During his Nationwide Tour,Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), promised to elevate small-scale miners to millionaire status if he becomes president.
Speaking to a gathering of small-scale miners in the Western Region, the vice president detailed his plans to overhaul the mining sector for the benefit of local miners.
He underscored the importance of implementing community mining schemes in disused shafts and exploring new mining areas as strategies to generate employment opportunities and foster wealth creation among citizens.
“We will talk to the big mining companies; abandoned shafts, we will open them as community mining schemes for our people, and the new places that we will discover, we will open them. We will create jobs for our people, we will make you millionaires and we will make you rich, that is what we are going to do,” he declared.
Despite Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s pledge, some small-scale miners remain skeptical.
Michael Kojo Peprah, President of the Small-Scale Miners Association, dismissed Bawumia’s promise as mere political rhetoric.
He highlighted the challenges endured by small-scale miners during the current administration, such as a one-year ban on their sector and the contentious Operation Vanguard.
“I think he is just trying to lie to us. We became very poor when his government came into power. That was when they placed a one-year ban on our sector.
We were in this country when the government started burning excavators when they brought about this operation Vanguard.
“He was the vice president. Joe Osei Owusu told us in this country to shoot to kill small-scale miners. He never did or said anything to console us. We were here when excavators flew from Ghana into our neighbouring countries, he never said anything.
“So if you have about eight months to redeem whatever your government has done and you’ve not been able to do it, and you come back to tell us that you want to make us millionaires, then we take what he said as a joke.”
Ashanti Regional Chairman of theNew Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has boldly expressed the party’s confidence in launching rockets into space for the first time in Ghana.
Speaking on his radio station, Wontumi FM on April 19, the chairman stated that should the party’s current flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Bawumia, win the upcoming elections, the NPP plans to execute a space rocket launch before the end of his eight-year term.
Chairman Wontumi boldly claims with his chest that after Dr. Bawumia's victory in this year's election, Ghana will announce its preparedness to build rockets and make a maiden voyage into space. pic.twitter.com/uu6flIcpmB
The focal point of discussion was Dr. Bawumia‘s proposed tax reforms and his vision for the future of Ghana’s business landscape.
GUTA President Dr. Joseph Obeng Darko opened the forum, welcoming members to voice their concerns and suggestions directly to Dr. Bawumia and his team.
The atmosphere was characterized by a relaxed exchange as Dr. Bawumia encouraged open interaction with numerous GUTA members.
Praising Dr. Bawumia’s proposed tax reforms, particularly the flat tax rate and tax amnesty for businesses and individuals, Dr. Darko highlighted the potential for simplification and improved compliance.
He also raised issues such as harassment by tax officials under the current system, which Dr. Bawumia pledged to address comprehensively.
“We agree with your flat tax proposal because it will simplify things for us and our businesses.
“The reason why we like the tax amnesty and flat tax rate policy is that if you give us the amnesty and the flat tax rate, it will help our businesses. It means that we are going to do the right thing, which will be benchmarked against the next five years as you have proposed,” said the GUTA President.
In response, Dr. Bawumia reiterated his commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, citing his research in Estonia on their successful flat rate tax system.
“In trying to find a solution to this, I went to Estonia, one of the most business-friendly countries in the world, to study their tax system and I discovered that the key for them is the flat rate tax system they have, which is clear, transparent and with a very high compliant rate.”
“This is what I want to introduce in Ghana, to make Ghana a business-friendly country and one of the most business-friendly nations in the world.”
He outlined a series of policy proposals aimed at reducing the complexity and cost of doing business in Ghana, including VAT reviews and measures to align port charges and import duties for greater stability.
“My major goal is to make Ghana one of the most business-friendly economies in the world.
“My government will be a business-centered government. I want, thus, to move quite a number of government expenditure to the private sector. When this happens, government’s expenditure will reduce and the private sector will also thrive,” Dr. Bawumia told the GUTA members.
The engagement with GUTA forms part of Dr. Bawumia’s broader initiative to engage stakeholders across sectors, showcasing his vision for a transformed economic landscape and garnering valuable feedback to refine his policies.
On March 1, 2024, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia inaugurated the University of Ghana stadium (Legon Stadium) in Accra.
The colorful ceremony marked the completion of the 11,000 capacity facility, which will be a venue for the upcoming 13th edition of the African Games in Accra.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the significance of the African Games in the continent’s history during the commissioning ceremony.
“I believe it is common knowledge that the Great Pan African and First President of the Republic of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah is a founding member of the Games. The Games thus inhabit the Spirit of Africa and Pan Africanism.
“Our theme for this edition of the Games, “Experience the African Dream”, is thus steeped in the core values of unity, independence, political and economic cooperation, as well as historical and cultural awareness.”
He added that “this is the age of the African Renaissance. The continent is tagged by Trade Finance Global with the potential to shape geopolitics and world economics for decades to come.
“This potential would not marginally materialize to propel our people into prosperity without conscious and intentional action on the part of everyone, especially leadership across all social divides and facets of society.”
The United Nations, he said, had “Identified sports as the most appropriate vehicle for sustainable socio-economic development and made a pronouncement as such in 2018. Combined with the youthful bulge of our demographic dividend, the opportunity is here, and the time is now. Ghana is ready to host the world.
“It is in recognition of many social and cultural benefits inherent in sports that the Government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, took the bold decision to bid for and win the rights for Ghana to host this edition of the African Games. This visionary step has resulted in the construction of international standard sporting facilities such as the University of Ghana Sports Stadium and Rugby Field and the Borteyman Sports Complex.
“Construction of these facilities have not been easy, but we know that the returns would be immediate and substantial”, he concluded.
More than 13,000 elite athletes, sports experts, technicians, officials, and volunteers are anticipated to take part in the African Games, concluding on Saturday, March 23.
The African Games serve as a platform for the continent’s top sporting talents to come together, compete, and celebrate African cultural diversity in an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Public Sector Reforms, Thomas Kusi Boafo, has asserted that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) would be deceiving themselves if they believe they are wealthier than the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
During an interview on Wontumi TV on February 28, 2024, Kusi Boafo alleged that members of the NDC amassed significant wealth during the period of erratic power supply, known as dumsor. He claimed that while the country grappled with power outages, the NDC government entered lucrative power purchase agreements, enriching themselves in the process.
“Some people used dumsor to amass huge sums in Ghana, and they became fabulously rich. That is why I have been saying that the opposition NDC is richer than the NPP. But when I say this, people don’t agree,” he remarked in Twi.
Kusi Boafo elaborated on the alleged power purchase agreements, stating that they amounted to over $9 billion. He accused the NDC of inflating costs and engaging in deals that led to wastage of electricity. According to him, these agreements were renegotiated by the current NPP government, resulting in substantial savings for Ghana.
Highlighting President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s revelations during the 2024 State of the Nation’s Address (SONA), Kusi Boafo emphasized the government’s efforts to rectify the perceived financial mismanagement of the NDC era.
He contended that the funds lost due to the power purchase agreements could have been utilized to improve infrastructure, particularly road networks. Kusi Boafo estimated that the amount lost could have facilitated the construction of approximately “1000 kilometres of asphalted road” across the country.
Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu launched a blistering attack on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing them of deceiving Ghanaians about their commitment to fighting corruption.
Amidu, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, asserted that corruption has flourished under their administration, despite their promises to eradicate it.
Amidu highlighted his previous criticism of former President John Dramani Mahama in 2015, which he claimed was exploited by Akufo-Addo and Bawumia to portray themselves as incorruptible leaders who would stamp out corruption if elected. However, Amidu asserted that their administration has presided over an unprecedented level of corruption and cronyism, contrary to their campaign promises.
He condemned Nana Akomea, a deputy chairperson and strategist of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), for attempting to use Amidu’s 2015 interview to score political points. Amidu characterized this as “dishonest opportunism” and criticized the NPP’s deception of Ghanaians.
Amidu did not mince words in his assessment of President Akufo-Addo, whom he described as the “mother serpent of corruption.” He accused the president of obstructing his efforts to investigate the Agyapa Royalties Transaction deal, which Amidu labeled as the biggest corrupt deal in Ghana since independence.
Reflecting on his resignation in 2020, Amidu recounted his “traumatic experience” and accused President Akufo-Addo of breaching his presidential oath by unlawfully obstructing his investigation into the Agyapa Royalties Transaction.
Amidu’s scathing critique underscores the growing disillusionment with the current government’s handling of corruption and its failure to live up to its anti-corruption rhetoric. His revelations have sparked widespread debate and scrutiny of the administration’s integrity and commitment to good governance.
Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has voiced apprehension over the dual role of Edward Asomani, the National Security Coordinator, who has been named as the head of the security committee for the manifesto team of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s 2024 presidential bid.
In a statement, Kwame Governs Agbodza has questioned the appropriateness of a high-ranking security official engaging in partisan political activities. Agbodza’s concern revolves around the potential conflict of interest that arises when a figure like Asomani, occupying a pivotal security position, assumes a leadership role within the political sphere.
The controversy ignited when Asomani was identified as the head of the security committee within Vice President Bawumia’s manifesto team, as disclosed in a release from the Bawumia for President 2024 campaign on February 22nd. This revelation prompted Agbodza to challenge the integrity and impartiality of Asomani’s involvement in the political arena.
Asomani’s appointment as National Security Coordinator in 2022 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo marked a significant elevation in his career trajectory, transitioning from his prior role as deputy. His ascent to this critical security post underscores the gravity of Agbodza’s concerns, as it implies a responsibility to remain apolitical and prioritize national security interests above all else.
The composition of the security committee further complicates matters, with notable figures from the defense and interior ministries, as well as a former interior minister and retired police chief, serving alongside Asomani. The inclusion of such esteemed individuals underscores the importance of maintaining a nonpartisan approach to matters of national security.
Agbodza’s inquiry raises broader questions about the intersection of security and politics within Ghana’s governance structure. As the nation gears up for the 2024 presidential elections, the issue of impartiality and integrity within key government institutions becomes increasingly paramount.
In response to Agbodza’s concerns, the Bawumia for President 2024 campaign emphasized Asomani’s credentials and leadership abilities within the security domain. However, the lingering skepticism surrounding Asomani’s simultaneous involvement in political affairs underscores the need for transparency and accountability in Ghana’s security apparatus.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has accused Vice President Bawumia of copying his sincere promises while being complicit in the current state of poor governance in Ghana.
Speaking on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the NDC LAB Policy Dialogue held at the Peduase Valley Resort in Aburi, Mahama expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the policy dialogue. He stressed the importance of the NDC’s readiness in presenting policy proposals well in advance of the upcoming elections.
Mahama applauded the NDC LAB for its critical thinking and innovative policy suggestions aimed at enhancing the socio-economic conditions of Ghanaians. He underscored the urgent need for national reconstruction in the face of socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment and deteriorating living standards.
