Bawumia Stands Tall Among Presidential Candidates – President Akufo-Addo.

Accra: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on Ghanaians to overwhelmingly support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and presidential candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the upcoming December 7 General Election. He said that Dr. Bawumia possessed the expertise and vision necessary to lead the nation towards sustainable development and progress.According to Ghana News Agency, President Akufo-Addo expressed his firm belief in Dr. Bawumia's ability to bring continuity and progress to the nation. Dr. Bawumia is the fourth individual to be elected as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a centre-right, liberal-conservative political party, since its formation under the Fourth Republican Constitution.The NPP has been one of Ghana's two dominant political parties, alongside its main rival, the centre-left National Democratic Congress (NDC). This year's presidential and parliamentary elections hold significant importance, with the NPP aiming to retain power amidst ongoing economic challenges. Polls leading up to the 2024 elections indicate a highly competitive presidential race, as former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC's flagbearer, seeks to make a return to office.Vice President Dr. Bawumia is campaigning under the slogan 'It is possible,' with a commitment to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in achieving its goal of 'Breaking the Eight.' This ambition reflects the Party's determination to break the historical pattern where no Ghanaian political party has remained in power for more than eight years over the past three decades.Dr. Bawumia has promised to guide the nation towards a more inclusive future, harnessing the talents and resources of all citizens, irrespective of their political or religious affiliations. The NPP's manifesto underscores its focus on human capital development, building strong systems, embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and diversifying the economy, should the Party secure another term in office.The NPP's flagbearer has promised some one million jobs for the youth in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) sector alone, driven by his ambitious digitalisation agenda. President Nana Akufo-Addo rallied the electorate, emphasizing Dr. Bawumia's leadership qualities and competency in a social media post.On the economy, the Government says the stronger Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth performance in the 2017-2022 period was underpinned by the agricultural GDP growth. The authorities also highlight a significant reduction in rice imports and aim for Ghana to become a net exporter of rice by 2028.Despite global economic challenges, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, the Akufo-Addo administration credits itself for sustaining industrial growth at a level stronger than the 2013-2016 period. Ghana has consistently recorded a trade surplus and increased its gross international reserves significantly.Regarding the performance of the Ghana Cedi, Dr. Bawumia noted that despite a notable depreciation in 2022, the average depreciation under the current government is lower than that of the previous administration. This assertion was made during a recent meeting with professionals in Accra, amidst his ongoing campaign tour.