as put out by Vice President Dr Bawumia in Kumasi on Tuesday.
Mr Cudjoe observed that there were significant commonalities between the Imanifesto work his outfit did in tracking government performance and what government did.
According to Mr Cudjoe, the government has done more than what Dr Bawumia presented on Tuesday and encouraged the government to revisit the Imanifesto, which according to him shows more achievements.
“If you look at the area of the economy for instance, we at IMANI believe government has done fantastically well and that ought to be highlighted “, he said.
“I think they [NPP] have done far better in infrastructure than they think they have” Mr Cudjoe noted.
The Townhall meetings create avenues for government officials to discuss with participants government policies by using a combination of graphs, tables and text to provide evidence to buttress claims that the Akufo-Addo administration had largely delivered on most of its promises.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed that the New Patriotic Party, prior to assuming power on January 7, 2017, was largely aware of the mess created by the previous administration led by John Dramani Mahama.
“Let’s start at the beginning. The NPP under the leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo was largely aware of the nature of the problems that existed in the economy before we came into office. We had analysed these problems, talked about them and put forward solutions which were largely captured in our 2016 Election Manifesto,†he said at the 7th Town Hall meeting held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST).
Listing the problems the NPP inherited, he said, “Some of the problems that existed in the economy, many of which were worsened following the eight years of NDC government, included:
• Declining Economic growth;
• High Inflation rate
• High-Interest rates
• High exchange rate depreciation
• High fiscal deficit
• Rapid accumulation of debt. 12-fold increase in debt
• Weak and collapsing financial system
• High Unemployment
• The NHIS was back to cash and carry.
• Emergency healthcare system was collapsing with only 55 semi-functional ambulances in the country
• Four years of dumsor with its costs
• Average annual increase in electricity prices between 2010 and 2015 was 45%
• Increases in taxes on many items
• Freeze on public sector recruitment
• Cuts in research allowances for lecturers
• Abolition of teachers training allowances
• Abolition of nurses training allowances
• Teachers paid 3 months arrears after working for 2-3 years.
• High Import Duties
• Corrupt practices associated with the acquisition of passports and drivers licenses.
• Problems renewing NHIS membership
• Cumbersome process to clear goods at the ports.
• Many parents could not afford school fees for their children for SHS
• No national ID card
• No working nationwide address system
• Corrupt practices associated with manual court processes
• IMF program was resorted to restore policy credibility with its attendant conditionalities.â€
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has described the government’s flagship Frèe SHS program as the biggest social intervention initiative by any government in Ghana since Independence.
Speaking at the Government’s Town Hall Meeting in Kumasi to lay bare achievements of the Nana Akufo-Addo government in three years, Dr. Bawumia revealed that due to the success of the policy, SHS enrollment has tremendously increased by 69% i three years, leading to about 1.2m students benefiting from Free SHS .
“The free SHS has resulted in a 69% increase in enrollment. Today, 1.2 million children are benefiting from free SHS,” Dr. Bawumia said.
The Vice President said that providing access to secondary education to every Ghanaian child was an important concern to President Akufo-Addo and the government because developing human capital is crucial to the development of a nation, hence the government’s commitment to deliver on the Free SHS promise despite the initial challenges.
“The empirical evidence is very persuasive that the key to economic transformation is human capital, not natural resources. This is why President Akufo-Addo has placed an emphasis of making sure that every Ghanaian child, regardless of the financial circumstances of their parent will have access to free senior high school education,” said the Vice President
“This was a promise we made prior to the election in 2016 and one that we have fulfilled. It is the most significant social intervention introduced in Ghana since independence. We are investing and building capacity for the future of this country.”
Dr. Bawumia said the government had initial challenges in rolling out the Free SHS due to insufficient facilities in some schools to accommodate increment in enrollment. Bent on not denying any Ghanaian child access to Free SHS education, Dr. Bawumia said, the government had to be innovative by establishing the double track system in the interim to ensure access for all, while taking steps to build more facilities.
“We had a big challenge however. We did not have sufficient infrastructure in most schools to accommodate the increased numbers. Today, 1.2 million people are benefiting from Free SHS. The question we faced was “Whose Child Should be left at home?†In response to this challenge we introduced the double track system as a temporary solution to the problem while we construct new school infrastructure.”
“The thinking here is akin to how churches have first, second and even third services to deal with large numbers.”
” There are people who say that we should have finished building the schools before introducing free SHS but I would say that it is better to educate a child even under a tree than to have them sitting at home. With that same logic we would have had to finish building all the hospitals we need before introducing the NHIS.”
The opposition NDC has been vehement in its criticism of the double track system, but the Vice President said the NDC has not provided any alternative to double track, maintaining that without the double track system, hundreds of thousands of students who now have access to free secondary education would have been sitting at home.