He criticized the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration for mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of accountability, which has resulted in a severe economic crisis.
Mahama pointed out that Vice President Bawumia’s recent promises to streamline government, eliminate certain taxes, and undertake constitutional reforms are ideas he has long advocated for. He accused Bawumia of adopting these proposals despite his involvement in the poor governance of the current administration.
“The widespread acceptance of the 24-hour policy appears to have sent the NPP campaign into a tailspin, leading to a frantic effort to attack it through calumny and disinformation in the last few days. We are fortified in the knowledge that the days when the NPP assumed that they could use falsehood to hoodwink Ghanaians for electoral advantage are over, mainly because of their horrific performance in the last seven years after they were entrusted with the administration of our dear nation, Ghana.
“There is no room in leadership for excuse-making and flight from responsibility. You cannot make grandiose promises about the economy in 2016 only to be put in charge, run it down, push all of us into suffering and hardships and turn around to say you were only the mate of a reckless driver and, therefore, you should be excused from blame. Not only do I have a much better and measurable performance record in both my role as Vice President and Head of the Economic Management Team, and later as President, than my leading contender in this year’s elections, I also have a record of taking responsibility.
“The same cannot be said of my opponent. I note that my long-espoused pledges to substantially reduce the size of government by having much fewer Ministries, Ministers and appointees, abolish the payment of ex-gratia, scrap taxes like the e-levy and carry out far-reaching constitutional and governance reforms, have compelled my opponent to promise the same despite being front of centre of the poor governance under which all these ills have taken place,” he said.
Mahama reaffirmed his dedication to fulfilling his pledges, which encompass establishing a robust governance framework and implementing initiatives to foster job creation and bolster indigenous enterprises within the digital economy. He provided assurance to Ghanaians regarding safeguarding their votes and guaranteeing an equitable electoral result.
“Since 2021, I have outlined over sixty (60) different policy proposals, carefully curated to restore our economy and national life into a much better state.
“In particular, the 24-hour economy policy has found resonance with most Ghanaians, especially the youth, as confirmed by both data-based and anecdotal evidence.
“This policy has offered hope to our increasingly restless and despondent population that the half measures and mismanagement they see under the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia government, which has plunged us into suffering, will soon give way to more prudent and forward-looking programmes.
“The 24-hour economy remains the surest way to achieve significant economic expansion, boost productivity, meet demand, curb unbridled imports and their attendant adverse effects on our economy, currency, and, above all, generate well-paying jobs for the millions of people without employment,” he said.
A coalition comprising 18 distinct satellite groups within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is pushing for the nomination and appointment of Lawyer, John Apontuah Kumah, currently serving as Deputy Finance Minister, as the running mate to Vice President Dr Bawumia in the upcoming elections.
Hailing from various constituencies across the nation, these NPP groups collectively assert that the incumbent Deputy Minister of Finance is the most fitting candidate to join forces with Dr Bawumia in securing another term for the party.
Following a comprehensive survey conducted nationwide, the groups maintain that after extensive research and consultations with Ghanaians and party members, Lawyer John Apontuah Kumah emerged as the preferred choice to complement Dr Bawumia and bolster the party’s electoral prospects.
Underlining their dedication to grassroots involvement, the groups recalled a similar research initiative conducted before the NPP national super delegate elections, where they threw their support behind Dr Bawumia as the popular choice. Now, based on their latest findings, they advocate for Lawyer John Apontuah Kumah as the favored running mate.
They underscored the candidate’s economic prowess, legal expertise, specialization in entrepreneurship and job creation, loyalty, integrity, and diplomatic finesse.
The groups argue that these attributes make him an ideal candidate aligned with the NPP’s vision and capable of helping break the eight-year cycle.
In their appeal to the NPP leadership and Dr Bawumia, the groups utilize this platform to press for the selection of Lawyer John Apontuah Kumah as the running mate, believing it to be the party’s strongest strategy to secure victory in the 2024 elections.
They posit that a partnership between Lawyer John Kumah’s focus on entrepreneurship and job creation and Dr Bawumia’s digitalization initiatives will pave the way for a more prosperous Ghana, creating employment opportunities for the youth.
These grassroots groups, such as “I am 4 DMB,” “Zongo Youth 4 DMB,” “Give Bawumia a Chance,” “Gao 4 DMB,” “Northern Youth 4 DMB,” “DMB V24,” “ASUNAFO YOUTH for DMB,” “Ashanti Youth for DMB,” “Western Youth 4 DMB,” “Obuase Youth for DMB,” “Furniture/Woodwork Association for DMB,” “Muslims for DMB Caucus,” and others, collectively advocate for the fulfillment of the people’s desire to see Lawyer John Apontuah Kumah as the running mate in the upcoming elections in letter dated February 19, 2024 and addressed to the National leadership of the party.
Former Central RegionalChairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and media commentator Allotey Jacobs has likened the ‘endless criticisms’ and hostility towards the Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Bawumia, to those of Jesus Christ, where his message was downplayed and discredited.
“But they will say all manner of things, but that is how it is anyway. The Pharisees were against Jesus Christ.
Pharisees and Sadducees were two groups of Jewish religious leaders who often opposed and challenged Jesus Christ and his message. They treated him with hostility, scepticism, and contempt.
During an appearance on Peace FM’s morning show, Kokrooko, with Kwame Sefa Kayi, the NDC outcast, bemoaned the opposition’s attacks on Dr Bawumia, highlighting the disdain with which the NDC treats the “message” of the vice president and not the substance of it.
“Anytime Bawumia talks, almost 10,000 people will talk at a time, and everyone will want to comment on his remarks. Instead of engaging with the substance of his message, it seems like thousands are eager to simply criticise or insult him.
They don’t regard the message he has for them, the substance of his presentation but rather they will insult him as compared to their own,” he said.
The NDC is quick to launch personal attacks on the vice president. He also highlighted “how the NDC takes pride in competing among themselves on who can launch the most scathing attacks against him.”
Stemming from the current economic hardships Ghanaians are currently facing, Mr Allotey, in his defence, noted that the world is leaving in biblical times, hence the need for a saviour who is none other than Dr Bawumia.
“We are in biblical times, in times of difficulty where nations are in crisis. And in such times , we need a saviour in Ghana now, is Dr Bawumia,” he said.
Lawyer Adakabre Frimpong Manso has made assertions suggesting that former President John Agyekum Kufour was unexpectedly called upon to speak at Vice President Dr. Mahama Bawumia’s lecture on February 7, 2024, at the UPSA auditorium.
Adakabre, who hosts Neat FM’s morning show, claimed that President Kufour had not been originally scheduled to address the audience and had plans to travel to Kumasi for the celebration of the 150 years of the Sagrenti War.
However, Vice President Bawumia personally approached him to attend the lecture.
According to Adakabre, who was once a running mate of the founder and leader of the Ghana Freedom Party, Akua Donkor, Kufour was essentially pressured into attending and speaking at the event.
On his show on February 15, 2024, Adakabre cautioned against using Kufour’s presence at the lecture as a basis for making political judgements.
“The former president was due to travel the next day, but Dr. Bawumia gave him that necessary respect and visited him to plead for his presence at the program. It is not surprising that, because he loves Bawumia, he went there. But the mistake they made was that someone who was not billed to speak was forced to do so.
“So, he was surprised when they asked him to speak, and he said what he wanted to say. So, his position was that of him and not NPP,” he said.
Adakabre emphasised that Kufour’s participation should not be linked to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), especially as Vice President Bawumia serves as the party’s flagbearer.
“The JA Kufour Cup should not necessarily be affiliated with Bawumia and people should not use his attendance as a special guest of honour to not attend,” he added.
This match is organised to commemorate the remarkable legacy of former President J.A. Kufuor and serve as the pinnacle of celebrations for his 85th birthday.
Criticism has arisen over Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia‘s political strategy, with Professor Kobby Mensah, a lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of communication deployed by Bawumia’s team.
The critique, posted on X on February 7, 2024, highlighted the perceived failure in positively projecting the Vice President after his recent lecture outlining his vision if elected president.
Professor Mensah, a consistent critic of Bawumia‘s political candidature, pointed out a notable observation. Despite addressing various issues in his lecture, Bawumia’s statement regarding his role as not being in full charge of the government machinery gained more attention, particularly through the analogy of a driver’s mate.
This trend on social media overshadowed the substantive issues raised in the lecture.
The driver’s mate analogy served as Bawumia’s anchor, emphasizing that, if given the opportunity as president, he would carve out his distinct path. However, the aftermath of the statement saw Bawumia trending more for the analogy than for the crucial aspects of his vision.
In his critical post, Professor Mensah suggested that Bawumia’s political strategists should consider a pay cut for what he deemed an “awful job done.”
He emphasized that the Vice President could only trend as a “Mate,” and even the digitalization initiatives presented failed to gain substantial traction.
While supporters of the government defended Bawumia‘s analogy, asserting his influence in the Akufo-Addo administration, the opposition seized the opportunity to criticize the Vice President.
Accusations were hurled, alleging that Bawumia had distanced himself from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo due to perceived incompetence and political expediency.
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Bawumia gears up for the 2024 presidential elections, where he will compete against former President John Dramani Mahama. Having served as vice president since 2017, Bawumia aims to secure the presidency in 2025.
The critiques on his recent communication strategy have raised questions about the effectiveness of his campaign messaging.
Bawumia’s political strategists must agree to take a pay cut for an awful job done. He could only trend as a Mate. Not even the half baked digitalisation could gain traction 🤪 #BawumiaFails
The ‘G Boys’, a burgeoning political faction within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Wenchi constituency of the Bono Region, made a pilgrimage to the gravesite of the late Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia over the weekend.
Their aim was to seek divine favor and ancestral blessings for Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh to be selected as the NPP’s Running Mate for the 2024 elections.
The group asserted that their research positioned Dr. Prempeh, who currently serves as the Minister of Energy and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, as the frontrunner for the Running Mate position alongside Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate.
Led by their founder, Mr. Richard Kwadwo Adu, and accompanied by other members including Okyeame Nana Anto Nketiah, a linguist at the Wenchi Traditional Council, the group poured libations at the tomb of the late Prof. Busia. Prof. Busia, Ghana’s Second Prime Minister from 1962 to 1972, passed away in 1978.
Mr. Adu, a former NPP Youth Organiser in Wenchi, clarified that their visit to the tomb wasn’t solely to advocate for Dr. Prempeh but also to ensure the victory of the NPP in the 2024 elections.
“The NPP has its roots in Wenchi and we strongly believe that ancestral lineage of the late Prof Busia played an integral role in the appointment of the 2024 Running-mate for our great party,” he stated.
He explained although the outcome of the research conducted by the group confirmed Dr Prempeh as the best pair for Dr Bawumia, there was still need for the party to consult and sought favour from the ancestral spirit of the late Prof Busia for the “pair to break the eight in the Election 2024”.
