Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reaffirmed his dedication to transforming Ghana’s economy through digitalization and technological advancements.
Speaking at a rally in Nyinahin, Atwima Mponua District, as he launched a 15-day campaign tour of the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia announced that Ghana’s first credit scoring system would go live on November 7, 2024, with the goal of widening access to credit for citizens.
“This system will make it easy for Ghanaians to acquire items on credit and thereby improve their living conditions,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
He noted that Ghana would be the second country in Africa, after South Africa, to establish a national credit scoring system.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted that the digital infrastructure required for the system, such as the Ghana Card, digital address system, and mobile money interoperability, is already in place.
“We have laid down the necessary infrastructure to support the implementation of the credit scoring system,” he said, stressing that these tools would enable wide participation.
He also outlined plans to revamp Ghana’s railway system as part of his broader economic vision.
“One of my main focuses as President will be the full implementation of the redevelopment of the country’s railway system,” he noted, explaining that the Kumasi-Takoradi railway line, which would pass through Nyinahin and facilitate bauxite transport to the ports, is part of this agenda.
Dr. Bawumia, who currently serves as Vice President, also detailed additional improvements he would prioritize, such as extending the validity of drivers’ licenses from six to ten years and making passport acquisition simpler by using only the Ghana Card.
He commended progress in sectors like education, health, infrastructure, and technology.
“Our performance in all sectors of the economy has improved the living conditions of our people,” he stated, noting that the free SHS policy has increased school enrollment and eased financial burdens on families.
On food security, Dr. Bawumia remarked, “The successful implementation of Planting for Food and Jobs has improved our food security, making Ghana the third country in Africa in terms of food security.” He pledged further investment in agricultural mechanization to enhance productivity and bolster self-sufficiency.
He added that, under his leadership, the private sector would be empowered to lead major development projects, easing the financial load on the government. “Under my leadership, the private sector will be encouraged to undertake major development projects to free the state of such financial burdens,” he emphasized. He also committed to a ‘Buy Ghana First’ policy to ensure government projects prioritize locally-produced goods.
Dr. Bawumia urged Ghanaians to back the NPP in the December 7 election. “Vote for the NPP to help implement the ‘big solutions’ initiative to transform the country and improve the living conditions of the people,” he appealed.
NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Atwima-Mponua, Seth Osei Akoto, praised the NPP government’s development efforts, saying, “The free SHS policy has helped many children whose parents could not have afforded secondary education.” He encouraged residents to vote for the NPP, highlighting that the party’s socio-economic policies are central to national progress and well-being.
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