Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Archives - Ghana Education News

Bawumia To Launch One Student One Laptop For Tertiary Students

April 9, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

The vice president of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has announced that he will implement one student one laptop for Tertiary Students.

Speaking at a press conference organised by Bawumia’s campaign team on Tuesday, Dennis Miracles Above, director of communications for Bawumia’s campaign team announced that all tertiary students will be given laptops with 70% discount on the cost of the laptop. The 30% will be paid in a period of 4 years. He added that there will be no interest rate charges on the laptop.

This comes few weeks after government launched free tablets for Senior High School (SHS) students.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education (MoE), Kwasi Kwarteng, this initiative is part of the Ghana Smart Schools Project.

The project aims to provide teaching and learning management systems, digital learning content, and electronic devices to all senior high and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools nationwide.

Mr. Kwarteng said all 503 public SHS and TVET institutions would benefit from the project. He clarified that, the distribution would be done in phases, with each phase covering 30 schools until students in all schools get their laptops.

Mr. Kwarteng mentioned that, this process would take more than a year to complete.

“This kind of project is national in scope and requires careful implementation. A significant amount of stakeholder engagement has been undertaken, and it’s a collaborative effort involving the private sector, public industry, and academia. The Ghana Education Service (GES), which oversees the SHS and TVET programs, is also involved,” he added.

Mr. Kwarteng said the tablets have four-inch screen, four gigabytes of RAM, and a battery life of seven to eight hours, along with a solar-based battery pack.

The tablets are water-resistant and equipped with a quad-core 2 processor. To him, these devices would supplement textbooks and prepare students to use digital tools effectively.

The PRO mentioned that, the tablets are already in the country, and the next step would be distributing them to GES and TVET stores in various districts for further distribution.

Under the One Student, One Tablet initiative, Mr. Kwarteng assured that students would not have to endure undue stress. He stated that, approximately 450,000 tablets would be distributed in phases, with distribution scheduled to begin from now until September, based on the distribution calendar provided by the FREE SHS Secretariat.

Opoku Onyinah addresses Bawumia’s running mate speculation

March 3, 2024February 12, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

Former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Prof. Opoku Onyinah, has responded to speculation surrounding his potential selection as the running mate to New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Prof. Onyinah has emerged as a prominent candidate for the role of running mate to Dr. Bawumia in the upcoming December 7 election.

The distinguished religious figure sparked further speculation with a Facebook post on Sunday, which many interpreted as a tacit confirmation of the rumors.

In light of the diverse reactions to his post, Prof. Onyinah clarified in a subsequent message that the initial post was unrelated to ongoing speculations. He explained that the message was inspired by the Church of Pentecost’s 2015 theme and contained valuable lessons.

“Very interesting. I coined my last post when we (The Church of Pentecost) adopted the theme, “Being a Good Steward of God in my Generation” in 2015. I examined the man who received one talent and hid it in the ground. I then wrote, “The Lord has a reason for creating me. Burying my talent and making it redundant is doing a disservice to my family, church, nation, and world. If I fail to speak, to work, to contribute, I allow the ‘bad’ minority to rule and dictate. Often, the silence of the majority or a good one helps the noisy minority destroy society or even rule.” It has many lessons. Last night, I was looking for a quote that touched my heart on preaching to post it. As I could not find it and stumbled on this, I posted it. It has nothing to do with what is going on. Perhaps it has come at the wrong time. Timing is important. I still “keep my head” and place Christ first in whatever I do,” he wrote.

Since Vice President Bawumia’s selection as the NPP flagbearer on November 4, 2023, several names have been circulating as potential running mates.

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, has been rumored as a leading contender.

Other individuals such as John Ampontuah Kumah, Deputy Finance Minister and MP for Ejisu in Ashanti, and Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Deputy Minister of Education, have also been mentioned.

Additionally, figures like the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (Minister of Education), Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu (Majority Leader), and Ursula Owusu-Ekuful are reportedly under consideration for the position.

Professor Gyampo’s Preliminary Take On Bawumia’s Presentation

February 8, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

Professor Ransford Gyampo has reacted to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent presentation at UPSA Auditorium. This is what he has to say;

1. This essentially was an articulation of achievements and vision, fundamentally in the broader area of Digitization and honestly, the various manifestations of this overarching policy, and what it can do to promote development, is indubitable and enormous. No doubt it formed the interwoven central theme of the presentation.

2. Unfortunately, Ghanaians had to wait to be told more about what digitization has done for them by the man himself, in a manner that makes many of the achievements that should have been long known, sound new. Consequently, there may be the need to fact-check many of the claims in order to be sure.

