All Promises In Bawumia’s 2024 Manifesto

The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, revealed the party’s manifesto for the impending December 2024 elections, on Sunday, August 18 in Takoradi.

This is a compilation of promises made by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in his manifesto.

Promises On Economic Recovery

The Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia stated in his manifesto that his government will ensure fiscal discipline to achieve and sustain macroeconomic stability with low inflation, interest rates, and budget deficits alongside a stable exchange rate. This will be achieved through several key initiatives such as;

• The existing Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2018 (Act 982) will be bolstered with the establishment of an independent Fiscal Responsibility Council.

• The Act will be amended to incorporate a fiscal rule that limits budgeted expenditure to 105% of the previous year’s tax revenue, preventing reliance on overly optimistic revenue forecasts.

• The government will implement policies to reduce the fiscal burden on the government, enabling the private sector to play a more significant role in economic growth.

Promises On Social Safety Net

The Vice President highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare while maintaining a robust social safety net for the most vulnerable: This will be done through;

• The government will maintain and expand existing social programs like free SHS, Free TVET, Agenda 111, expanded school feeding, NHIS care for childhood cancer, sickle cell, and kidney dialysis, etc.

• The government will prioritize job creation and business growth as key drivers of economic progress and improved living standards.

• The government will encourage private sector participation in the provision and management of infrastructure, including hostels, housing, schools, and roads.

• The government will create attractive incentives for private sector involvement in road construction, management, and maintenance through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Promises On Procurement Reform

• A drastic overhaul of the procurement process will be implemented to combat waste and corruption.

• The government will shift towards leasing goods like vehicles and printing equipment, with maintenance responsibilities entrusted to the private sector. This will free up significant budget resources for other priorities.

• Decentralization and Efficiency: Streamlining Government and Unleashing Resources

Promises To Enhance Efficiency And Reduce Government Expenditure

• The government will implement policies to decentralize fiscal and administrative functions, promoting greater efficiency and responsiveness.

• Improvements to systems and institutional operations will be prioritized to minimize waste and ensure value for money in procurement.

• This approach will create significant fiscal space, estimated at 3% of GDP annually (GH¢30 billion), representing a major shift in government resource allocation.

• To ensure efficient governance, the cabinet size will be reduced to a maximum of 50 ministers.

Promises On Tax Reform

• The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be restructured and refocused on expanding the tax net, targeting the estimated 13% of GDP (or GH¢150 billion in 2023) in uncollected revenue.

• A simple, flat tax regime will be introduced for individuals and businesses, with appropriate exemption thresholds to protect the most vulnerable. This regime will be easy to understand, comply with, and enforce.

• The complicated corporate tax system and Value Added Tax (VAT) regime will be significantly simplified.

• All Value Added Tax (VAT) levies will be consolidated into a single line-item levy, eliminating the cascading effect of multiple levies.

• To provide a fresh start, a tax amnesty will be implemented, offering complete exemption from past tax liabilities and associated penalties. Beneficiaries are expected to reinvest these savings in job creation and business expansion.

• All aspects of tax administration will be digitized, requiring all taxpayers to file simple tax returns electronically through mobile phones or computers. Faceless assessments will enhance transparency and accountability, eliminating the need for manual filing and in-person interactions.

Promises On Business-Friendly Environment

• Ghanaian startups operating in strategically important sectors will receive investment tax credits for the first three years of their operations.

• A flat rate duty system will be implemented for all importers, ensuring predictable and stable prices for imported goods.

• Harmonized Port Charges: Port charges will be aligned with those of competing regional ports, particularly in Togo, aiming to make Ghanaian ports more competitive. Promoting Local Production and Consumption:

• Government procurement will prioritize goods and services produced locally, stimulating industrial expansion, creating jobs, and boosting domestic production.

• Commercial electricity tariffs will be equal to or lower than residential rates, never higher, providing a competitive edge to businesses.

• A dedicated bank will be established to provide tailored financial services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which employ a significant portion of the Ghanaian workforce.

• A Digital Land Titling and Registration system will be adopted. This will enable property owners to use their land as collateral for loans, facilitating business growth and expansion.

• Government will collaborate with the private sector to establish Special Economic Zones (Free Zones) at key border towns (Aflao, Paga, Elubo) to promote economic activity, increase exports, combat smuggling, and generate jobs.

Promises On Food Security and Affordable Food

• The government will invest in technology and irrigation to enable large-scale, commercial agriculture, enhancing food security and reducing dependence on imports.