“The fact is that without the double track system, hundreds of thousands of students would not be able to access free SHS.”
“Those who are criticizing the double track system have not been able to offer an alternative. Abolishing the double track system means abolishing free SHS as we know it. Whose child should stay at home?”
“This is why government is investing in the construction of new infrastructure at senior high schools across the country and some schools are no longer on the double track. . The double track system will therefore be over in just a few years for all schools when the infrastructure is completed.”
“Interestingly the Government of Kenya, facing similar challenges, has asked our Ministry of education to assist them to introduce the double track system in Kenya.”
Dr. Bawumia added that the best government to kove the Free SHS to the next level should be the President and the government which believed in it and implemented it, not a party which criticized the policy and was pessimistic about its success.
“We need a government that is committed to the free SHS system. A government that is prepared to commit the resources to finance it,” Dr. Bawumia said, obviously referring to President Akufo-Addo and the NPP.
“Can we entrust the Free SHS policy to someone who did not believe in it
in the first place? To someone who said it was a gimmick? To someone who said if he had GHC2 billion he would not spend it on Free SHS? To someone who says he would abolish double track but has no alternative to offer?”
The Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said the government is using digitisation to enhance the economy and reduce corruption.
The introduction of the National ID system and Tax Identification Number are ways of fighting corruption and shore up revenue for the government at the same time, he stated.
Dr Bawumia has also announced that there will be the introduction of a Universal QR Code next month.
He says with the code which leverages on existing technologies, traders and businesses will be able to receive payments without a point of sale device.
He had earlier disclosed that the government, will increase the number of registered taxpayers to at least sixteen million by the end of this year.
Dr. Bawumia explained that this should be achieved through the transfer of all national ID numbers collated under the various card registrations to Tax Identification Numbers to track people who are yet to be captured under the tax net.
“Currently less than 2 million people are registered to pay taxes but by the end of this year, we will start converting all the national ID numbers into tax identification numbers so you will bring people into the tax net and this is what digitisation is going to allow us to do.â€
“The introduction of a digital license and vehicle registration, online application of passport, paperless port system, online renewal of the National Health Insurance membership have actually curbed the frustrations, the petty bribery and corruption that Ghanaians face in their daily lives when they encounter these institutions.â€
The Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has said the decision taken by the central bank to clean-up the banking sector was carefully planned and was not done in a haste.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Kumasi, the Vice President explained that the nine indigenous banks had challenges that threatened the overall health of the banking sector and the Bank of Ghana was justified in its mass closure.
He stated that the affected banks have engaged in acts that could be considered fraudulent with some procuring their licenses under fraudulent means coupled with poor corporate governance practices.
The weak nature of these banks, he said, threatened more than 4.6 million of depositors with several jobs on the line.
He stated that the decision taken by the Bank of Ghana protected the deposits of about 5 million depositors, while jobs were protected due to the creation of the Consolidated Bank to merge seven of the nine banks.
He assured that depositors of the collapsed banks would receive all their locked up deposits just as directed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia is today, addressing citizens at a Town Hall meeting in Kumasi.
He is expected among other things to speak to issues regarding development in the country.
Themed “Demonstrating fulfillment of our promises”, Dr. Bawumia will hear from attendants their concerns, and take questions alike, after addressing of course, major achievements this government administration has achieved since it began its office.
A photographic and video exhibition to highlight socio-economic successes of the country under the President Nana Akufo-Addo-led Administration will be held at the Great Hall, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.
It is intended to promote accountable and transparent governance, thereby, whipping up public support for government development programmes and policies.
“We want to demonstrate to the public how the implementation of our human-centred programmes is impacting positively on the lives of the people,†Mr Pius Enam Hadzide, a Deputy Minister of Information, told a media briefing in Kumasi.
This ranges from: “Planting for Food and Jobsâ€, “Rearing for Food and Exportâ€, “One District, One Factoryâ€, “One District, One Warehouseâ€, “Free Senior High Schoolâ€, “One Constituency, One Ambulanceâ€, and other initiatives implemented over the last three years.
The programme is expected to climax the Seventh Ashanti Regional Town Hall Meeting and Results Fair, and on hand to deliver the keynote address will be the Vice-President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, will be the Guest of Honour.
The programme, which would be organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Monitoring and Evaluation and Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), is under the theme “Demonstrating Fulfillment of our Promisesâ€.
Mr Enam Hadzide described the achievements of the government as a good sign of better things to come, citing the number of jobs created, infrastructural development initiated and socio-economic and political stability the nation was enjoying.
Nana Akrasi Sarpong, the Regional Director, Information Services Department (ISD), hinted that all 43 districts in the Region would have their stands created to showcase to the public the programmes and successes chalked in their respective areas.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Friday urged the Police Service to remain neutral in its operations and deal decisively with anybody that will foment trouble before, during and after this year’s parliamentary and presidential elections.
