Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged Ghanaians to embrace his vision and fresh ideas for national transformation, criticising former President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for lacking modern policies to improve citizens’ lives.
Speaking at a joint community connect event at the Atomic Park in Accra last Thursday, Dr. Bawumia argued that the former President’s approach, which includes initiatives like “the rearing of chickens and operating a 24-hour nightclub,” is outdated in the era of the fourth industrial revolution. He suggested that a vote for Mahama and the NDC would be a step backward for Ghana.
Dr. Bawumia emphasised that, unlike Mahama, who would not be seeking re-election and thus may not feel accountable to Ghanaians, he would be committed to accountability, as he plans to seek another term after his initial four years.
“I will be accountable because I will come back to seek the mandate of the people for another four-year term,” he said.
Outlining his plans, Dr. Bawumia highlighted his commitment to building a digitalised economy, aimed at creating jobs and employment opportunities for the youth.
He also promised to enhance national security by installing 50,000 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in regional and district capitals to monitor and prevent crime.
“We are going to provide 50,000 CCTV cameras to boost security in capitals and district capitals to track crimes and have clues to support the police and security agencies to deal with crime,” he announced.
The NPP flag bearer was in the Dome Kwabenya Constituency as part of his “Possibilities Tour” to promote his “bold solutions” agenda, which he believes will transform the country.
His engagements included meetings with local chiefs, queen mothers, imams, the clergy, and key opinion leaders from the 18 electoral areas of the constituency.
Earlier in the day, he visited the Kwabenya tipper truck and taxi rank, followed by a gathering at the Atomic Park with NPP party officials, including Minister for Fisheries Hawa Koomson, former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong, Minister of Education Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, and the aspiring parliamentary candidate for Dome Kwabenya, Michael Aaron Oquaye Jr.
These leaders also addressed the crowd, urging them to support the continuation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy introduced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, promising its sustainability under a Bawumia presidency.
Dr. Bawumia also discussed plans to streamline public services through digitalisation, making processes like acquiring passports and driver’s licenses more efficient.
By presenting these initiatives, Dr. Bawumia aims to position himself as the candidate of progress and innovation, seeking to differentiate his approach from what he describes as the outdated methods of his political opponents.