Mr. Adu described Dr. Prempeh as dynamic and influential, suggesting that Alhaji Dr. Bawumia could effortlessly implement his digitalization agenda and usher in the fourth industrial revolution with him at the helm.
“In fact, the signs are clear and we are very optimistic that with the acceptance and approval of the late Prof Busia, Dr Bawumia would appoint Dr Prempeh as his running mate in the supreme interest of our great elephant party,” Mr Adu stated.
“Though the task of breaking the eight seems herculous for the party, with Dr Prempeh, the NPP can win the Election 2024, and break the eight to make the fourth industrial revolution a reality under Dr Bawumia government”, he added.
Mr. Adu mentioned that the “G Boys,” a group of roughly 200 people, had a track record. He recalled that in the 2008 general elections, Vice President Dr. Bawumia was preferred as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s running mate based on earlier similar research.
“In fact, the late Prof Busia contributed exceptionally to our great party and to restore civilian government. So, it is imperative to consult and seek his favour and blessing for our great party anytime we head for a general election,” he stated.
National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has launched scathing criticisms against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of disseminating falsehoods to the Ghanaian public.
Mr Gyamfi refuted Dr Bawumia’s assertion that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government effectively resolved the issue of erratic power supply, commonly known as ‘Dumsor,’ emphasizing that the problem was tackled during the Mahama administration.
He contended that Dr Bawumia’s track record of misleading the public, as observed in previous election campaigns, would not succeed in the upcoming 2024 elections. He expressed confidence that Ghanaians are discerning and would not be swayed by what he termed as Dr. Bawumia’s “lies.”
“Ghanaians are wide awake, the days when Bawumia could get away with his lectures as we saw in opposition which were full of lies, are gone. He got away with it in 2016 and in 2020, but they will not be third time lucky in 2024. The whole propaganda that he was the economic Messiah, and he had the magic wand has been exposed. The people have no confidence and trust in Bawumia, his people are faced with the challenge of marketing a candidate who is a chronic liar,” Gyamfi asserted during an appearance on the Key Points program on TV3.
Gyamfi’s remarks come amidst ongoing debates surrounding Dr. Bawumia’s recent address, during which he outlined policy proposals and pledged to abolish the controversial electronic financial transactions tax, known as the e-levy, if elected president.
However, Akbar Yussif Rohullah Khomeini, an aide to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, offered a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the importance of fostering visionary discourse to drive transformation in Ghana. Khomeini highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s efforts to engage the nation in discussions centered on transformative ideas, noting that such conversations are vital for national progress.
Speaking on the Key Points program, Khomeini stated, “He has gotten the whole country to engage in discourse bordering on ideas capable of transforming our nations, the conversation should be based on ideas and that is how he has done over the years.”
The contrasting views expressed by Gyamfi and Khomeini underscore the divergent perspectives prevalent in Ghanaian politics, with each side seeking to shape the narrative ahead of the 2024 elections. As the election season unfolds, the discourse surrounding policy proposals, leadership accountability, and visionary governance is expected to intensify, influencing public opinion and electoral outcomes.
As the political landscape in Ghana heats up ahead of the 2024 elections, Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Kofi Bentil, who has now become a vocal proponent of the campaign to make Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia the country’s president from January 2025, has defended Bawumia against criticisms linked to the shortcomings of the Akufo-Addo administration.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Bentil contended that while the Akufo-Addo government, particularly in its second term, faced significant challenges, Dr Bawumia cannot be solely blamed as the ultimate responsibility lies with the president. Bentil asserted that Dr. Bawumia, compared to John Mahama, presents a more credible candidate deserving of support in the upcoming elections.
“It will be difficult for Bawumia to extricate himself from the sins of the Akufo-Addo government, but I believe he is the best option for Ghana,” Bentil stated. He emphasized the need for a break from the current government’s key members in Dr. Bawumia’s team to demonstrate a commitment to change and accountability.
Bentil’s remarks come in the wake of Dr. Bawumia’s recent address at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), where he outlined the government’s achievements and unveiled plans to abolish certain taxes.
Dr. Bawumia touted the government’s success in managing inflation, controlling spending, reducing fiscal deficit, and stabilizing the debt-to-GDP ratio. He also highlighted the resilience of Ghana’s economy amid global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Following COVID-19 and the global slowdown, Ghana’s GDP growth declined to an average of 4.9% between 2017 and 2022. What is remarkable about this performance is that notwithstanding the global economic crisis from COVI-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, economic growth under our government is still stronger on average than under the 2013-2016 era preceding our coming into office,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
As the debate over Ghana’s economic performance and leadership intensifies, Dr. Bawumia’s address and Bentil’s advocacy underscore the competing narratives shaping the discourse in the run-up to the crucial 2024 elections. With expectations high and stakes even higher, Ghanaians are closely scrutinizing political promises and assessing candidates’ credibility in determining the nation’s future direction.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor made a surprising announcement, putting an end to speculation about his preferred candidate for the presidency of Ghana.
During the “Dr. Bawumia Speaks” event at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra, Kufuor declared his unwavering support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Kufuor, widely regarded as one of the most successful presidents in the history of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), had long been associated with Alan Kyeremanten. However, Kyeremanten’s decision to break ranks with the NPP and form the Movement for Change altered the political landscape.
In the 2008 presidential election, Kufuor openly expressed his preference for Kyerematen over Nana Akufo-Addo, then his Foreign Minister. Despite Kufuor’s endorsement, the NPP delegates ultimately chose Akufo-Addo as the presidential candidate.
Now, Kufuor has thrown his support behind Vice President Bawumia, despite initial protests from various NPP figures regarding his choice as running mate.
During the “Dr. Bawumia Speaks” event, Kufuor praised Bawumia’s visionary leadership and emphasized the importance of widespread support to continue his commendable work.
Kufuor’s unexpected endorsement is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming December elections, reshaping the dynamics of the political landscape in Ghana.
As the NPP navigates this new course with Bawumia at the forefront, supported by influential figures like Kufuor, the former president urged Ghanaians to rally behind and support Bawumia in his leadership role, describing him as a man of destiny.
“I have always seen him as a man of destiny. When I first saw him in 2002, he was a research assistant to the governor of the Bank of Ghana. He delivered a paper at an international conference in London. There was something about his presentation. I was the president of Ghana by then. Till then I hadn’t even spoken to him before.
“I congratulated him and I don’t know what came in me, prophetically, I told him to carry on the light and that he will go far…In 2008, Akufo-Addo picked this man again to be his running mate.”
“…This man is on a mission. A mission determined by destiny. Let’s all support him to continue.
Quality leadership is very scarce,” he stated.
The former president also indicated that the country needed a visionary leader.
“Ghana has come to a crossroads. It’s not the regular politics we want. We want a leadership with vision, even in the complex world I spoke about. We should be talking about the nation and not so much as the party. We must get competent people to work with him to bring us out of the challenges we are in now,” he added.
He pleaded with the populace to allow Dr. Bawumia an opportunity to prove his mettle as president for the good of the nation.
He declared that Dr. Bawumia had what it took to be successful and pull the nation out of its present economic and social quagmire.
“He is hallmarked by humility and the temperament requisite for the job of leading the country in search of a way forward,” Mr. Kufuor said.
Mr. Kufuor emphasized the global shortage of quality leadership that comprehends modern technological advancements and contemporary geopolitics.
He stressed the necessity for visionary leadership in Ghana, capable of harnessing new technologies and mobilizing the necessary human resources to drive national growth in today’s complex world.
According to the former president, Dr. Bawumia stands out due to his understanding of current challenges and his familiarity with the technologies needed to address them.
Mr. Kufuor said: “We happen to be living in times where the whole world is in a flux. leadership is very, very scarce, quality leadership.
“If anybody aspires to be a leader without command of the new technologies, like digitalisation and also without a deep grasp of geopolitics, I tell you, he may be a good man in terms of mastering some of the old disciplines like economics, politics and all that, but I tell you very likely they will be found wanting sooner than later.”
He added that the Vice President had “this instrument under his belt — digitalisation, geopolitics, and additionally, we have seen him perform loyally under President Akufo-Addo and has been also in the public view since he got selected as the vice presidential candidate in 2008.”
Former President Kufuor also described the Vice President as a man with the right “humility and temperament” for the job as President and appealed to Ghanaians to give the Vice President a chance.
“Ghana has come to a crossroads, and I’m serious here. It’s not the normal regular politics we want; we want a leadership with vision, even in the complex world I have talked about, the leader that will be able to marshal the new technologies to pick the requisite manpower,” he said.
He added that “we must get people of competence to work with him to find our way out of the confusion our society and economy have plunged into.”
Shortly afterVice President Mahamudu Bawumia pledged to eliminate several taxes if elected president in 2025, a photo featuring his wife, Samira, began circulating widely.
The image depicted the Second Lady alongside another woman at an evening event, with a green cake adorned with the words “E-Levy.”
The Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy), a contentious tax introduced in 2022, was among the levies Bawumia vowed to abolish during his lecture titled “Ghana’s Next Chapter,” held at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra on February 7, 2024.
However, reports from GhanaWeb’s investigations revealed that the specific photo of Samira with the E-Levy cake had been digitally altered, as the cake had been superimposed onto the original picture shared in February 2022.
The original photograph was captured at the birthday celebration of Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, attended by Bawumia and other prominent members of the New Patriotic Party.
Further checks on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), indicated that the individuals circulating the manipulated photo were predominantly affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC has strongly criticised Bawumia’s stance on these taxes, which were often met with staunch opposition from both the opposition party and the general public.
Abolition of three taxes
He said, “Taxes on gambling will be scrapped under my administration.There will be no emissions tax under my administration. 15% tax on electricity will be abolished by 2025 if it’s still under our administration.”
2024 presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia, has emphasized his readiness to serve Ghana rather than seeking a honeymoon period.
During his address to the nation on Wednesday (7th February) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Bawumia stated: “I will not ask for a honeymoon to cool off and think about what to do with the responsibility you would give me.”
“I am ready to work. I am determined to make a difference; a positive difference. I will work for you and with you.”
The vice-president said he is clear on what he wants to do if he becomes president.
“I have clarity in my mind as to what I want to do from day one if you make me president.”
“Together, we can succeed in building a progressive society of possibilities, enterprise, compassion, open opportunities and shared prosperity for every Ghanaian, born rich or poor, born in the north or the south, born Christian or Muslim, born girl or boy,” the vice-president added.
Vice President of Ghana and flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), is addressing Ghanaians in a live streamed event today, February 7, 2024.
The speech, delivered from the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra, garnered significant attention from across the country.
The theme for the speech is Ghana’s Next Chapter: Selfless Leadership And Bold Solutions For the Future.
Citizens expect the Vice President in this address to outline his plans and vision for the country under his potential leadership as the President of Ghana.
With the national elections drawing nearer, Dr Bawumia’s address serves as a platform to touch on his party’s agenda, policies, and strategies aimed at addressing key issues facing the nation.