He said the December 7 Election would be a litmus test for the country’s Democracy and entreated the Police to discharge their duties professionally devoid of intimidation and harassment of the public.
He re-affirmed Government’s commitment to provide the Police Service with the requisite logistics and tools to perform their constitutional mandate, in order to safeguard the peace and security of the nation and ensure a credible and transparent electoral process.
Vice President Bawumia made the call at the 2019 West African Security Services Activity (WSSA) of the Ghana Police Service held at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
The annual get-together afforded an opportunity for personnel of the Police Service to take stock of the previous year’s activities and interact with the civilian population towards ensuring improved service in the coming year.
At this year’s event, police personnel were entertained with contemporary music from popular Ghanaian artistes, with plenty of food and drinks to savour the day.
Vice President Bawumia, also the Chairman of the Police Council,while recounting some of the support offered to the Service, said Government since 2017 provided 700 multi-purpose vehicles and three helicopters to the Service to enhance its operational effectiveness and safeguard the peace and security of the citizenry.
Additionally, police personnel were given body armours, cameras and other modern gadgets to safeguard their safety.
Currently, six constables are undergoing aviation training in South Africa to pilot the helicopters, while 50 personnel were being trained to constitute the Police Airborne Unit to enable the Police to respond effectively to aerial situations and protect lives and property.
Vice President Bawumia said 320 housing units were under construction to offset the housing deficit and thus, entreated the Service to continue exercising professionalism and adopt modern intelligence and investigation strategies to safeguard peace and tranquility.
According to him, 20,000 security officers across the various security agencies due for promotion were promoted since 2017, which motivated and boosted their morale to give off their best.
He said greater collaboration between the Police and their civilian counterparts would help in curbing crimes and making the nation a better place to live.
Dr Bawumia lauded the Management of the Police Service for introducing an Anti-Corruption Action Plan and Complaint Unit to deal with police misconduct and public complains timeously.
He charged them to work tirelessly to halt the frequent road carnage by strictly enforcing road safety regulations and prosecute offenders to serve as a deterrent to others.
“Fatal road accidents often leave psychological scars and painful experiences on the families of the victims and therefore being the key institution for ensuring internal security and safety, you should work to prevent road carnage in the country,” Dr Bawumia advised.
Vice President Bawumia said government was leveraging on digitisation to fight crime, saying that, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the National Insurance Commission (NIC) had linked their database so that the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Police Service could easily check whether vehicles were insured and possessed the requisite roadworthy documents.
That, he believed, would go a long way to curb road crashes and rid-off rickety vehicles on the road to ensure road safety for both motorists and passengers.
Commissioner of Police(COP) Mr Prosper Kwame Agblor, Director-General, Legal and Prosecution of the Ghana Police Service, who deputised for the Inspector-General of Police, Mr James Oppong Boanuh, said the Service, last year, performed its constitutional duties creditably despite limited number of personnel.
Currently, he said, the Service had a staff strength of 34,982 with a ratio of 1:808 police to civilian thus, falling below the United Nations standard of 1:500.
He said the Service lost 11 police personnel in line of duty last year and a minute of silence was observed to honour their memory.
COP Agblor said 7,000 police personnel who were due for promotion in 2019 were duly promoted across various ranks, thereby boosting their morale to give off their best and ensuring the safety of Ghanaians.
On accommodation challenge, he said, those who paid their own rent were duly reimbursed and thus, commended government for taking measures to solve the police accommodation deficit.
He pledged the Service’s resolve to remain impartial in its operations as the nation heads for general election to safeguard peace and security.
The Service rewarded 10 police personnel and two civilian staff for their exceptional contributions over the past year.
Vice President Bawumia earlier inspected a photo exhibition mounted by the Police Service showcasing some of the government’s developmental projects implemented over the past three years.
Vice president Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has admonished the Ghana Police Service to continue to exhibit professionalism in their duty of service and assured them that the government will continue to motivate and provide them with the needed logistics, in recognition of their sacrifices.
Dr Bawumia said this on Friday, 8 February 2020 when he joined the Police at their national headquarters to climax the 2019 annual West African Security Services Association (WASSA).
He expressed President Nana Akufo-Addo’s appreciation to all members of the Ghana Police Service for “the excellent service they are providing to consolidate peace and security.â€
In line with the Government’s 13 strategic objectives outlined to retool and leverage the Ghana Police Service as a world-class law enforcement organisation, over 700 multi-purpose vehicles have been procured to augment the Service’s fleet and enhance operational effectiveness.
The Government has also procured a number of sizeable weapons, body armour vests, body cameras and motor bikes for the service.
