I’m for inclusive development for all, declares Bawumia as he begins Volta Region tour

Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive policies aimed at benefiting all Ghanaians.

Speaking in Hohoe on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the start of his campaign tour of the Volta Region, Dr. Bawumia highlighted that his core philosophy aligns with the NPP's track record of promoting inclusive development for the entire nation.

"My philosophy is one of broad-based, inclusive development for all," Dr. Bawumia said.

He added that, as Vice President, this principle has guided him in supporting the President in delivering policies that have had a positive, life-changing impact on Ghanaians.

"I have been Vice President for the last eight years, and during this time, I have worked alongside the President. Our policies reflect this philosophy of broad-based development. If you look at the initiatives we’ve implemented over the past eight years, you will see what I mean by inclusive development," Dr. Bawumia told chiefs, clergy, imams, and other key stakeholders in the Hohoe Constituency.

Dr. Bawumia went on to outline several inclusive policies he has helped implement, notably the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, which he said has benefited over five million Ghanaians.

"When we ran for office in 2016, we promised Ghanaians that we would introduce several policies, with the Free SHS programme as our flagship pledge," he said.

"When we made that promise, many doubted us, calling it a '419' promise. They said it was impossible. But by the grace of God, we made it happen. Over the last eight years, 5.7 million children have gone to school for free under the Free SHS policy. This is unprecedented and historic."

Dr. Bawumia also cited other inclusive policies he has supported as Vice President, including improvements in healthcare through the provision of ambulances for all constituencies, the construction of Agenda 111 hospitals for districts without health facilities, and efforts to provide computers to students and teachers. He also highlighted the digitisation of public services as a key achievement.

Looking ahead to his vision as President, Dr. Bawumia promised to continue championing broad-based, inclusive policies that target all Ghanaians. Among his priorities, he pledged to invest in agriculture, noting that around 60 percent of Ghanaians are involved in farming. He said that prioritising agriculture, with the right focus and support, would have a positive impact on the nation's economy.

Dr. Bawumia also outlined plans to reduce the cost of living by shifting the country’s dependence on gas for electricity to solar power, which he believes could reduce electricity costs by 50 percent. 

In addition, he spoke of his vision to provide digital training for one million youth to create digital jobs not only in Ghana but also globally.