Senior Analyst for Sub-Saharan Africa at Fitch Solutions and spokesperson for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Gideon Boako, has defended Bawumia’s competence, asserting his suitability to become the next president of Ghana in the 2024 elections.
Highlighting various accomplishments of the vice president since taking office, Dr. Boako challenged critics who label the vice president as all talk and no action to identify a single promise he made in opposition that he has not fulfilled since assuming office.
Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show with host Kwame Sefa Kaye, Dr. Boako emphasised that everything Dr. Bawumia extensively lectured on while in opposition has been realised.
And these interventions, he said, have alleviated the burdens of middle-class men like himself.
He said, “Bawumia’s interventions since assuming the vice presidency have alleviated some of our burdens. These are the issues he extensively lectured on while we were in opposition. However, today, there is little to show for it.
I challenge anyone to dispute that while we were in opposition, Bawumia made numerous promises, and none have come to fruition.I want to be challenged, but there is not a single person to do so because everything Bawumia said, he has accomplished.”
Citing some achievements of Dr Bawumia and its impact on the Ghanaian economy, Dr Baako mentioned that “For instance, he introduced the Ghana Card system, which has simplified borrower tracking for banks. Banks can now easily identify and trace borrowers, leading to reduced interest rates as a result of mitigated borrowing risks.”
Vice President of Ghana and the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged all the parliamentary aspirants of his party to unite and work hard for the 2024 general elections.
His message, delivered on the day of the elections, highlights the need for a cohesive and strong party to ensure success in the upcoming 2024 elections.
In a statement, Dr Bawumiaemphasized the critical nature of the December 2024 elections, stating, “The NPP needs to come out of this process strengthened, united, and ready to deliver victory in 2024.” He urged aspirants to prioritize the greater goal of advancing the principles and ideals of the party, rising above personal interests and differences.
Expressing his sincere wishes to all aspirants through a Facebook post, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the demanding nature of the political journey, calling for dedication and sacrifices in the service of the people. He encouraged adherence to the fundamental principles of the party’s democratic culture, emphasizing values such as freedom, fairness, and peace.
Dr Bawumia asserted the collective responsibility of all party members in ensuring the integrity of the party’s electoral system and compliance with the decisions of the delegates. In addition, he extended congratulations to Members of Parliament running unopposed in the primaries, urging them to validate the trust placed in them by contributing diligently to the party’s success in the upcoming 2024 elections.
“I also wish to congratulate all Members of Parliament who are running unopposed in their constituencies. The party and their constituents have expressed confidence in their leadership. I, therefore, entreat them to justify their confidence by working with all stakeholders to deliver their constituencies in the presidential and parliamentary polls,” Dr. Bawumia said.
Member of the communication team for the Movement for Change, Solomon Owusu, has predicted a humiliating defeat for Vice PresidentDr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
He believes that a former New Patriotic Party member and minister who is currently running as an independent candidate, Alan Kyeremanteng would beat Bawumia.
Despite enjoying the backing of state machinery during the NPP primaries to lead the ruling party, Owusu predicts Bawumia will lose in the main polls due to Ghanaians’ dissatisfaction with the NPP’s policies.
Speaking on the Gumbe Show on TV XYZ, Owusu, a former NPP member, characterised Bawumia as a man lacking ideas and having nothing substantial to offer the Ghanaian people.
“Bawumia is not part of the 2024 contest; Alan will beat him because he cannot divert the verdict of Ghanaians. He will lose sorely because of his poor track record,” he told host Oheneba Boamah Bennie.
According to Solomon Owusu, the impact of Bawumia’s leadership on the country’s economy was evident for everyone to feel during his tenure as the head of the government’s Economic Management Team.
He asserted that Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, the leader of the Movement for Change, possessed greater credibility than Dr. Bawumia.
Owusu added that any member of the NPP who is aware of the mismanagement and rampant corruption within the party under the leadership of Akufo-Addo and Bawumia might choose to distance themselves during the elections.
“In this 21st century when people are going to space and doing marvellous things that are benefiting their countries,Dr Bawumia could only talk about toilet facilities for Ghanaians. When he went to Agbogbloshi, all he could promise was toilet, toilet,” Owusu said mockingly.
He said after Bawumia’s defeat in 2024, he will have no option but to return to Canada to go teach, as he was doing before he was appointed to the Bank of Ghana.
Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has affectionately shared her nickname for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
During an interview on PeaceFM, she playfully referred to the Vice President as “The Digital Champion.”
“Let’s all commend Dr Bawumia because he has championed the digitization drive. I call him the digital champion,” she said.
She indicated during the interview that the digital initiatives spearheaded by Dr Bawumia, have played a pivotal role in positioning Ghana as a tech-savvy nation.
She believes that the Vice President’s advocacy for digital literacy, technological innovation, and increased internet accessibility has garnered him the well-deserved title of “Digital Champion.”
She further commended the Vice President for his charisma and his ability to mobilize members of the government who otherwise would not comply, to cooperate and support policies aimed at boosting the government’s digitisation agenda.
Mamprugu Zaabuni Youth for Development, a prominent advocacy group in the Mamprugu traditional area, has officially declared its support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, in the upcoming presidential elections on December 7th.
During the group’s Congress held in Walewale, North East Region, Mr. Musah Abdul Basit, the President of the group, passionately encouraged the youth in the area to actively contribute to Dr. Bawumia’s victory.
“We encourage the youth of Mamprugu to wholeheartedly support one of our own for the presidency, regardless of political affiliations. If a similar opportunity arises from another political party in the future, Zaabuni will not hesitate to offer maximum support,” remarked Mr. Basit.
The Congress served as a platform to assess the region’s development and reinforce the group’s commitment to advocating for improved opportunities. The event carried the theme “Rekindling the Glory of Mamprugu; Our Collective Responsibility.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC6X8wbBYo4
The group underscored Dr. Bawumia’s significant contributions to Mamprugu, urging the youth to actively support his electoral success, which would mark a historic achievement for the region. Mr. Basit pointed out notable government projects, including the extension of electricity to various communities and the development of sports facilities in the area.
The group expressed satisfaction with the establishment of its own region. Engaging in community service for about eight years, they have assisted the needy by covering medical bills and school fees. Previously, the group appealed to the Vice President for the construction of a bridge connecting Arigu to the Shiling community.
As the special guest at the Congress, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted various developmental projects in the region. These initiatives encompass the establishment of the STEM Senior High School at Kpasenkpe, the Fire Service Training School at Wungu, and the ongoing construction of roads in Walewale, Nalerigu, and Gambaga towns.
Dr. Bawumia assured that efforts were underway to complete the Misio bridge for improved transportation, and he emphasised the ongoing benefits of the Agenda 111 hospital projects across all districts in the region.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has proudly showcased the achievements of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government in the successful digitalization of Ghana’s economy.
He emphasized that the Akufo-Addo government recognized technology and innovation as pivotal tools for the country’s transformation, leading to the prioritization of digitalization as a central policy.
Dr Bawumia made these remarks while commending Estonia as one of the world’s most digitally advanced nations during the opening ceremony of the 75th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) at the University of Ghana. He highlighted that the government’s investments have positioned Ghana as the fastest-growing country in Africa in terms of digitalization.
“Governments since independence have by and large not focused on the underlying system that underpins economic activities. Our goal from the assumption of office was to quickly transform our economy by leveraging on technology innovations as a means to leapfrog the development process, overcome the basic problems and improve both economic and public sector governance.
“… we decided to do something different and this is why digitalisation has become a major area of focus of our government. Our strategy since 2017 has been to build a new system through digitalisation and therefore to build a data-based economy,” he said.
Dr Bawumia added that the investment the government has made in its digitalisation agenda, which he has been championing, has made Ghana “the faster digitalising economy in Africa.”
The Vice President emphasized that digitization would play a crucial role in ensuring that every Ghanaian is included in the progress of the country’s development process.
On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, Dr Bawumia inaugurated the 2024 Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The event, themed “Nurturing Resilience: Adopting Technology and Embracing Humanism for Sustainable Development,” is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
Professor Katrin Niglas, the Vice-Rector for Research at Tallinn University, Estonia, delivered the keynote address at the opening of the school and conference at the Great Hall, UG.
Professor Niglas, in her address, emphasised how the embracement of technology by Estonia in every sector, including education, helped make the small European country one of the most developed countries in the world.
The ANYSC is an annual event that brings together academics, policymakers, business leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting the African Continent and Ghana in particular.
This year’s theme focuses on the need to develop resilience, adapt to leverage technology and promote human values and dignity to propel the ended development and progress in Ghana and will be organized around the following sub-themes:
1. Nurturing resilience and leveraging on technology to achieve sustainable growth
2. Promoting education for sustainable development.
3. Towards the attainment of a digital economy: Global Perspectives.
4. New local government system, election 2024, security and peacebuilding.
The deliberations at the conference will be documented and presented to the appropriate authorities for policy interventions.
Afua Asantewaa Owusu Aduonum, the Ghanaian who aimed to break the Guinness World Record (GWR), shared that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia procured medication to expedite the recovery of her lost voice during the Sing-A-Thon.
During an interview on GHOne TV with Lily Mohammed, Madam Asantewaa highlighted that the presence of the Vice President, along with the support of many other Ghanaians, served as a significant motivation that kept her going.
“All that was running through my head was, was he watching at home? Was he watching me? Why did he come there? I had these conversations on my mind.
“Interestingly, he was watching and monitoring and realised that I had lost my voice so he actually ordered drugs for me. Only for the drugs to arrive when I had finished the attempt.
“So he sent me the drugs, which I have with me. The drug was the fastest remedy to have healed my voice to the point that I lost it,” she narrated.
“Everybody is involved; there was no escape route because this was something I needed to do for Ghana and the unity that it brought. The love, even though he (Vice President Bawumia) was there, I think I saw many more politicians,” she added.
Mrs. Asantewaa Aduonum further stated that there was nothing like politics during theSing-A-Thon, and Ghanaians were excited about unity.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has hailed the recently released 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, asserting that they showcase the high calibre of students in Ghana’s Senior High School (SHS) education sector.
In a statement on Monday, December 18, 2023, Dr Bawumia addressed critics of the results, emphasizing the excellence of Ghanaian students. He presented data from the WASSCE results, highlighting outstanding achievements by SHS students on both national and international platforms.
“Our SHS students go from Keta SHS to Harvard University and excel.
“Our girls at Mamfe Senior High go for a world competition in robotics and win against teams from the USA, Germany, and South Korea.
“Our boys from Prempeh College have won robotics world competitions against global competitors many times.
“Yet when these same students excel at WASSCE, some people, for political reasons, even question the integrity of their results! Why do some always believe that it is impossible for our students or our people to be the best? It is possible!” Dr Bawumia emphasised.
