The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has presented its strategy to alleviate the high cost of living, enhance the quality of life, and foster development across various economic sectors, should the party remain in power.
During a press conference held at its Campaign Communication Office in Dzorwulu, Accra, last Wednesday, multiple speakers detailed the party’s initiatives aimed at advancing the agriculture, transport, energy, and housing sectors, as outlined in its manifesto for the upcoming 2024 elections.
In discussing the energy sector, energy expert and former NPP presidential candidate Kojo Poku stated that a presidency under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would implement a 200-megawatt (MW) solar power initiative to supply electricity to areas lacking connectivity, increase overall connectivity from 80 to 100 percent, and cut electricity costs by 50 percent.
He further noted that the government would enhance the Gold-For-Oil (G4O) program, enabling fuel importers to negotiate more favorable premiums with suppliers.
He highlighted that the introduction of G4O had successfully reduced premiums from between US$180 and US$200 to US$70 per metric ton (MT) or less.
Additionally, he mentioned that under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, incentives would be provided for solar power users through a metering system, allowing households and other solar power producers to receive credits for any excess energy supplied to the national grid, which they could then utilize when not connected to their solar sources.
Regarding the transport sector, Madam Lawuratu Musah-Saaka indicated that the next NPP administration, if victorious in the elections, would aim to lower transportation costs by promoting private sector investment in Electric Vehicles (EV) and related infrastructure.
The government would also expand the G4O initiative to stabilize fuel prices and spare parts costs by establishing a “flat rate for all importers.”
She concluded by stating that the NPP would collaborate with and incentivize private sector platform developers to create a digital marketplace for spare parts, providing logistical support to facilitate the onboarding of participants into this marketplace.