• The use of agricultural lime to improve soil fertility will be promoted, leveraging Ghana’s abundance of limestone.

• The construction of the Pwalugu Dam, utilizing private sector financing, will be prioritized to ensure water security for agriculture.

• The government will utilize the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) and the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) to provide financing and guarantees for local food production.

• Each region will establish agricultural enclaves equipped with irrigation, processing, and storage facilities to promote the cultivation of crops or grains with a regional comparative advantage.

Promises On Affordable Transportation

• The government will encourage the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for public transportation.

• The Gold-For-Oil G4O programme will be expanded to stabilize fuel prices.

• Government will introduce the “Flat Rate Duties for all Importers” policy. This will bring stability to the prices of imported spare parts, contributing to lower transportation costs.

• Driver’s licenses will be valid for 10 years, with renewal periods extended to 5 years.

Promises On Affordable Housing for All

• Inspired by Singapore’s model, the government will collaborate with the private sector to construct large housing estates without incurring government debt.

• The National Rental Assistance Scheme will be strengthened to address the issue of excessive rent advance demands.

• The government will provide social housing. This will include homeless shelters and an expanded Rental Assistance Scheme for low-income workers.

• The government will incentivize private real estate development, expand the services of the State Housing Company (SHC), TDC, and the National Homeownership Fund (NHF).

• The mortgage lending market will be expanded, along with the introduction of rent-to-own schemes.

• Private developers will be allocated public lands within major cities, with a mandatory requirement to dedicate 20-30% of their projects to low-income social housing units with subsidized rents.

Promises On Affordable and Accessible Energy

• The government will incentivize solar power adoption by businesses and individuals, providing “free electricity” from the national grid for excess power generated from solar systems.

• The use of the Ghana Card will eliminate the need for individuals to repeatedly provide basic information to public and private organizations, streamlining access to services.

Promises On Digitalization

• The government will champion the application of digital technology, STEM, robotics, and artificial intelligence to transform sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, fintech, and public service delivery.

• The government is committed to achieving over 90% internet penetration, bridging the digital divide and ensuring access to digital opportunities for all Ghanaians.

• Ghana will actively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, preventing the nation from being left behind as it was during the Industrial Revolution.

• Hundreds of thousands of young Ghanaians will be equipped with digital and software skills through targeted training programs.

Digitalization & Education

• In collaboration with the private sector, at least 1 million youth will be trained in IT skills, including software development, opening up job opportunities both domestically and internationally.

• The government will prioritize TVET education and support the establishment of a National Open University Ghana, focusing on ICT, TVET, and STEM fields.

• The education system will be aligned with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, incorporating STEM, robotics, artificial intelligence, and vocational skills.

• Coding and robotics will become standard components of the Senior High School curriculum.

• To make Ghana a digital hub in Africa, the government will encourage investment in the telecommunications sector, addressing the high cost of data and creating a more inclusive digital ecosystem.

• Clear policy guidelines will be implemented to remove uncertainty and obstacles for telecoms investors, including expedited spectrum allocation.

• Collaboration with educational institutions and leading tech firms will establish a National Robotics, Engineering, and AI Lab to provide research and training opportunities for young Ghanaians.

• Commercially viable tech projects by Ghanaian startups will receive venture funding and grant support to foster innovation, high-tech entrepreneurship, job creation, and the growth of Ghanaian tech businesses.

• A matchmaking program will connect Ghanaian tech startups with established tech firms working on government tech projects, providing valuable real-world testing opportunities to accelerate product development.

Promises On Fintech Ecosystem Development

• Expanded Regulatory Sandbox: The Bank of Ghana’s Regulatory Sandbox will be significantly expanded to attract more Ghanaian and regional fintech companies, positioning Ghana as a multi-jurisdictional hub for financial and payment interoperability.

• A US$100 million Fintech Fund will be established to attract private sector investment and support Ghanaian fintech startups developing regional and exportable payment and financial services solutions.

• A Digital Residency program will be introduced, enabling tech businesses and individuals to register and operate from within Ghana.

• A 5-year Digital Nomad Visa and Work Permit will be implemented to attract global tech talent to work and live in Ghana.

• A Digital Ambassador will be appointed to develop new international markets for Ghanaian digital talent and products, facilitating exports.

• Government platforms will implement comprehensive data interoperability to enhance transparency and streamline services.

• Ghana will actively lead efforts to achieve cross-border mobile money interoperability and other payment systems within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), facilitating trade within Africa’s vast consumer market.