Dr Bawumia’s post on Facebook on December 19th 2023
He congratulated the candidates for their “excellent” performance in the 2023 exam and urged a shift in the perception that doubts the capabilities of Ghanaian students.
According to data shared by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), 73.11% of students who sat for this year’s exam obtained grades A1-C6 in all core subjects. This marks the highest performance since 2015.
“2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 are the Free SHS Graduates and the only years in the past 8 years that more than 50% of candidates obtained A1-C6 in All Core subjects,” a footnote accompanying the data shared by Dr Bawumia read.
The Free SHS policy, introduced by the government in 2017, aims to provide free education from basic to secondary level to all Ghanaian children. The policy has been praised by some as a major achievement in expanding access and quality of education, but also criticised by others as unsustainable and poorly implemented
The Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has vehemently denied allegations of making derogatory remarks about the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In a press statement issued by his spokesperson, Kofi Abrefa Afena on December 19, the Minister categorically refuted the accusations, asserting that the video in question was manipulated to sow discord.
“Dr. Prempeh wishes to reiterate his absolute belief and confidence in the Flagbearer of the NPP, His Excellency, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia as the most competent and credible candidate, with the proven incorruptibility, to beat the NDC Flagbearer in 2024, based on the NPP’s superior record in government.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Energy Minister is of the firm view that, the people of Ghana on the balance of probabilities, will renew the NPP mandate with Dr Bawumia because, even in the face of genuine global shocks, as attested to by former President Mahama in his foreign engagements, the government has remained resolute, steering the country out of the woods,” an excerpt of the statement said.
He further urged the public to dismiss the video entirely and not be swayed by its content.
“The general public is thus, kindly requested to totally disregard the deliberate slant and distortions put on the video.,” the statement concluded.
The statement underscored Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s unwavering confidence in Dr. Bawumia, labeling him as the best choice for both Ghanaians and the NPP to secure victory in the upcoming elections.
A forthcoming book titled “Dr Bawumia and the Modern Vice Presidency in Ghana” by political communication scholar and analyst, Dr Etse Sikanku, examines the persona and contributions of Ghana’s Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to the country’s public and political space.
The book provides a reflective analysis of Dr Bawumia’s political journey, focusing on his principles, values, conduct, and contributions to public discourse.
Sikanku emphasizes the dynamism, energy, humility, empathy, and innovation that Dr Bawumia brought to the vice presidency, contributing significantly to the reinvention of the office.
The book is expected to be released early next year.
Dr Sikanku is also the author of the seminal work “The Afrocentric Obama and lessons on political campaigning” which was launched at the University of Iowa (USA) followed by a book reading/talk at Harvard University in 2016.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has advised the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to leverage the link between the Ghana Card and Tax Identification Number (TIN) to improve the identification and tax collection procedures for both individuals and businesses.
Dr. Bawumia criticized the current GRA approach, which concentrates solely on existing taxpayers, labeling it as “lazy.”
He underscored the importance of adopting a more proactive and efficient strategy that specifically targets individuals and businesses that are not yet tax-compliant.
Addressing the 57th Congregation at KNUST on Friday, November 24, the Vice President stated that “By linking the Ghana Card number and the TIN number, GRA can tell who has filed and who has not filed their tax, and so it is rich data that is available to GRA, and I am asking GRA to use that data.”
He continued, “It is a very lazy approach to go and keep looking for taxes from people who are paying taxes already when you could look at those who are not paying taxes, who are the vast majority. They should be the ones that GRA should focus on, and we would get more taxes from the vast majority.”
In addition to his recommendations, Vice President Dr. Bawumia suggested that the GRA institute a bonus system tied to the recruitment of new taxpayers, providing incentives for GRA officers who bring in individuals and businesses previously outside the tax system.
Furthermore, Dr. Bawumia announced a forthcoming initiative, starting in December 2023, wherein every child born in Ghana will be assigned a Ghana Card number.
Looking ahead, the Vice President shared plans for the implementation of a credit scoring system in the coming year, linked to the Ghana Card. This system aims to reward individuals with a favorable credit history by offering lower interest rates and increased access to loans. This initiative is expected to incentivize responsible loan repayment behavior.
Focusing on existing tax payers a ‘lazy approach’ – @MBawumia criticises GRA
When former president and flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, declared a 24-hour economy as his main strategy for transforming Ghana’s development fortunes, his adversaries across the pond probably dismissed it as just another campaign talk.
That is, until the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Dr. Yaw Baah, an economist, described the strategy as “a game changer.” And then panic set in across the pond and even inside it.
For some crazy reason, those adversaries reduced the idea of a 24-hour economy to having fun at night; hence, in the 2024 budget, the finance minister tried to upstage Mr. Mahama by promising everything from “a Night and Sport Economy” (p. 92) to “the Night Economy and Tourism” (p. 92), to the development of Black Star Square into a “City Light Centre… to drive the night economy in Accra… [and create] a welcoming night-time environment…” (p. 92), and, finally, to the use of Astro Turfs to create “vibrant night economies” in their host communities (p. 93). (For the record, the word “night” appears only once in the 2023 budget, in reference to patrols by immigration officers.)
Not to be outdone by the finance minister, the vice president and chairman of the economic management team, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who will be contesting Mr. Mahama in the December 2024 presidential election, reportedly said at a political rally that Mr Mahama “doesn’t understand his own policy” and that “it does not make sense.”
He went on to remind his audience that Ghana already has a thriving 24-hour economy, citing hospitals, fuel stations and chop bars—yes, he did!—as proof. He then promised “a new vision” complete with a “new policy” that would “transform this country.”
The news report gave no details about this vision. But if his idea of a 24-hour economy, beyond the nightlife of the finance minister, is about building more chop bars acrossGhana to ensure round-the-clock access to fufu or fried rice, then he is even more rudderless than he has proven in the past seven years.
A 24-hour economy is about more than keeping a few establishments open around the clock—or lighted Astro Turfs at night. It’s a multi-dimensional strategy for economic transformation, where businesses that operate during the day are strengthened and conditions are created for others across the country—not just Accra—to rise or thrive in an interconnected world that never sleeps. It’s about a country living to its fullest potential, not settling for mediocrity over chop bars.
When the idea of a 24-hour workday was originally proposed in the 40-Year National Development Plan, it was partly to address unemployment from what the Plan called the “technological upheavals” of the future, such as robotics, AI, and 3D printing, that would displace workers in many traditional and high-value sectors. The strategy, as laid out in the Plan, aimed at three shifts of 8 hours each and 4 shifts of 6 hours each, depending on a “productivity revolution,” which was also proposed in the Plan.
The strategy, which was subsequently incorporated into the NDC’s 2020 manifesto, alongside transformative policies like an Employment Act (to complement the Labour Act) and a jobs programme called Edwuma Pa (Good Work), also recognised the availability, dependability AND increased use of electricity (a measure of a growing economy) as a pre-condition and one of 10 key drivers of a productive 24-Hour economy.
Specific targets for electricity consumption, measured by kilowatt-hour (kWh) per capita, were therefore set, and Dr. Bawumia’s government inherited more than enough electricity from Mr. Mahama in 2017 to meet those targets. They didn’t.
Instead, they blamed Mr. Mahama for giving Ghana “too much electricity,” when the real problem was too little economic activity due to the bankrupt economic policies that they initiated the moment they took office, destroying the financial sector and subverting industrial activity. Thus, they missed the critical first-year targets.
For example, in 2018, the government attained only 452 kWh per capita instead of the projected 620 kWh, and in 2021 it managed 548 kWh instead of 850 kWh; it is unlikely that they would meet the 1,433 kWh target for 2025.
The consequences of these “fatal errors” were predictable: Manufacturing growth declined from 14.24% in the first quarter of 2017 to 6.32% in the last quarter of 2019, while electricity use by the economy peaked at 20.82% in the first quarter of 2018 and then plunged to 0.90% in the third quarter of 2019, all before COVID and Ukraine, which are now the whipping boys of their mismanagement.
The latest data from theGhana Statistical Service show that the economy has still not recovered from the wrong-headed policies of Dr. Bawumia and his team.
The manufacturing sector shrank by 2.5% in the first three months of 2023 and by 0.5% in the next three, inevitably worsening unemployment. (His voodoo claim of creating 2.3 million jobs in a collapsing economy will be tackled another time.)
Significantly, and despite popular perceptions, Mr. Mahama has perhaps the best record of any president, except Kwame Nkrumah, in providing electricity to Ghanaians after inheriting dumsor, which had plagued Ghana intermittently since 1983. The following are the average annual growth rates for installed electricity (by megawatt) under the four most recent presidents, based on data from the Energy Commission:
Even chop bars and taflatse need electricity, and Dr. Bawumia has woefully failed to provide that. It is doubtful that he would do any better. Now or ever
Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abubakari Mahama II, has advised Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to recognize former President John Dramani Mahama as a brother and not an enemy.
The Ya-Na emphasised that this approach will contribute to a clean campaign ahead of the 2024 general elections. During a courtesy call by Dr. Bawumia as part of his ‘Thank you tour,’ the Ya-Na stated that both the NPP flagbearer and the NDC flagbearer are his sons.
He highlighted that whoever wins the general election will bring the title of president home to northern Ghana, making it a collective win for all northerners.
“We as Northerners have to be grateful to all Ghanaians for trusting that only a Northerner can lead Ghana after 2024. It is a big opportunity for us to demonstrate our capabilities, competence, honesty and dedication to moving Ghana forward.
“My son, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, who is also a son, is your fellow competitor in this election; he is not your enemy or rival.
“He is your elder brother and a former President of Ghana who is also being presented by the largest opposition party in our country to be re-elected as president.
“As northerners, we have already won the election with whoever we elect because whoever wins the trophy is coming home,” he said.
The advice from the Dagbon Overlord comes amid ongoing jabs and swipes between former President John Mahama and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Former President Mahama described the Vice President as an extension of President Akufo-Addo, while Dr. Bawumia countered that Mahama has nothing new to offer.
The Ya-Na encouraged Dr. Bawumia not to be misled by his campaign team into engaging in name-calling and trading insults, emphasizing the importance of a clean campaign.
“I want you to run a clean campaign with your brother. You are a fine gentleman and everybody knows that, so don’t let your team mislead you; it is you that the good Lord has chosen because of what He has put in you and not your team.
“Your team is supposed to translate your thoughts and ideals including what all of you have agreed on into action and not the other way round. Your team works tirelessly for you because of what they have seen in you so don’t disappoint them.
“Lead them and don’t let them lead you else you have wasted all their efforts,” the Ya-Na said.
Following the November 4 presidential primaries, a meeting between Assin Central Member of Parliament and Vice President Bawumia was hailed byNew Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters.
Initially reported by the pro-government Daily Guide newspaper, the meeting occurred at the MP’s residence, with a focus on party unity in preparation for the 2024 general elections.
