You are a Co-Pilot, not mate – Dr Bawumia told’This is what Ghana needs’ – Ministers, others react to Bawumia’s vision

Accra: Dr Donald Agumenu, a leadership and governance expert , and a former Special Assistant to Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, has chastised Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for describing himself as 'just a driver's mate' in the governance of the country. He said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo had engaged him as his Co-Pilot to stear the affairs of the country and that he ought to take responsibility for the stewardship. Dr Agumenu wss commenting on the Vice President's address to the nation following his election as the Preaidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, in Accra. Dr Bawumia's address served as a precursor to his official campaign launch, following his election as Falgbearer of the New Patriotic Party in November 2023. In the address, said he was only a driver's mate in the government and that he would become the driver if elected President. Dr Agumenu said Ghana was a serious business, which called for true accountability for stewardship and true service to the nation. 'Mr Mate , do you want to shift blame to the Driver? I don't think that is just. Who is responsible for fuel, maintenance and other strategic roles in making sure the vehicle is safe as well as its passengers and the environment. 'For a number 2 citizen with serious leadership expectations and acclaimed expert power in the maintenance of the health of the vehicle (the economy of Ghana) to speak in that manner is not only unfortunate, but very disappointing. Ghana deserves better leadership to champion the affairs of the State,' he said. The Vice President highlighted the major achievements of the Akufo-Addo-led Government over the past seven years and outlined his vision for Ghana should he be elected as the President on December 7. Since becoming Flagbearer, Dr Bawumia has repeatedly articulated his intention to digitise Ghana's economy, create sustainable jobs, and build an inclusive system that aligns with global demands. 'My vision is to build an inclusive, food self-sufficiency, data-driven and systems-based nation that will fully participate in the global digital revolution,' he told supporters of the Party in his victory address on November 4, 2023. Dr Bawumia pledged to unleash the ingenuity of the youth in various sectors such as information technology, robotics, entrepreneurship, creative arts, and sports, among others, to build a mighty nation. On digitalisation, Dr Agumenu said 'the evolution started with a solid telecommunications infrastructure over time, including the latest investments in the Accra Digital Centre, Rural Fibre Network, Metro Fibre Network and many others championed by President John Dramani Mahama.' Source: Ghana News Agency Accra: Some government officials, including ministers of state, have praised Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's envisioned development plan for the country as 'dynamic' and 'refreshing.' The Vice President, who is also the Flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party, addressed to Ghanaians on Wednesday night, outlining a slew of policies he plans to implement if elected President. Dr. Bawumia, who has prioritized digitisation, stated that he intends to use technology and the private sector to create long-term jobs, generate revenue, and build systems that would propel Ghana into the modern global economy. In separate interviews with the Ghana News Agency, some appointees of the government expressed delight about the message of the Vice President, saying his decision to digitalise all sectors of development was timely and necessary. Mr Dan Botwe, the Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, said the policies proposed by Dr Bawumia 'gives us hope of continuity.' He said the focus on digitisation 'will make systems work' to reduce the problems faced in various sectors. 'It is a very good speech. It gives us so much hope of continuity. New ideas with dynamism, strength and it are clear the emphasis on values that he is going to stand on to move the country is so touching and refreshing,' Mr Botwe said. Mr Joseph Cudjoe, Minister for Public Enterprises, said the formalisation of the economy 'is what we need to bring Ghana among the comity of modern nations.' 'The delivery by the vice president is extremely visionary and it is borne out of willingness and readiness to solve Ghana's problems and take the country into the future. 'We should all support… He has shown he understands development paradigm in modern terms,' he said. Mr Bice Osei Kuffour, the Managing Director of the Ghana Post Company Limited, said: 'This is a well-thought-out plan. This is someone who understands Ghana's development, has thought about it and is tabling plans.' Mr Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Co mmunications, NPP, told the GNA that Ghana 'will enter a new phase of possibility and development' if the country bought into the plans of the Vice President. 'My hope is that fellow Ghanaians will support us to make sure that this comes through,' he said. Meanwhile, the Importers and Exporters Association stated that it would thoroughly examine the Vice President's address, particularly those that affect the freight sector. Mr Asaki Samson Awingobit, the Executive Secretary of the Association, said the group would request further explanation to some of the critical issues, including flat tax rate for spare parts operators. 'The Ghanaian tax bill has 22 tax components and so the flat tax rate that the vice president is proposing, at what percentage is it going to be?' he asked. Source: Ghana News Agency