Promises On Streamlining Services and Reducing Costs

• A marketplace will be established to streamline public sector procurement processes.

• The E-Levy will be abolished.

• Holders of the Ghana Card will no longer need to fill separate forms for passport applications.

• The government will work with industry players to make more spectrum available to operators at affordable prices, including 5G.

• Import duties on mobile phones will be eliminated until manufacturing capacity is established in Ghana to make mobile devices more accessible.

Promises On Mining

• Small-scale mining will be formalized, regularized, and regulated, promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

• The government will support the growth of small-scale mining companies, providing capacity building and facilitating access to financing for equipment acquisition.

• All responsible miners will be licensed. District Mining Committees, including chiefs, will issue initial temporary licenses. Every small-scale miner will be required to register with the Ghana Small-Scale Miners Association using their Ghanacard. Community Mining Schemes:

• Abandoned mine shafts will be converted into community mining schemes in collaboration with large mining companies.

• New community mining schemes will be established.

• District mining committees will be responsible for mine reclamation and replanting efforts.

• For value addition and local processing, state-of-the-art common user gold processing units will be established in mining districts in partnership with the private sector.

• A Minerals Development Bank will be established, in collaboration with the private sector, to support the mining industry.

• The minerals export tax will be reduced to 1% to discourage gold smuggling.

• An LBMA-certified gold refinery will be established within four years through private sector investment.

• All responsibly mined small-scale gold will be sold to the central bank, Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), or Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) following the establishment of the LBMA-certified refinery.

• Proven reserve data from the Geological Survey Authority will be made available to small-scale miners to aid their operations and reduce trial-and-error digging.

• The Geological Survey Authority will be adequately resourced.

• The use of mercury-free gold catcher machine technology will be scaled up to reduce environmental damage. Concession Audit and License Compliance: A comprehensive audit of all mining concessions, licenses, and new applications will be conducted to identify expired licenses and non-compliance with licensing conditions.

Promises On “Gold-for-Forex” Program

• The Domestic Gold Purchase Program (DGPP), which has already purchased $5 billion in gold in recent years, will be expanded to address all major foreign exchange demands.

• The Domestic Gold Purchase Program will operate by purchasing gold with cedis and supplying foreign currency to businesses and individuals, effectively balancing demand and supply.

• The Domestic Gold Purchase Program (DGPP) will provide a long-sought anchor for the Ghanaian currency, ensuring greater stability and mitigating the risk of inflationary pressures.

Promises On Industrialization

• The government recognizes the need to transition from an economy primarily reliant on exporting raw materials and importing finished goods to one that produces its own goods and adds value to its resources.

• The government remains committed to industrialization as the key to achieving lasting macroeconomic stability and shared prosperity for all Ghanaians.

Promises On Robust Credit System

• Ghana will develop a modern credit system, modeled after advanced economies, utilizing data and systems such as Ghanacard, GhanapostGPS, Mobile Money Interoperability, Momo Accounts, DVLA, GRA, Bank Accounts, etc., to establish individualized credit scoring and a robust mortgage market.

• The introduction of individualized credit scoring this year will empower Ghanaians to access credit at lower interest rates, fostering financial inclusion and enabling them to make essential purchases without the need for upfront savings.

Promises On Public Infrastructure

• The government will partner with the private sector to finance, build, and rent or lease-to-own public infrastructure, including schools, housing, water systems, and roads, as well as equipment.

• The Public Works Department (PWD) will be revived and equipped with modern tools and workshops, becoming the primary agency responsible for maintaining public infrastructure nationwide.

• The District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) will be fully implemented and expanded, equipping local governments with resources and tools to maintain roads in their districts.

• The government will collaborate with private sector investors to develop Ghana’s railway network based on a comprehensive Master Plan, prioritizing the Western and Eastern Lines for completion.

Promises On Aviation Hub Development

• The establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Tamale Airport will be facilitated, transforming it into an aviation cargo, horticultural cargo, and logistics hub.

• The development of Cape Coast Airport, funded under the Korean $2 billion facility, will serve the Central and Western Regions.

• A new airport will be built in the Upper East Region, in collaboration with the private sector.

• The government will work towards achieving universal access to electricity for all Ghanaians.

Promises On Delivering Quality Healthcare

•The government will complete all Agenda 111 hospitals, ensuring every district has a district hospital.

• The government will recruit more doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, with improved conditions of service.

• The digitization of public healthcare institutions under the E-health project will be completed.

• Telemedicine services will be scaled up.