As weeks passed, insiders claimed to have additional details about the discussions. According to Adakabri Frimpong Manso, a presenter with Despite Media, the meeting wasn’t as harmonious as initially reported.
Manso alleged that Ken was actually ambushed after evading multiple invitations from the Bawumia camp for a meeting.
“They did all they could to get him but he was also evading them, so they surveilled him till they realised he was at home and then they ambushed him,” he said on Neat FM last week, asking, “Isn’t there the need to inform people of your visit?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etLNwQQUqKU
He continued: “This was a case where he was not aware. They tried all they could through the handlers, so when they checked and got information that he was at home, they made their move.
“They kept very long at the residence and had extensive conversations,” he added, stating that a central theme was around persons who abused Agyapong during the flagbearer campaign.
During the November 4 polls, Agyapong secured a commendable second position, with Bawumia emerging victorious with over 61%. Despite this, the Vice President is set to lead the NPP into the 2024 general elections, while Ken steps down from Parliament after completing five terms.
1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has expressed the view that any astute Ghanaian would favour Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), over the opposition National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) candidate, ex-President John Dramani Mahama, for the next leadership role in Ghana.
He contends that a thorough examination of the track records of the two individuals would reveal that Dr. Bawumia surpasses Mahama. Osei Owusu, also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bekwai, further asserted that the vice president outshines Mahama in terms of competencies and personalities.
“(Dr Bawumia’s) chances are very bright… There are people who would vote for a party and a party symbol; there are no two ways about it. But anybody who wants to evaluate them has had their own independent and respective roles in the past (sic).
“I’m sure that if you place Bawumia against Mahama, Bawumia would always outshine Mahama,” he said in an interview on JoyNews on Monday, November 13, 2023.
He added thatBawumia outshines Mahama “based on what they have done in the past, what ideas they have thrown out, how they have helped implement them and their quality of person and integrity”.
The demand for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate to be selected from the Ashanti region has gained support from First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu.
It is reported that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is witnessing intense competition among its Members of Parliament vying for the position alongside the newly elected flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia.
Notable names in consideration include Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister for Energy; Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader; Joseph Osei-Owusu, First Deputy Speaker; and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Education Minister.
During an interview with JoyNews’ Evans Mensah, Mr. Osei-Owusu affirmed the general consensus within the party to choose a running mate from the Ashanti region.
According to the Bekwai MP, who is also a potential candidate for the position, this decision is deemed crucial for the party’s success in the upcoming 2024 general election.
“It is generally agreed in the party that if Bawumia wins, his running mate should come from the Ashanti region,” he said.
Asked whether Dr Bawumia has consented to that agreement, he replied “I think so.”
The First Deputy Speaker expressed his belief that the ideal candidate for the position should embody certain values, including integrity. He emphasized the importance of selecting an individual who commands respect both within and outside the party, aiming to complement the leadership qualities of the newly elected party leader.
According to him, even though the candidates mentioned so far to be jostling for the position meet the criteria, “they aren’t the only group of people who are eligible to be nominated and I think that the field is wide.”
Asked why he is taking himself out of the equation although rumoured to be a candidate, he said: “I think that we should allow the man the space to look at the whole game board and select.”
“I agree that the person must come from the Ashanti region because, in our party’s dynamics, it would help a lot to select from the Ashanti region,” he said.
He explained that the selection of a candidate from the Ashanti region would give “the people in the region confidence that the party values their immense contribution to the party.”
In the meantime, Sammi Awuku, a member of the Bawumia campaign team, has dismissed speculations suggesting that Vice President Dr. Bawumia is actively contemplating his choice for a running mate in the 2024 elections. During an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Monday, November 7, he clarified that the Vice President is not in a hurry to announce his running mate.
According to him, Dr Bawumia is an extremely analytical person and consults broadly on issues, and so “he would be taking the views of people he knows and when he is ready, when the time comes, he would pick the right man.”
“For now, let me issue a disclaimer. The Vice President has not discussed with any member of his inner team or bigger team about his choice that he would be recommending to the National Council,” he clarified.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has refuted claims that the 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, John Mahama, has plans to rescue the economy and the country in general.
According to the Vice President, such action is currently not needed as the economy has already been saved by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In an interview with Asaase Radio on Sunday night, November 12, he reacted to the argument by the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama that he was going on a rescue mission for Ghana in Election 2024.
“This [Ghana] economy had to be rescued by the IMF [International Monetary Fund], they [NDC] had to go for a rescue, that was the real rescue mission, as a price of mismanagement of this economy.”
“And so they went for a rescue mission [from the IMF] and they were not even able to stay the course of the IMF programme. They went off track, so, that rescue mission by the IMF didn’t quite work because they were not following the terms of the agreement,” the Vice President added.
He continued saying, “The real rescue happened when by the grace of God with the election of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and with that election we came into office and again, all the things that were going wrong, we have tried to right them, we have very much put everything back on course.”
“We have brought macroeconomic stability, we have restored teacher training allowances, nursing training allowances, we have brought in new initiatives like planting for food and jobs, the one district one factory transformation and that is taking place and so we have really rescued this country and this economy from the mismanagement of John Mahama,” Dr Bawumia said.
He therefore quizzed, “what they mean by coming to rescue?”
“We have rescued the country already, and we are now building upon that unless maybe they are not informed,” Dr Bawumia asserted.
During a courtesy call at his residence over the weekend, the Council of Regional Imams commended Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the Vice President and Flagbearer of the NPP, for his efforts in engaging with the Christian community. They encouraged him to continue these unifying interactions.
The council emphasized that recent criticisms of Dr. Bawumia’s interactions with the Christian community by NDC MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, were baseless.
Sam George’s remarks questioning Dr. Bawumia’s Islamic faith due to his regular engagements with Christians, referring to the Vice President as a “religious prostitute,” have been widely condemned.
A spokesperson for the Imams, speaking during the visit, highlighted that the Vice President’s frequent interactions with the Christian community aimed at fostering religious harmony in the country did not transgress any Islamic principles. The council appreciated Dr. Bawumia’s efforts in promoting religious unity in the nation.
“Your tolerance and respect for religious diversity is commendable. You are doing the right thing by maintaining a very strong relationship with the Christian community as a leader to strengthen harmony. We are one people,” said the Imams.
“The Prophet Muhammad himself had a very good relationship with non Muslims and Islam does not forbid the building and strengthening of harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians.”
“When the Prophet went to Madina, he established a very good relationship with the Christians. There are also examples of Muslim leaders in the world, including in Muslim countries who have good relationship with their Christian colleagues.”
While condemning the comments by Sam George, the Council urged the Vice President to continue to be for all because “we are one people in Ghana.”
“The gentleman did not speak well at all because we are one people in this country. By your position, you are a politician and a leader so you belong to everyone. Continue to be for all because we are one people in Ghana.”
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has recognized the validity of the demands presented by the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protesters, noting that their concerns cannot be disregarded.
The recently elected flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) affirmed that the government is actively considering these matters and has been dedicated to addressing them.
In his victory speech on Saturday, November 4, Dr. Bawumia urged the youth to work in partnership with the government to alleviate the challenges faced by the people of Ghana.
“While on the campaign, I became aware of a 3-day demonstration staged by the young people of our country. They had a simple message for the political class: they needed more opportunities for work, they needed improved living conditions, and they wanted improved public services. These are legitimate demands and we cannot ignore them. We will continue to work hard for the people of Ghana.”
“I have spent the last seven years working alongside the President to fulfill many of these demands, including creating opportunities for the youth, improving the well-being of our people, expanding access to secondary education and healthcare, enhancing the country’s road infrastructure, streamlining access to public services, and leveraging technology for development.”
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest occurred from Thursday, September 21 to Saturday, September 23, 2023, as demonstrators voiced their concerns about various issues in the country.
The protesters specifically expressed their discontent with the government’s economic policies and raised allegations of corruption. During the protests, over 50 of their members were apprehended by the police.
The incident incited public anger as many Ghanaians criticized the police for employing excessive force against unarmed civilians.
The Bono East region has provided Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia with a massive win in the ongoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential election.
Dr Bawumia garnered a total of 5,434 votes, whereas his closest contender, Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agaypong polled 1,548 votes.
Dr Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimoh got 92 votes and 45 votes, respectively, out of the 7,158 votes cast. However, 39 votes were rejected.
Meanwhile, the Central Region paints a contrasting picture, as Mr Kennedy Agyapong won massively with 10,828 votes.
Bawumia came in second with 6,159 votes. Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimoh garnered 47 votes and 38 votes, respectively.
The Oti Regional Secretary for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Gabriel Lembue, has noted that should Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong emerge victorious in the New Patriotic Party’s presidential primaries, it would be a challenge for the opposition party to win the 2024 general elections.
According to him, Mr Agyapong serves as a hope for many of the youth who view him as another version of the NDC’s founder, the late Jerry John Rawlings, who is said to have changed the fortunes of the country for better.
He has therefore prayed for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s victory in the ongoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries.
According to him, it is beneficial for the opposition NDC’s 2024 flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, to contest against the Vice President.
“When you have people on the streets telling you that we want this fellow, it is a revolutionary time when we had the Rawlings. People think that Ken is the next Rawlings, so we will have quite the challenge in putting people together.
“What are you going to say about Ken. Ken says I am a job creator. Our people need hope and the message of hope has been trumpted by Ken Agyapong. Personally, I won’t hide it. We have been a bit concerned.
“But I’m happy that the system is pushing for a candidate that would make it simple for us. I would wish that the NPP would overwhelmingly endorse Dr Bawumia today. I will personally celebrate.”
Meanwhile, provisional results from the NPP primaries see Dr Bawumia in the lead position. But Kennedy Agyapong is currently giving the Vice President a run for his money.
NPP Presidential Primaries: If Ken wins, it will be tough for us (NDC) to win election 2024; We want Dr Bawumia to win the flagbearer race – Gabriel Lembue, NDC Regional Secretary, Oti. #ElectionHQpic.twitter.com/bAxrBX7pzK
A member of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, Frederick Opare-Ansah, has alleged that Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, has demanded the supply of contracts to the tune of $500 million annually to withdraw from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer race.
In his submissions on Wontumi TV, he disclosed that prior to Dr Bawumia announcing his decision to contest for the flagbearer position, Mr Agyapong engaged the Vice President and made the aforementioned demand.
According to Frederick Opare-Ansah, Dr Bawumia refuted the proposal and decided to contest to represent the NPP during the 2024 general elections.
“We had a discussion and I told him we should have a conversation on radio so I disclose the Ghanaian people why he is contesting this very election. He went to Dr (Bawumia) to give him about $500m worth of contracts if he becomes president annually. And doc refused and said he will contest him. It happened. Oppong Bio informed me. I would have also said these comments but I won’t say that,” he said.
