Former Presidential Candidate and flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia says his quest to lead the party into the 2028 General Elections is anchored on a mission to change the narrative of Ghana’s struggling economy, which has returned to the IMF seven times since independence.
“My vision is to expand the Ghanaian economy through rich ideas that provide incentives such as a flat tax system for individuals, corporates and imports, and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and create jobs for the youth,” Dr.Bawumia declared, as he submitted his nomination forms at the NPP headquarters in Accra yesterday.
Riding on his track record as Vice President, he pointed to major policy interventions he championed under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration, which included the Bank of Ghana’s Gold Purchase Programme (first in Africa), Gold for Oil (first in Africa), the accelerated issuance of the Ghana Card, Mobile Money Interoperability, GhanaPost Digital Address System, Agenda 111, One Constituency One Ambulance, Zipline medical drones, the Universal QR code system and the No Guarantor Student loan policy, among others.
He argued that these “rich, innovative and practical ideas” have laid the foundation for a modern, digital economy.
Dr. Bawumia acknowledged that many Ghanaians are struggling with job losses and the high cost of living, promising that a future NPP government under his leadership would restore livelihoods, reduce costs for ordinary citizens and prioritise support for the vulnerable.
He pledged to introduce a constituency-based development and budgeting framework to ensure that resources benefit local communities directly.
“My vision is for a modern digitalized economy that offers equal opportunities to all – women, the physically challenged and the grassroots and not just the rich,” he stressed.
He added that a Bawumia government would energise domestic production, create jobs and dedicate 3% of GDP expenditure currently undertaken by the public sector to the private sector, ensuring that procurement is made locally.
Loyalty to Party and Country
Recalling his sacrifices for the NPP, Dr. Bawumia emphasised his deep sense of duty:“This country and this party have given me so much. That is why I laid down my job at the Bank of Ghana in 2008 to support the NPP. That is why I left my position at the African Development Bank in 2012. That is why I stood as star witness in the 2013 Supreme Court petition. That is why I conceded the 2024 elections to preserve the nation’s peace. I have never hesitated to put myself on the line for the NPP and for Ghana.”
He assured the grassroots of his support, noting that a future Bawumia government would recognise and reward their sacrifices.
Dr.Bawumia charged the NPP to remain united as the party prepares for 2028: “The greatest desire of all our colleagues is victory in 2028. We must put our best foot forward. To win, we must not just talk unity; we must live it.”
He condemned internal attacks, tribal sentiments and religious divisions within the NPP, warning that they only serve as ammunition for the opposition.
“The repeated attacks by our own party folk are not helpful. If you claim to be a true patriot and want the NPP to win in 2028, then stop it. Stop the internal attacks now. Stop the religious and tribal attacks now,” he cautioned.
Lessons from 2024 and Attacks on NDC
Reflecting on the 2024 defeat, Dr.Bawumia admitted that economic hardship contributed significantly to the loss, despite the introduction of several good programmes.
“We lost because of the economic pain our citizens felt. But we have learnt lessons and those lessons will be put to good use when we return to office,” he assured.
He accused the NDC government of failing to deliver on key promises such as paying cocoa farmers GH₵6,000- repealing LI 2462 to fight galamsey and creating jobs through a so-called 24-hour economy.
He also noted that remittances have dropped by 50% due to exchange rate misalignments.
Message to NPP Flagbearer Aspirants
In an admonition to fellow aspirants, Dr.Bawumia urged them to direct their firepower at holding the NDC accountable rather than attacking him or each other.
“Our true opponent is not within. Our true opponent is out there. The NPP needs unity to win, and I promise that I will not do anything to bring division or conflict within this party.”
