Vice President of the Republic of Ghana: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Vice President and Flagbearer for New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has indicated that his government will put measures in place to reduce the cost of electricity by importing solar power component into the country.
In an engagement with members of the informal sector through a forum organized by the Council of Indigenous Business Associations, Dr. Bawumia affirmed that the cost of electric power in Ghana is quite high thereby making it difficult for businesses to thrive in their operation.
‘‘One of the major worries is that the cost of electricity is a bit high, and so people involve in the refrigeration business will find it difficult in operating because there is the fear of running at a loss’’.
In his quest to make things easy and less stressful for these businesses, his government will put in place mechanisms to lower the cost of electric power and to give businesses some relief in operating their business, he revealed that one major mechanism is the importation of solar energy elements into the country.
‘‘I am bringing on board new ideas with regards to the issue of generating electricity. I am bringing 2,000 megawatts of solar power to Ghana. We are going to inject 2,000 megawatts which will reduce the cost of electricity drastically. Everyone is going to enjoy the benefit because it will help electricity prices come down significantly”.
Additionally, Dr Bawumia pledged to initiate another strategy aimed at mitigating passport acquisition for the business community and frequent travelers. He affirmed that with the help of the Ghana Card, individuals could apply for passports, make the needed payment, and receive their passports without any stress.
“Secondly, I’m introducing another initiative, which is passport acquisition. Since you’re all into business and travel a lot, the passport acquisition initiative will ensure you acquire a passport without any stress. With the support of the Ghana card, you just apply for the passport and make payment, then the passport will be ready for you.”
On the subject of Tax, he stated that his government will usher in a new tax system called the Flat Tax System for all business. According to him, the Flat Tax System will help businesses as the system will make it easy and flexible for businesses in paying their tax.
‘‘I am coming up with a tax system for all businesses and traders in Ghana called the Flat Tax System, and at the end of every year whether 10% or profit 100 cedis, the system will calculate for you to pay’’.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is currently highlighting some of the unique policies and initiatives his government intends to bring on Board. The Flat Tax System is a unique policy tailored to solving the issue of tax in the country. The policy will seek to make taxes on businesses and traders easy, simple and affordable. Dr. Bawumia launched his Ghana Smart Schools Project yesterday at the Accra International Conference Center. A project that seeks to provide over 1.3 million tablets to students in the Senior High Schools.