• Drone delivery services will be expanded to two additional sites, Funsi and Kintampo, providing nationwide coverage.

• The National Electronic Pharmacy Platform (NEPP) will be made interoperable with public and private healthcare facilities.

• Healthcare workers will be offered incentives to purchase vehicles with engine capacities up to 1,800cc.

• Compliance with the existing deprived area incentive package for health workers will be ensured.

Promises On Empowering Women and Girls

• The Affirmative Action Act will be fully implemented to ensure women’s equal representation in leadership and decision-making positions.

• The Women’s Trade Empowerment Fund (WoTEF) will be established to provide financial support to women-owned businesses.

• Government scholarships will be awarded with gender parity.

• The maternal healthcare program will be further improved.

• A “Women in Diplomacy” program will be established to promote Ghanaian women’s leadership in international organizations.

To Protect Women’s Workplace Rights;

• Existing sexual harassment laws will be strictly enforced.

• The government, in partnership with the private sector, will prioritize the establishment of daycare centers near workplaces and marketplaces to support mothers returning to the workforce.

• Existing regulations on maternity leave governance will be enforced.

Promises On Expanding Educational Opportunities for All

• The stock of student accommodation in public universities and other tertiary institutions will be increased, making affordable housing available for students.

• A Free Tertiary Education Scholarship will be introduced for persons with disabilities (PWDs), removing financial barriers to higher education.

• Scholarship databases across public sector institutions will be integrated to ensure transparency and visibility.

• The Student Loan Scheme will be expanded to include all post-secondary students, including certificate and diploma programs.

• National scholarship schemes will prioritize training and skills development in STEM fields and other in-demand skills.

• The Centralised Applications Processing Service (CAPS) will be fully implemented, allowing students to apply and pay for tertiary education only once.

• The government will establish an Open University.

• Graduates who secure employment after completing their tertiary education will be exempted from national service.

Protecting and Enhancing Free SHS/TVET:

• The government will recruit more teachers at all levels, with improved conditions of service.

• Additional infrastructure will be developed for educational institutions to accommodate the increased enrollment.

• Teachers will be offered incentives to purchase vehicles with engine capacities up to 1,800cc.

Promises On Good Governance

• The process of electing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) through universal adult suffrage will be reinitiated, deepening decentralization and local governance.

• The automatic increase in the size of Parliament due to the creation of new districts will be halted by delinking these two processes.

• An Electoral Area Share of the Common Fund (EASCF) will be instituted to provide resources directly to Assembly Members, facilitating development at the electoral area level.

• The 1992 Constitution will be reviewed in collaboration with Parliament and other stakeholders, including political parties, to enhance its effectiveness in supporting national development.

Promises On Value-Based Leadership and Citizen Engagement

• The government will promote a value-based leadership approach, emphasizing selflessness, excellence, ethics, justice, integrity, transparency, diligence, and accountability.

• The relationship between the state, chiefs, faith-based organizations (FBOs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) will be formalized, elevating their roles in national governance. FBOs will be officially designated as “development partners” entitled to similar incentives.

• Section 63 of the Chieftaincy Act will be reviewed to empower chiefs and strengthen local governance.

• Living allowances will be paid to Paramount Chiefs, Divisional Chiefs, and Queen Mothers.

• To encourage land registration, all stool lands will be registered without initial fee payment. Fees will only be due upon land sale.

• The government will prioritize the protection and preservation of Ghanaian cultural and family values.

Promises On Fighting Corruption

• Ghana will actively move towards a cashless economy to reduce corruption and enhance traceability of transactions.

• The Bank of Ghana has made significant progress in developing the necessary infrastructure for a cashless society, including mobile money interoperability, merchant interoperability, a universal QR code payment system, Gh-Link, debit cards, Ezwich, and GhanaPay.

• The Bank of Ghana has successfully piloted a digital version of the Ghanaian cedi, known as the e-cedi, which will be launched in the future. The e-cedi will enhance transparency, reduce fraud and money laundering, and accelerate the transition to a cashless society. Blockchain and Smart Contracts:

• Blockchain technology and smart contracts will be implemented to ensure secure data exchange and transparent e-government services.

• A distributed ledger technology will be employed to ensure all government transactions are permanently traceable, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Promises On Elder Care

• The government will pass an Ageing Act to provide comprehensive care and protection for the elderly.

• Geriatric care training programs will be promoted to address the growing need for elder care professionals.

• Policies will be implemented to establish homecare, nursing homes, and rehabilitation services, including assisted living and old-age community living options.