Kennedy Agyapong allegedly demanded a yearly $500 million contract from Bawumia to step down
Ahead of the much-anticipated New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries slated for November 4, two main contenders have been sighted engaging in a cordial gesture.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, considered the frontrunner in the flagbearer race, and Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, tipped to give the Veep a run for his money, exchanged pleasantries during a Council of Elders meeting.
In a video on social media platform X, the two leaders shook hands heartily. The Vice President smiled as he shook the hands of his contender.
Mr Agyapong’s posture read as one who was happy to see an ally. The handshake was indeed pleasant.
This goes to quash claims that the two individuals are engaged in a “beef”. This is due to allegations and rebuttals between the camps of Dr Bawumia and Mr Agyapong.
Mr Agyapong recently claimed that he was offered $800 million to step down from the race. In response, the camp of Dr Bawumia noted that they have not engaged Mr Agyapong and have also not made such an offer.
.@honkenagy and @MBawumia exchange pleasantries at the NPP council of Elders meeting ahead of the Nov 4 polls
Founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries International,Reverend Isaac Owusu-Bempah, has firmly denied allegations that he prophesied Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s anointment to assist the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in retaining power.
Owusu-Bempah clarified that certain individuals, advocating for the Vice President’s candidature, have been spreading rumours that he issued a prophecy endorsing Dr. Bawumia as the NPP’s ideal choice for the flagbearer position.
“Some are going about saying that I, Rev. Owusu-Bempah, say that God has chosen Dr Bawumia to come and lead the NPP and that he is the rightful candidate to help the NPP break the 8.
“They claim I, Owusu-Bempah, gave that prophecy. I plead with everyone watching me; I know the media is recording this and the whole of Ghana is watching me. I have not made such a statement anywhere. I’ve not said it in my church or anywhere.
“So if you watch YouTube and see some people having such discussions that I made such a prophecy to President Akufo-Addo that they should bring Dr Bawumia to lead the NPP and help break the 8, it is not true,” Reverend Bempah told his congregation in a video sighted by GhanaWeb.
On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the National Patriotic Party (NPP) is scheduled to convene a national delegate congress. The purpose of this congress is to choose a flagbearer who will lead the party into the 2024 presidential election.
The candidates vying for this prestigious position include Vice President Dr. Bawumia, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto. On the pivotal date of November 4, one of these individuals will be elected as the NPP’s flagbearer, setting the stage for the forthcoming presidential race in 2024.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has vindicated Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia over his alleged involvement in a influence peddling claim in investigative documentary titled Galamsey Economy published by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his associates operating under the corporate name of Tiger Eye P.I.
In the documentary published in 2022, former Minister of State for Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, was accused of demanding an appearance fee of US$200,000.00 from one sheikh in order to see the Vice President.
As part of its investigations into the matter, the OSP confirmed that the former Minister of State for Finance did suggest the payment of an appearance fee.
However, in a report detailing its holistic investigation, the OSP noted that “the Vice President was unaware of the business he was conducting and had not tasked him to demand money of whatever description on his behalf.”
According to the OSP, Charles Adu Boahen’s claim that he accepted the cash gift to avoid offending the supposed sheikh lies very thinly; and his suggestion of the payment of an appearance fee of US$200,000.00 to the Vice President was “quite reckless.”
When news surrounding the appearance fee emerged in November last year, the Vice President in a Facebook post noted that he is “not aware of any such meeting held by Minister Adu Boahen or a supposed “appearance fee”.
According to Dr Bawumia, his most cherished asset in life is his integrity, thus, “I will not allow anyone to use my name to engage in corrupt activities.”
He called for the dismissal of Mr Charles Adu Boahen should he be found culpable of the allegations levelled against him.
“I would like to state that if what the minister is alleged to have said is accurately captured in the video, then his position as a minister of state is untenable. He should be dismissed summarily and investigated,” he wrote.
The actions of Mr. Adu Boahen, according to the OSP tantamount to trading in influence or influence peddling. This is the practice of using one’s influence or connections in public office or with persons in public office to obtain favours or preferential treatment for oneself or for another person, usually in return for payment.
These acts have not been specifically prohibited in our jurisdiction as crimes per se, the OSP noted.
“Though the conduct of Mr. Adu Boahen amounts to trading in influence or influence peddling, which is closely associated with corruption, there is no actual criminal prohibition of his acts in respect of which the OSP has a mandate to further act,” the report added.
As such, the Special Prosecutor has directed the closure, at this time, of the investigation in respect of allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences involving Charles Adu Boahen contained in the investigative documentary titled Galamsey Economy published by Tiger Eye P.I.
The investigation may be re-opened should the circumstances and further facts so dictate.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP), founded on July 28, 1992, has produced three flagbearers since its creation.
The centre-right and liberal conservative party in Ghana with the symbol of an African elephant has, however, held six elections to select its flagbearer.
During the 1992 Congress, the NPP elected Albert Adu Boahen as its first-ever flagbearer. He garnered 1,121 votes, representing 56.60 percent of the total votes cast.
He competed against five others, namely: Dr. Dsane Selby, John Agyekum Kufuor, Dr. Safo-Adu, J.A Addison, John Kwame Koduah. Peter Ala Adjetey who announced his presidential ambition, did not contest as he withdrew from the race.
Boahen lost to the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Jerry Rawlings, but received 30.4% of the votes cast.
In 1996 and 1998, the NPP held another congress. Six individuals contested in both congresses, and John Agyekum Kufuor emerged victor in both with 1,034 votes (51.99%) and 1,286 votes (64.60%) respectively.
In his second attempt, Kufuor contested against Albert Adu-Boahen, J.H Mensah, Dr. Jones Ofori-Atta, Dr. Kwame Safo Adu and Dr. Dsane Selby.
During the 1998 congress ahead of the 2000 general elections, Kufuor stood against Kofi Apraku, Mr Kwame Kodua, Malik Alhassan Yakubu and Joseph Henry Mensah.
No individual stood against John Kufuor ahead of the 2004 general elections as he sought to retain his seat after his 2000 general election victory.
John Agyekum Kufuor
Prior to the 2008 general elections, a super delegates conference was convened to streamline the seventeen aspirants who had thrown their hats into the ring.
The list of contenders included notable figures such as Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Mr. Kwabena Agyepong, Professor Mike Oquaye (a former Speaker of Parliament), Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Dr. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah, Mr. Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, Mr. Daniel Kweku Botwe, Mr. Alan John Kyerematen, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (the current President of Ghana), Papa Owusu Ankomah, Mr. Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko, Dr. Kobina Arthur Kennedy, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Alhaji Aliu Mahama (then Vice President), Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor, and Mr. Felix Kwesi Owusu-Adjapong.
The super delegates conference involved 2,326 delegates representing the 230 constituencies. Of these votes, 2,285 were deemed valid, while 8 were rejected.
Alan Kyerematen and Nana Akufo-Addo
Ultimately, Nana Akufo-Addo emerged as the frontrunner with 1,096 votes, accounting for 47.9% of the total votes cast.
The NPP held its congress in 2010 to determine who leads the party ahead of the 2012 general elections. The number of aspirants dropped drastically. Five contenders stood. Nana Akufo-Addo, Frimpong-Boateng, Alan Kyerematen, Isaac Osei and John Kwame Kudua slugged it out.
Nana Akufo-Addo once again took the lead and was elected NPP’s flagbearer with 83,517 votes, representing 78.89% of the votes cast.
Akufo-Addo lost the 2012 presidential race to another NDC presidential aspirant, John Dramani Mahama who was vice to Atta Mills during his administration.
Prior to the 2016 general elections. Only three candidates competed this time. Francis Addai Nimoh, Nana Akufo-Addo and Alan Kyerematen competed.
After voting, Nana Akufo-Addo, secured 117, 413 votes, representing 94.35 per cent to become flagbearer.
This time around, the NPP’s flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, won the 2016 general elections. He beat John Dramani Mahama.
In 2020, Nana Akufo-Addo went unopposed as he sought to retain his seat, which he did by beating John Mahama.
Mahama and Akufo-Addo
Now, the NPP is yet to elect its flagbearer for the 2024 general elections.
The NPP held its second superdelegates conference on Saturday, August 26, to trim down the number of its aspirants from 10 to 5.
On the ballot, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong appeared first, followed by former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen in the second position. Essikado-Ketan MP Joe Ghartey came in at number three, Energy Expert Kwadwo Poku at number four, and Dr Afriyie Akoto, former Minister for Food and Agriculture took the fifth position.
10 NPP presidential aspirants
Also, former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong was sixth on the ballot, Former member of Parliament for Mampong Constituency Addai-Nimo took the seventh slot, followed by former Trade Minister Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku at number eight. Mr. Kyerematen Agyarko, a former Energy Minister, was number nine and lastly, the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at number 10.
Following the conference, some individuals such as Alan Kyerematen and Boakye Agyarko stepped down from the race.
Four aspirants remain and they will slug it out at the party’s primaries to be held on November 4.
The candidates are Vice President Dr Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Afriyie Akoto and Addai-Nimo.
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has offered his heartfelt tribute to the late Akoto Ampaw, a distinguished lawyer who passed away on Friday, October 20.
In his homage to the late Akoto Ampaw, Dr. Bawumia extolled his remarkable dedication and loyalty, emphasizing that these qualities were deserving of commendation.
Dr. Bawumia extended his sympathies to Mr. Ampaw’s family as they grapple with the pain of their loss, and he prayed for God’s protection and support for them during this challenging period.
“I am greatly saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, lawyer Anthony Akoto-Ampaw (SheyShey). Sheyshey’s loyalty, commitment, frankness, and humility were outstanding.”
“I offer my empathy to the Akoto-Ampaw family for this painful loss and pray for God’s protection for them during this difficult period. May the soul of my departed friend find a peaceful rest.”
Commonly known as ‘SheyShey’ since his days as a student at the University of Ghana, the late Ampaw played an integral role as a member of the New Patriotic Party’s legal team during the Electoral Petition of 2013. His illustrious legal career was further highlighted by his involvement in the New Patriotic Party’s legal team during the Electoral Petition of 2020.
In addition to his extensive legal expertise, Mr. Ampaw was a valued partner at Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co., the prestigious law firm associated with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Mr. Ampaw had been widely anticipated to be appointed as the Special Prosecutor following the passage of the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill. He was a graduate of the University of Ghana, holding an LL.B. degree in 1973 and a B.L. from the Ghana School of Law in 1993. His legal practice encompassed Commercial Law, Company Law, Industrial Law, and Litigation, among other areas.
Former National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammi Awuku, has refuted allegations that Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is utilizing state resources to advance his candidacy for the NPP flagbearer position.
Ahead of the NPP Presidential Primaries slated for November 4, there have been claims the Vice President is financing his campaign with state funds.
In June this year, before his candidate, Alan Kyerematen broke away from the NPP, Yaw Buaben Asamoa accused Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of using government resources and personnel to get delegates to accept him as a candidate.
