Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate for Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has outlined his vision for the proposed “Buy Ghana First” policy, which he claims will be pivotal in promoting domestic products and generating job opportunities for the youth.
During a community stakeholder engagement at the TDC Club House in Tema Central, Greater Accra Region, Dr Bawumia I emphasized the policy’s role in prioritizing locally manufactured goods, such as textiles and furniture, during procurement processes.
“This election is critical for Ghana. We’re at a crossroads, and the elections will define the trajectory of the country’s future,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
The event brought together representatives from various associations, including freight forwarders, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the Car Dealers Association, the Ghana National Registered Nurses and Midwifery Association (GRNMA), and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).
Stakeholders voiced concerns about high import taxes, undue competition from foreign businesses, and the need for improved pension schemes. In response, Dr Bawumia detailed his commitment to bolstering the local industry through the “Buy Ghana First” policy.
He assured that local procurement will be prioritized under his administration to foster private sector growth and job creation.
Dr Bawumia also outlined several policy initiatives from the NPP’s 2024 election manifesto, including a new tax regime, tax amnesty for businesses, a flat tax rate, tax waivers on cars imported by nurses and teachers, and plans to generate 2,000 megawatts of solar power.
He highlighted that this solar power initiative would cut electricity costs by 50%, introduce electric buses to reduce transportation costs by 40% and train one million youth in ICT for digital jobs locally and internationally.
Appealing for support in the December 7 polls, Dr Bawumia reflected on his achievements as Vice President, including efforts to eliminate “ghost workers” from the public sector payroll, which saved over GHC800 million annually.
He also noted that the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) and Free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Free TVET) programs had significantly increased school enrollment from 800,000 to 1.4 million.
In a gesture of support for local development, Dr Bawumia pledged 1,000 bags of cement to construct the Tema Metro Education Office.
His campaign theme, “Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for Our Future,” encapsulates his approach to addressing Ghana’s challenges.