• Social assistance schemes specifically tailored for the elderly will be created to support those not currently covered by programs like LEAP.

Promises On Protecting and Restoring Ghana’s Environment

• The government will enhance the protection of Ghana’s forests and biodiversity hotspots.

• Reforestation programs will be implemented, targeting 30,000 hectares of degraded areas for reforestation and plantation development annually.

• The government will establish 1,000 hectares of bamboo and rattan plantations annually for watershed protection and plantation development.

• Tree seedlings and plantain suckers will be provided to at least 1,000 communities to promote national reforestation and plantation development.

• Provisions of the Water Use Regulations will be vigorously enforced to protect surface and underground water sources.

• The Water Buffer Zone Policy will be reviewed and strengthened for implementation.

• Transborder water sources, particularly the Volta River, will be protected.

• Effective management of all major water basins in Ghana will be implemented.

Promises On Boosting Sports, Creative Arts, and Tourism

• Tax incentives, including a flat tax, will be provided to encourage private sector investments in sports, tourism, and creative arts facilities.

• An e-visa policy will be implemented for all international visitors to Ghana, facilitating fast and convenient visa acquisition.

• A visa-free policy will be implemented for all nationals of African and Caribbean countries visiting Ghana.

• A streaming and digital management platform will be established in partnership with the private sector to support Ghanaian content creators in the creative arts.

• A TPS will be established for the creative arts community to facilitate international performances and shows for Ghanaian artistes and performers.

• A Sports Development Fund will be created to develop sports infrastructure, talent development, and grassroots sports programs, including the revival of colts football and leagues across the country.

• The Ghana School Sports Secretariat will be established as an agency under the Ministry of Sports, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and sports federations. The government will also seek school-level collaboration with international sports bodies like the NBA and NFL to establish Ghana as a hub for these sports in Africa.

• The surfaces of football pitches in Kumasi, Accra, Cape Coast, Tamale, and Essipong will be upgraded to meet international standards.

• The government will implement a robust maintenance model for the country’s sports facilities.

• The government will continue constructing Astro Turfs in every constituency to promote talent development, particularly in juvenile football. According to Vice President Bawumia, since 2016, his government has increased the number of Astro Turfs from 3 to 150 by 2024.

• The Operation Olympics Glory Program will be launched to prepare athletes for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, targeting specific sports to enhance our chances for medals.

Government will support the revitalization of the Premier League and local clubs to improve their commercial viability and create jobs by;

• Directing policy through the National Lotteries Authority and the Gaming Commission to establish a Sports Employment Module that will assist Premier League clubs with operational expenses, including player salaries.

• Providing a bus to each Premier League club for operational use.

• Six new standard stadiums with a seating capacity of 5,000 will be built in the new regions, alongside a standard stadium in Sunyani.

• Government will establish a Ghana School Sports Secretariat to create more opportunities for young athletes and collaborate with international sports organizations like the NBA and NFL, positioning Ghana as a hub for emerging sports in Africa.

Promises On Ensuring Safe Borders and Secure Neighborhoods

• Government will complete 15 Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). These bases will enable the military to swiftly respond to external threats, including terrorism, at our border frontiers.

• Government will continue to enhance the capabilities of Ghana’s security services to protect the nation effectively.

• Government will deepen international cooperation. According to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, deepening cooperation with neighboring states and the international community will be crucial in the fight against violent extremism.

• Government will recruit and deploy an additional 20,000 security personnel to enhance police visibility and strengthen the overall human resource capacity of security services.

• Government will roll out 50,000 additional anti-crime cameras (CCTV) and body cameras for police officers to improve monitoring and security logistics.

Promises On Constitutional Amendment

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia said he believes in the importance of aligning our national development efforts across sectors such as education, health, industrialization, and the environment.

Hence, he will support amendments to Article 87 of the 1992 Constitution and the NDPC Act (Act 479) to mandate that party manifestos, economic and social policies of governments, and budgets be aligned with an agreed-upon national development framework.

• Government will commit to a thorough process of constitutional amendment through extensive public consultation, emphasizing the election of MMDCEs to strengthen decentralization, addressing ex-gratia payments, and empowering institutions while reducing presidential powers.

Promises On Caring for Individuals with Special Needs

• Government will recruit 1,000 special education teachers and retrain existing teachers on how to effectively support students with special needs.

• There will be increased training for speech and language therapists, as well as occupational and behavioral therapists.

• Government will establish a recruitment quota for persons with disabilities in all government hiring processes and provide necessary support and resources.

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