Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has outlined Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s transformative vision for Ghana, focusing on economic growth, governance reforms, and social inclusion.

Speaking at the inaugural Election 2024 Dialogue at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) on Thursday, October 3, 2024, Oppong Nkrumah addressed law students, academics, and political enthusiasts, providing insights into the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) manifesto.

He emphasized the party’s strategic objectives under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, aimed at achieving long-term development for the nation.

The dialogue, organized by the GIMPA Law Students’ Association (LSA), served as a platform for engaging political leaders and policymakers ahead of the 2024 elections.

As Vice Chair of the NPP Manifesto Committee, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s vision for positioning Ghana on a sustainable growth path while addressing critical social and governance issues.

A Bold Economic Transformation Agenda

At the heart of Dr. Bawumia’s vision, according to Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, is a bold economic transformation plan that seeks to address Ghana’s pressing challenges of unemployment, inflation, and slow industrialization. The Minister stressed that the NPP’s Manifesto is rooted in a pragmatic approach to boosting macroeconomic stability and inclusive economic growth.

“We cannot afford to do business as usual. Dr. Bawumia’s vision is to fundamentally shift the structure of Ghana’s economy from one overly dependent on raw materials to one driven by value addition, technology, and innovation,” Mr. Oppong Nkrumah told the audience.

He outlined plans to promote industrialization through the establishment of technology hubs, industrial parks, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These efforts, he explained, would foster job creation and elevate the country’s position in the global value chain. Central to this economic vision, the Minister added, is Dr. Bawumia’s focus on leveraging digital technology to formalize the economy and increase government revenue.

“We’ve already seen the benefits of digital transformation through initiatives like mobile money interoperability and the Ghana Card, but the next phase of this vision is to integrate these into broader financial systems that support businesses and create jobs for our young people,” he said.

Governance Reforms for Transparency and Efficiency

The Vice Chair of the Manifesto Committee also took time to highlight key aspects of Dr. Bawumia’s vision that addresses governance reforms. The NPP Manifesto, he revealed, includes plans for a more efficient and transparent government system that would improve service delivery across all sectors.

“Dr. Bawumia’s leadership is built on a foundation of accountability and transparency. Under his presidency, we will implement reforms that hold public officials accountable, ensure that government spending is efficient, and root out corruption at all levels of public service,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of modernizing the public sector to make it more responsive to the needs of citizens, especially in areas like health, education, and infrastructure.

He said that as part of this drive, the NPP plans to introduce digital governance tools that streamline bureaucratic processes and improve citizen engagement. “This is about putting power back in the hands of the people,” Mr. Oppong Nkrumah explained, “and ensuring that government institutions work for the benefit of all Ghanaians.”

Affordable Housing for Ghanaians

In his capacity as the Minister for Works and Housing, Oppong Nkrumah also took the opportunity to discuss the NPP’s plans for affordable housing. He underscored that housing is a crucial part of Dr. Bawumia’s vision for a more equitable society.

“Dr. Bawumia believes that every Ghanaian deserves a decent place to live. Our manifesto addresses the housing deficit head-on, with plans to scale up affordable housing projects across the country,” he said. He detailed specific policies, including public-private partnerships, to develop housing units for low- and middle-income Ghanaians assuring the audience that these initiatives would prioritize transparency, accessibility, and sustainability.

Social Inclusion and Job Creation

A major theme throughout Mr. Oppong Nkrumah’s presentation was the emphasis on job creation, especially for Ghana’s youth. He stressed that Dr. Bawumia’s leadership will focus on creating opportunities for young people through skills training, entrepreneurship programmes, and education reform.

“We have millions of young Ghanaians entering the workforce every year, and Dr. Bawumia’s government will ensure that they are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in the modern economy,” Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said. He further elaborated on initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry, creating pathways for graduates to transition smoothly into the job market.

“Road to Victory 2024″

As the event drew to a close, the Minister reiterated that the NPP, under the leadership of Dr. Bawumia, is committed to building a Ghana that is prosperous, inclusive, and resilient. “This is not just about the next four years; it’s about laying the foundation for the next generation,” he added.

The Election 2024 Dialogue served as a platform for the NPP to outline its vision for the future of Ghana and make a case for why Ghanaians should support Dr. Bawumia in the upcoming elections. Its purpose is to present Dr. Bawumia’s vision for the country in the coming years as the 2024 election approaches. The Dialogue Series will take place across various university campuses, where the Minister will engage students and key stakeholders, explaining the key aspects of the NPP’s 2024 Manifesto and how it addresses the nation’s pressing challenges.