100% Local ownership

-Of all new proven natural resource reserves under my presidency – Dr Bawumia

Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to ensure 100% Ghanaian ownership of mineral resources if elected into power.

This commitment stems from his observation that the current framework of Ghana’s mining sector creates the perception that Ghanaians do not have full ownership of the country’s minerals.

He made this promise during his inaugural regional tour, commencing in the Eastern Region, where he engaged in discussions with religious leaders.

He pledged to refocus the paradigm for natural resource management since, for the most part, Ghana has not maximized the benefits of our natural resources.

Dr. Bawumia pointed out that since the days of the Portuguese in the 15th century, gold has always been taken out of Ghana, and the indigenes have not benefitted much from natural resources.

“I am going to change that paradigm. I am going to bring a bigger focus on ownership of our natural resources. “It is as if right now we don’t own our natural resources.

“I believe that if we do the exploration; and we are going to empower our universities and the geological service department to do the exploration, once we explore that we have seven gold belts that we haven’t yet discovered.

“Once we have explored and we know that the gold is here, the new policy is going to be that the ownership of those resources will be one hundred per cent owned by Ghanaians,” he stated.

Dumsor to be over soon

He assured that the ongoing erratic power supply, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’, will soon be resolved, expressing confidence in the government’s efforts to tackle the issue.

“I know there are challenges and I don’t want to paper over economic challenges. We are working on them. Currently, we have issues with power but I say that from the information I have received from the minister for energy, those power challenges will very soon, and I mean very soon, be a thing of the past,” the vice-president said.

Youth Connect

In an address to the youth at the newly inaugurated Youth Resource Centre in Koforidua, Dr. Bawumia laid out his vision to address critical issues plaguing the country’s young population.

Under the banner of “Youth Connect,” Dr Bawumia outlined comprehensive plans to tackle youth unemployment, enhance access to quality education, and empower young Ghanaians for a prosperous future.

He indicated an urgent need to address the myriad challenges facing the youth, including rampant unemployment, limited access to quality education, exorbitant data costs hindering internet accessibility, among others.

Positioning himself as a problem solver and generational thinker, he highlighted his track record as Vice-President, underscoring his commitment to innovative solutions.

Central to his strategy is the pivotal role of digitization in driving job creation and economic growth, aligning Ghana’s trajectory with that of developed nations.

Drawing parallels with tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, he stressed the need for a robust private sector-led approach to job creation.

To achieve this, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of addressing fundamental issues hindering private sector growth, such as the lack of a unique national identification system and functional address systems.

Highlighting his achievements in office, he showcased strides made in digitization, including the implementation of a national identification system, mobile money interoperability, and access to credit.

These initiatives have laid the groundwork for a digital revolution, enabling entrepreneurs to thrive and creating avenues for sustainable job creation.

In the education sector, Dr Bawumia touted the successful implementation of free Senior High School (SHS) and vocational training programs, significantly increasing enrollment and improving access to tertiary education.

Moreover, in the health sector, he highlighted innovations such as the electronic pharmacy platform and the use of drones for medical deliveries, enhancing healthcare accessibility nationwide.

Dr Bawumia’s vision for the future encompasses a multifaceted approach, including formalizing the informal sector, enhancing technical and vocational education, and fostering entrepreneurship.

Collaborative efforts with the private sector and strategic interventions to reduce data costs and streamline bureaucratic processes underscore his commitment to youth empowerment.

He appealed to the youth to support his candidacy, promising a presidency marked by accountability, vision, and unwavering dedication to building a prosperous Ghana.

With a call to action ringing loud and clear, Dr Bawumia urged the youth to seize the opportunity to shape their future and contribute to the nation’s growth and development.