The Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has emphasized that job creation and economic growth will be the primary focuses of a government led by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, should the New Patriotic Party (NPP) win the 2024 elections.
During his address at the inaugural Election 2024 Dialogue at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) on October 3, 2024, Oppong Nkrumah outlined the NPP’s vision for Ghana under Bawumia’s leadership.
As Vice Chair of the NPP’s Manifesto Committee, he shared with the audience, which included law students, faculty, and political analysts, that Bawumia’s strategy involves transforming the economy by moving away from dependency on raw materials and promoting value addition and industrialization.
“This plan aims to create jobs, particularly for the youth, and foster sustainable economic growth,” he stated.
He further explained that “Dr. Bawumia’s vision is to transition Ghana from being merely a raw material exporter to becoming a hub for value-added products.”
The NPP’s Manifesto also includes initiatives for establishing technology hubs and industrial parks to encourage innovation, attract investment, and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are vital for job creation and securing Ghana’s position in the global economy.
Oppong Nkrumah highlighted the importance of leveraging the ongoing digitalization agenda under a Bawumia administration to formalize the economy and enhance government revenue collection.
“We have already witnessed significant progress through digital transformation initiatives such as mobile money interoperability and the Ghana Card. The next phase will ensure these innovations are fully integrated into our financial systems to support businesses and create additional jobs,” he noted.
He also pointed out that governance reforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency would be crucial aspects of Bawumia’s vision.
“The NPP intends to introduce reforms that streamline public services and enhance accountability within government institutions. A Bawumia-led government will ensure that every public official is held accountable, and corruption is eliminated at all levels of public service,” he assured.
On the topic of housing, the Minister stated that the NPP’s Manifesto includes solid plans to increase affordable housing projects nationwide, aiming to address the housing deficit. He stressed that public-private partnerships would be essential in providing housing solutions for low- and middle-income Ghanaians.
“Housing is a fundamental necessity, and Dr. Bawumia’s vision will ensure that all Ghanaians have access to decent and affordable homes,” he affirmed.
Throughout the dialogue, Oppong Nkrumah continued to underscore the importance of youth employment, with targeted plans for education reform and entrepreneurship initiatives designed to equip young Ghanaians with skills essential for the modern economy.
“Every year, millions of young people enter the job market, and it is our responsibility to create opportunities for their success,” he stated.
The Election 2024 Dialogue, organized by GIMPA’s Law Students’ Association, provided the NPP with a platform to share its vision leading up to the 2024 elections.
Similar events are anticipated across various university campuses, allowing the NPP to engage with students and other stakeholders to further elaborate on its plans for Ghana’s future.