Also, the government has procured three helicopters, created the Airborne Unit and internally recruited six Constables who are currently undergoing training in South Africa to become Pilots for the Service. Fifteen personnel were also taken to South Africa to undergo training to establish the Canine (K-9) Unit.
Again, the construction of 320 housing units at the National Police Training School (NPTS), Accra, took off to offset some of the housing deficits of the service among others.
The Ambulances distributed by President Nana Akufo Addo under the One Constituency , One Ambulance initiative has responded rapidly as expected to an accident scene in Walewale of the North -East Region.
A Kumasi bound OA bus has been involved in an accident on the Tamale-Bolgatanga Highway.
The bus with registration number GT-4504-16 collided head-on with a Burkinabe registered 11 KL 8924-BF Fuel Tanker.
The accident occurred at Gbemsi a village under Walewale in the North East region.
The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained officially by road safety officials though ,they have since visited the scene to launch investigations.
But a passenger who spoke to A1 News on condition of anonymity said ,the OA Bus Driver was speeding on the potholes ridden road and failed breaks leading to the crash after it veered off its lane toward the fuel Tanker.
However , no injury has been recorded. Meanwhile, the newly distributed Ambulance was moved to the scene with some paramedics when it got hint of the accident to attend to any injury.
Vice President Dr Bawumia has called on charity organizations and established individuals to extend a helping hand to street children and the vulnerable.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Fourth Anniversary of Christ the King Catholic Church “Soup Kitchen” on Saturday, Dr Bawumia said it is worth supporting the poor and the vulnerable in society, rather than accumulating material wealth for self-aggrandisement.
Making reference to the Holy Scriptures “Love thy neighbour as thy self,” Dr Bawumia said, it is imperative to support street children because they were at no fault for their predicament, but rather their parents who failed to take care of them and broken homes.
“As a society, if we fail to support these kids, we’ll reap what we sow,” he said, adding “some of these street children end up joining criminal gangs and stealing in the quest to survive the harsh conditions on the street”.
In this regard, Dr Bawumia said, government has decided to build a shelter for street children to be used for accommodation, training and feeding.
In view of that, he said, a land had been secured for that purpose while the Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly is supporting the project.
Additionally, government would make a provision for 500 of the street children to be enrolled onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) this year.
Dr Bawumia said efforts are underway to enable the National Identification Authority (NIA) to register them for the National Identification Cards (Ghana Card).
He urged the beneficiaries to aspire to be like Lawyer Sam Okudjeto, an astute legal luminary and member of the Council of State and Her Lordship Mrs Georgina Theodora Wood, a former Chief Justice of Ghana, both of them were present at the ceremony.
Dr Bawumia described the two patriots as people who had strength in character and have sacrificed to better the lots of others.
Vice President Bawumia applauded Reverend Father Andrew Campbell, Parish Priest of the Christ the King Catholic Church, volunteers and workers of the Soup Kitchen for keeping faith with the street children over the past four years.
He also commended all benefactors who supported the Soup Kitchen with meals, cash, assorted items and in various kind.
Father Campbell, who was the brainchild of the initiative and established the centre on January 17, 2016, recounted the circumstances that led to the establishment of the Soup Kitchen.
He said so far, GHC 55,490 had been spent on the beneficiaries through provision of meals, clothing, medical care, payment of school fees and skill training while 800 had been registered onto the NHIS.
Father Campbell said efforts are being made to reintegrate some of the beneficiaries back to the society while others are reunited with their families.
On behalf of Soup Kitchen and Pastoral Council of the Church, Father Campbell presented citations and plaques to some deserving personalities for their enormous contributions to the initiative.
They included Vice President Dr Bawumia, Her Ladyship Georgina Theodora Wood, Mrs Matilda Amissah Arthur, widow of former Vice President, and Ms Franka Andoh, a Volunteer at the Soup Kitchen.
Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia turns 56 today, Monday, 7 October 2019.
Dr Bawumia was born this day in Tamale to Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia and Hajia Mariama Bawumia.
Bawumia was a Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana until his nomination as the vice-presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2008, standing alongside presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo.
He also ran as the NPP vice-presidential candidate in the 2012 general elections and was the lead witness for the petitioners in the 2012/2013 Presidential Election Petition which challenged the declaration of John Mahama as winner of the election.
Dr Bawumia was re-nominated as the Vice-Presidential Candidate to Nana Akufo-Addo for the 2016 general elections and became Vice President when Akufo-Addo won the elections.
In a good will message to her husband, Mrs Samira Bawumia in a Facebook post said: “We thank Allah for another year of life, good health and favour. I pray for His continued guidance and blessings for the years to come, especially as you serve our dear nation. Thank you for being an amazing hubby and daddy. The kids and I love you dearly. Happy birthday, my dear.â€
