Development Economist and Head of Research at the Danquah Institute, Dr. Frank Bannor, has emphasised that the NPP’s new manifesto is not only a blueprint for Ghana’s development but also a testament to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s credibility and integrity.
In an interview on France24 news, Dr. Bannor described the document as more than just a development plan—it is a reflection of Dr. Bawumia’s strong moral standing and proven dedication to national progress.
“Dr. Bawumia’s track record, both in his public service and private life, speaks for itself. He has always demonstrated a high level of integrity, and this reassures Ghanaians that he is the right person to lead the fight against corruption,” Dr. Bannor stated.
Leadership commitment
According to Dr. Bannor, the Vice President’s tenure at the Bank of Ghana (BoG), where he introduced critical financial reforms, and his current role as Vice President, where he has spearheaded digitalization efforts, show his steadfast commitment to Ghana’s development.
These initiatives, Bannor explained, are driven by a deep desire to transform Ghana’s economy and improve the lives of its citizens.
“From his time at the Bank of Ghana, where he played a pivotal role in stabilizing the financial sector, to his ongoing efforts as Vice President, Dr. Bawumia has proven time and again that he is dedicated to Ghana’s progress. His leadership has been marked by a clear vision, integrity, and a commitment to doing what’s best for the country,” Dr. Bannor added.
He indicated that the NPP’s manifesto brings to bear various policy proposals aimed at tackling corruption, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the ease of doing business in Ghana. Dr. Bannor emphasised that these policies are not only well-thought-out but are backed by a leader whose personal values ensure they will be implemented effectively.
He noted that Dr. Bawumia’s ability to balance technical expertise with ethical leadership puts him in a unique position to transform the nation. “The manifesto is a comprehensive plan to address the most pressing issues in our country. But more importantly, it’s a reflection of Dr. Bawumia’s leadership style—transparent, accountable, and focused on results. His clean record reassures Ghanaians that with him at the helm, we can achieve the kind of transformation we all desire,” Dr. Bannor added.
Bawumia’s chances
When asked about Dr. Bawumia’s chances in the upcoming election, he stated that feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Many believe that this manifesto could indeed be the solution to Ghana’s problems. Of course, some have raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing such an ambitious plan, especially regarding financing.” However, the manifesto outlines clear strategies to generate revenue. For instance, Ghana currently has a large segment of the population that doesn’t pay taxes. By bringing 13% of this group into the tax net, the government could generate an additional 150 billion Ghana cedis, which would more than cover the projected budget deficit of 50 billion,” he noted.
He said Dr. Bawumia’s manifesto emphasises the importance of public-private partnerships. “Government cannot shoulder the burden of development alone, and in countries like Brazil and South Africa, partnerships with private investors have successfully financed major infrastructure projects. Dr. Bawumia envisions similar partnerships to ease the strain on Ghana’s public finances while advancing critical infrastructure development,” he indicated.
