General News of Friday, 4 October 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Bawumia's govt will prioritise job creation and economic growth- Oppong Nkrumah

Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

The Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who doubles as the Vice Chair of the NPP’s Manifesto Committee, has said that the Bawumia-led administration will focus more on job creation and economic growth if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) emerge as winner in the upcoming general election.

He shed light on the NPP’s vision for the country under the flagbearer's administration.

He said that the goal of Dr Bawumia is to change the economy through a planned transition from relying on raw materials to a focus on value addition and industrialisation.

He made this statement while addressing participants of the Election 2024 Dialogue held at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) on October 3, 2024.

According to Oppong Nkrumah, the process adopted by the NPP will create jobs, especially for the youth as a guarantee to sustainable economic growth.

“Dr. Bawumia plans to move Ghana beyond being a raw material exporter to becoming a hub for value-added products,” he explained.

He pointed out that the NPP’s manifesto includes the creation of technology hubs and industrial parks as part of efforts to foster innovation, attract investment, and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These initiatives, he said, would be central to driving job creation and securing Ghana’s place in the global economy.

He emphasised that a Bawumia-led administration would continue to advance the current digitisation efforts to formalise the economy and enhance government revenue collection.

“We have already seen significant gains through digital transformation initiatives like mobile money interoperability and the Ghana Card. The next phase will ensure these innovations are fully integrated into our financial systems to support businesses and create more jobs,” he added.

The minister highlighted governance reforms focused on improving transparency and efficiency as key elements of Dr Bawumia’s vision.

He noted that the NPP intends to implement reforms to streamline public service and ensure accountability within government institutions.

“A Bawumia government will ensure that every public official is accountable, and corruption is rooted out at all levels of public service,” he assured.

The minister further outlined the NPP’s plans to expand affordable housing initiatives across the country, aimed at addressing the housing deficit.

He emphasised that public-private partnerships would be essential in delivering housing solutions for low and middle-income Ghanaians.

“Housing is a basic necessity, and Dr Bawumia’s vision ensures that all Ghanaians have access to decent, affordable homes,” he stated.

Throughout the dialogue, Oppong Nkrumah reiterated that youth employment is a top priority, with specific plans for educational reform and entrepreneurship programs designed to equip young Ghanaians with the skills required for economy.

“Every year, millions of young people enter the job market, and it is our duty to create opportunities for them to succeed,” he said.

RAD/ ADG

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