But in an interview on Peace FM’s morning programme “Kokrokoo”, Mr Awuku noted that such claims are false and demanded proof from the accusers.
“What is the proof?””I reject any assertion that we are also using State funds. Where are we going to get it from? What happens is that Dr. Bawumia has enormous goodwill,” he said.
He however, explained that the Vice President is accessing individuals he is entitled to as a statesman.
“Let’s be clear. Former President John Mahama will be campaigning for the Presidency of Ghana next year still as a former President with all the protocols accorded him still given. He is entitled to a dispatch. He is entitled to state security protection. The fact that Dr. Bawumia is contesting to be flagbearer doesn’t mean he is still not the Vice President.
“And in 2024, when Dr. Bawumia becomes the candidate for NPP, he and the President will be campaigning with the support of the State Security because they are all entitled to that,” he established.
A book of condolence has been opened to allow people to express their condolences and memories in honor of the late former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor.
Dignitaries from various sectors have gathered at the Peduase residence of former President John Agyekum Kufour to offer their condolences and support during this difficult time.
Among the sympathizers are Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, founder and CEO of Salt and Light Ministries, Rev. Joyce Aryee, NLA Director-General Sammi Awuku, and National Security Minister Kan Dapaah.
During an interaction with the well-wishers, former president John Agyekum Kufuor momentarily broke down, but his brother gently tapped his chair to encourage him to compose himself.
Mrs Theresa Kufuor’s demise occurred in the afternoon of Sunday, October 1, 2023. This brought an end to her 61-year marriage with former President Agyekum Kufuor.
A book of condolence has been opened to allow people to express their condolences and memories in honor of the late former first lady Theresa Kufuor.
Dignitaries from various sectors have gathered at the Peduase residence of former president John Agyekum Kufour to offer their… pic.twitter.com/C6wnnn9sQ2
Communications Director for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign, Nana Akomea, has voiced his support for former Trade Minister Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen’s decision to withdraw from the New Patriotic Party’s presidential primaries scheduled for November 4, 2023.
Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, a recurring presidential aspirant, announced his withdrawal from the presidential race’s second round on Tuesday, September 5.
He cited concerns over electoral irregularities, perceived unfair treatment, and bias during the super delegates’ conference, where he unexpectedly secured third place.
While Kyerematen has not disclosed his future plans following his withdrawal, he mentioned his intention to consult with his family and team members. He plans to make an announcement regarding his future role in Ghana’s political landscape.
In response to this announcement during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen on Wednesday, September 6, Nana Akomea, representing Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, expressed his view that Alan’s withdrawal is a positive development for the party.
He encouraged other contenders to follow suit and throw their support behind the party’s apparent frontrunner.
“My elder brother, Alan Kyerematen’s withdrawal from the second round of the NPP flagbearer race is good news. It is something I was expecting, and now I am expecting more people to withdraw from the race.”
Mr Ken Agyapong, one of the candidates has made known his unwavering commitment to participate in the NPP Primaries come November 4.
Asked by the host of the show, Osei Bonsu [Alias OB], whether he expects Mr. Kyerematen and his supporters to throw their weight behind Dr. Bawumia, Nana Akomea responded in the affirmative.
“I think so. Once you take the lead, you are the one everyone wants to associate with. Everybody likes a winning team. So, we will speak with Alan and his supporters to come and join us. The reason why I said I expect all the others to withdraw from the race is that, the party has clearly shown where its heart is. If in an election of 10 contestants, the vote of nine people cannot even match the half of what one person got, then it is really clear where the party’s heart is so what is the need for the contest?” he quizzed.
“And that’s how the NPP behaves. When it decides on where it wants to go, it is very clear. So once the party decides there’s nothing anyone can do. With how the results went on August 26, if I was among the race I would have withdrawn, and that’s why I am not surprised Alan pulled out” he noted.
“Apart from 2008 where there were about 17 people, one person still had 47 percent and that’s Akufo-Addo. When he [Akufo-Addo] came back in 2010, look at the votes he got, it was decisive. In 2014, the election was done twice like we did now because the people were more than five. In that super delegates’ conference Nana Addo had 80%. When they still insisted on going to the second round, Nana Addo moved from his 80% to 94%” he argued.
In response to the claims made by Mr. Kyerematen as his basis for withdrawing from the race, Nana Akomea said he sympathizes with the former Trade Minister who is speaking out of hurt because his effort has gone down the drain.
“It’s not even two weeks after the election. Election is hard work and it entails a lot. Look at the time Alan resigned from cabinet and the campaigning he’s been doing, one can easily be pained after such a process only to perform this way. We are humans with emotions, we are not machines, so losing an election hurts. So we expect some emotional reaction which is normal. But when the heart is calm, I believe everyone will see good reason and come to terms with the reality.”
The one-time Communications Director of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), said Alan’s reaction today is similar to what he exhibited prior to the 2008 elections where he resigned and later rejoined the party to campaign for Nana Akufo-Addo.
“This is not the first time. If you remember what happened in 2008, the same Alan Kyerematen resigned from the party. He also said the party intimidated his supporters and so he was leaving the party which he did. But eventually when he was calm, he joined Nana Akufo-Addo’s campaign for the election. So, for those of us who won, we are prepared to be magnanimous in victory and won’t disrespect anyone.
Nana Akomea also downplayed all the issues Alan raised as the basis for his withdrawal.
“If you look at the issues Alan raised, they’re not fair. If you say the rules were tilted for one person to have an advantage, what do you mean by that? The election committee engaged all aspirants and gave people the register and listened to everyone’s concerns. The balloting was done fairly, and the Electoral Commission supervised the elections fairly. So, how was the process skewed for one person? The only issue they raised was that the election should be centralized, but the party said that couldn’t be done in the midst of the arrangements that had been made. So, if you wait to lose the election only to claim that the rules have been skewed, then that’s unfair” he argued.
According to Nana Akomea, Alan Kyerematen equally got the support of some key party people including MPs and Chief Executives as well as Ministers of state, and so it would be unfair for him to have issues with similar support for Dr. Bawumia.
“He [Alan] also had leading members and influential people making pronouncements for him. So if he says utterances or pronouncements by leading members showed that the process was skewed, that is neither here nor there.”
Mr. Akomea also expressed his disagreement with Mr. Kyerematen’s allegations of supposed intimidation of his supporters during the election.
Regarding the incident involving Mr. Kyerematen’s agent in the North East Region, who sustained injuries, Nana Akomea asserted that the agent’s actions led to his unfortunate situation. He claimed that the agent initiated an altercation when he had the alternative to report his concerns to the election officials overseeing the process.
Nana Akomea emphasized that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his team had invested considerable effort in securing the results and support they had garnered. They achieved this by extensively touring the country to engage with the party delegates.
Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has personally reached out to the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, to apologise for any unfortunate incident that might have occurred during the recent super delegates’ election of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This was revealed by campaign coordinator for Dr. Bawumia’s campaign and Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) Sammi Awuku, during an interview with Bernard Avle on Citi Tv’s The Point of View on Monday night.
Mr Awuku, while touching on Dr Bawumia’s countenance, before, doing and after the party’s Super Delegates congress on August 26th 2023, said that he was present when Dr. Bawumia after the elections, spoke to Hon. Agyapong last week and listened to his concerns and grievances.
“Let me say, for instance, the Hon. Kennedy Agyapong like this. Last week, I was personally present when the Vice President spoke to him, to listen to Ken as well on some of the issues that he has raised, and he said that me and my team are very sorry for whatever might have happened, but we are also going to go a step further to assist the party in its investigation,” Awuku said.
This information is particularly critical because, during the delegates’ conference on August 26th, a viral video showed Hon. Agyapong screaming threats at the President and his Vice for allegedly asking for his polling agent to be sent away. Mr. Agyapong said he would give the two leaders a “showdown” in response to the said attacks on his agents during the elections.
“President Akufo-Addo, I will give you a showdown in this country, I swear to God. Vice President, I will give you a showdown for chasing my agent away. I swear to God. You will hear what will happen here. I swear to God, I will challenge President Akufo-Addo big time,” Mr Agyapong said in fury.
However following this and the ensuing response by party authorities to investigate the incident, Mr Awuku noted that Dr. Bawumia, who just wants peace to prevail, is deeply saddened by any incident that might have caused personal loss or damage to anyone because of the electoral process. He said that Dr Bawumia has, beyond contacting Mr Agyapong, has also reached out to his other colleagues who contested in the election.
“Dr. Bawumia is deeply saddened about any unfortunate incident that took place. And he believes that we don’t need to have anybody suffering personal loss or damage because of an electoral process. And it is something that he has also personally placed and reached out to his colleagues who contested in the process,” Mr Awuku added.
He also said that Dr. Bawumia and his team are willing to assist the party in any investigation and condemn any act of vandalism or violence that might have taken place.
“For almost everybody who has been mentioned, named, or suspected to have participated in anything that might have personally injured somebody, for our side, from the Dr. Bawumia side, we are willing to assist the party in any investigation, and we condemn any act of vandalism and any act that took place and any isolated reported incident,” he mentioned.
Awuku further explained the strategy and approach that Dr. Bawumia used to win the superdelegates’ election with 68.15% of the votes. He said that Dr. Bawumia personally interacted with almost all the 929 delegates who cast their ballots on August 26th. He also paid visits to over 70% of them and placed personal calls to some of them 48 hours before the election.
“Our strategy leading to August 26th was, first of all, to make sure we tick all the boxes. Make sure you have reached out to each and every single person who is likely to cast a vote. He also, in the run-up to August 26th, apart from having met the Members of Parliament as a group, having paid over 95% of these 137 Members of Parliament personal visits at home, Dr. Bawumia, 48 hours before the super delegates sat behind his phone and placed personal calls, the run-up to the get-out-the-vote on August 26th.”
He said that their target was to get 70% of the votes based on their polling and profiling, but they fell short by 1.85%. He said that they have done a review of their performance region by region and identified some areas for improvement.
“Our target, to be very honest with you, and I am going to be very honest with you on this show, we were expecting to get 70% based on all our polling, based on all our profiling ahead of August 26th. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the 70%, but we had 68.15%.So for us as a campaign team, my colleagues, both in the strategy and in the operations team, personally doing a review, region by region, and so far we have done 15 out of 16 regions, an analysis of what happened.”
He also commended the party’s Elections Committee for their supervision and good job in conducting a free and fair election.
The super delegates’ election was held on August 26th to select the presidential candidate of the NPP for the 2024 general elections. Dr. Bawumia emerged as the winner with 629 votes out of 929 valid votes cast. He was followed by Kennedy Agyapong with 132 votes representing 14.3%, Alan Kyerematen with 95 votes representing 10.29%, Owusu Afriyie Akoto 36 representing 4.1% and Francis Addai-Nimoh 9 votes.
The election was marred by some reports of violence, intimidation and bribery in some regions.
The NPP has set up a committee to investigate the allegations and complaints and take appropriate actions.
