Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has pledged to deliver a more reliable, affordable, and efficient energy mix if elected President in the upcoming December 7 general elections.
He explained that this energy plan would ease the financial burden on local industries and manufacturing companies, creating a favorable environment for growth and driving socio-economic development.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that his administration would prioritize solar energy for electricity generation, which has the potential to reduce electricity costs by about 50%. This, in turn, would provide relief to industries heavily reliant on electricity for their operations.
“Our current electricity consumption is around 4000 megawatts. I will add an additional 2000 megawatts to our energy generation mix, reducing electricity costs by 50%,” the Vice President announced during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of Osagyefo Oseadeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu II, Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, in Dormaa-Ahenkro, Bono Region.
The event also marked the launch of the 2024 Kwafie Festival, celebrated by the chiefs and people of the Dormaa Traditional Area.
In addition to energy reforms, Dr. Bawumia promised to implement a “Buying Ghana First” policy, which would require government agencies and departments to prioritize procuring locally made products. This policy, he explained, would be backed by law to create a favorable environment for local industries and manufacturers, generating employment opportunities and boosting domestic production.
The Vice President also outlined plans to modernize agriculture, a key sector that employs 60% of the adult population. He proposed the establishment of District Agriculture Mechanization Centres to provide farmers with the necessary tools, equipment, and machinery to enhance productivity.
Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to setting aside a quota for Persons with Disabilities to ensure they have employment opportunities in the formal sector.
Additionally, he assured the community that several key roads in the area, including the Wamfie town roads, Dormaa Ahenkro-Aboabo, Kyeremasu road, Dormaa Ahenkro-Kyeremasu-Gambia Number Two road, and the Dormaa Ahenkro-Gonokrom road, would be rehabilitated.
Earlier, Osagyefo Oseadeyo Dr. Badu II raised concerns about the poor road network in the area and appealed to the Vice President for assistance in reshaping the roads. He also called for the government to address the issue of illegal mining with honesty and integrity, urging the involvement of traditional authorities in the fight.
Dr. Bawumia was accompanied by Bono Regional Minister Justina Owusu Banahene, NPP National Chair Stephen Ntim, Bono Regional NPP Chairman Kwame Baffoe, and other national and regional party executives.
