Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a presidential hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has provided a number of reasons why he should be given the nod to govern the country following the expiration of President Akufo-Addo's second term.

Addressing party faithful after successfully filing his nomination forms on Friday, June 16, the Vice President noted that he is best placed to lead the party and the country as he has made sacrifices for both which have led to their respective growth.

For 22 years, according to the Dr Bawumia, he has never erred the party or prioritised his personal ambitions over the betterment of citizens and the ruling party.

"From the President Kufuor era as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, through our years in opposition and now in government. During this period, I have sacrificed for the party. I have defended the party in good and challenging times.

I have never wavered and I have a record of achievement and performance as Vice President of the Republic of Ghana," he said.

He emphasised that through thick and thin "I have shown unflinching loyalty to our party and government."

Some of the achievements of the Vice President include championing the country's digital transformation such as mobile money interoperability between bank accounts and mobile wallets, digitization of the national identity card and Universal QR Code payment system.

Despite the successes chalked, Dr Bawumia admitted that much more needs to be done to ensure Ghana catches up with developed countries.

He asserted that "it is possible for Ghana to be like the advanced nations" and as such has pledged to ensure that Ghana is regarded as the digital hub of Africa in his administration.

The Vice President who has a "compelling vision for Ghana's future" also seeks to make sure that Ghana makes judicious use of its minerals such as gold.

This comes at a time when Ghana has reclaimed its position as the largest gold producer in Africa from South Africa.

President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Joshua Mortoti made the pronouncement last Friday, 9th June 2023, stating that in 2022, Ghana’s gold production rose to 3.7 million ounces, a notable increase from the previous year's 2.8 million ounces.

This growth has been attributed to advancements in both the large-scale and small-scale sectors of gold mining in the country.

Mortoti said member companies of the mines chamber had sold over 77,620 ounces of gold under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, a scheme launched by the Bank of Ghana to boost reserves. Ghana relinquished the top spot to South Africa in 2021.

NPP Flagbearership

Vice President Dr Bawumia is the second aspirant to file his nomination forms after former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen.

The Vice President is set to compete against eight other contenders in the flagbearership race. The contenders include former Energy Minister Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, MP for Assin Central Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General and MP for Essikado-Ketan Joe Ghartey, and energy expert Kwadwo Poku.

The rest of the contenders are former NPP General Secretary and presidential spokesperson Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former Member of Parliament for Mampong Francis Addai-Nimoh, former Minister of State Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, and former Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto.

The party leadership has already announced that only five aspirants will be allowed to compete following the vetting process scheduled for July 3-6.

On Friday, July 21, the list of qualified presidential candidates will be made public, and three days later, the balloting for position on the ballot paper will take place.

Source: The Independent Ghana