3. It appears DMB is the only one who has a firm grasp over the policy, as the party itself has either been ignorant about the claims about Digitization or has been incompetent in communicating its achievements to fester in the psyche of Ghanaians. Unless the party begins to undertake remedial tutorials about Digitization and its achievements for the purposes of political communication, the work will be difficult for DMB.

4. Despite what it can do, Digitization is not the sine qua non to development. Other key interventions such as good governance and deliberate efforts to seal the leakages and slippages, fight corruption, exemplary leadership that first tightens its belt, rather than living bourgeoisie, etc should have been emphasized more than being treated nearly as appendages.

5. Parts of the presentation was an indictment on the government of which he is part, in a manner that raises serious questions and vindicates those of us who have been critics of the government. Promising to have not more than 50 Ministers when you are part of a government of over 100 Ministers; and promising to abolish some taxes like the Emissions tax, Gaming Tax, E-Levy, VAT on electricity consumption, etc makes some of us feel vindicated for criticizing and calling for downsizing of government and the abolition of such nuisance taxes.

DMB’s supporters came after us for such criticisms and I am wondering whether they will go after him, now that he’s taken a position that responds favorably to our criticisms on the size of government and nuisance taxes.

6. But the more important question is, why do these great interventions tomorrow, instead of today that they are greatly needed? Does the answer still lie in the claim that he’s not the one in charge? Well, in that case, then karma is not good at all. There was then absolutely no basis for the 170 questions posed to Veep Amissah-Arthur because he was also a mate and wasn’t in charge.

7. DMB still blames our challenges on COVID and the Russian-Ukraine war and there is no doubt at all that these have had negative effects on many countries including Ghana. But a more convincing explanation could have also focused on an admission of what was done wrong domestically, and a promise to refrain from our own contributions to the challenges. It cannot be entirely accurate for us to blame all other than ourselves for our challenges.

8. Finally, there were great ideas that were espoused including the need for a national development plan, a move that was initiated by the predecessor government but was jettisoned. All the other contenders in the 2024 elections also have great plans. But it appears great plans wouldn’t really matter.

Available empirical survey reports show that many Ghanaians now, do not believe in political promises, as many of them are merely vote garnering gimmicks. What would therefore be the decider in the 2024 elections, would be a side by side comparison of the trustworthiness, credibility and achievements of the various contenders.

In my next post, I will now offer a sharper focus and properly interrogate some of the policy vision outlined. Where they deserve commendations, we would commend and where they must be fact-checked and critiqued, we will do so.

5 Desperate Promises of Bawumia If Elected President of Ghana

March 3, 2024February 8, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

Dr Bawumia's 70-point Agenda (Vision) for Ghana Desperate Promises of Bawumia

In a fervent bid to secure the presidency of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has unleashed a series of promises, each more desperate than the last, in hopes of winning the 2024 election.

With the 2024 general elections looming, Bawumia’s campaign has taken a desperate turn as he attempts to bolster his support base with bold pledges and grandiose schemes. Here are five of the most desperate promises Bawumia has made in his quest for the highest office in the land:

1. Revolutionizing the Financial Landscape

In a dramatic proclamation at the UPSA auditorium, Bawumia unveiled plans for a sophisticated credit card system aimed at transforming Ghana’s financial sector. Promising greater financial inclusivity, Bawumia vowed to empower workers with enhanced purchasing power and access to essential assets such as homes and vehicles through convenient credit facilities. However, critics have raised eyebrows at the feasibility of such a grandiose plan, questioning its practicality and potential impact on the country’s economy.

2. Combatting Corruption Through a Cashless Economy:

Desperate to tackle the pervasive issue of corruption, Bawumia has proposed a radical solution: transitioning Ghana towards a cashless economy. Emphasising the correlation between electronic payments and reduced corruption, Bawumia aims to promote transparency and accountability by eliminating cash transactions. However, sceptics argue that such a strategy may be overly ambitious and fail to address the root causes of corruption, raising doubts about its effectiveness in practice.

He is currently the vice president, yet his government has had several corruption and scandal issues that they have failed to tackle adequately. Ghana in the 2023 Corruption Index scored 41, and this has been the trend since the Akufo-Addo Bawumia government took over office. How can he deal with corruption as president when he has not shown or led the way as vice president for seven years and counting?

3. Ambitious IT Skills Training Initiative

In a bold move to address youth unemployment, Bawumia has pledged to collaborate with the private sector to train over one million youth in IT skills, including software development. With promises of job opportunities both locally and internationally, Bawumia hopes to appeal to young voters disillusioned with the current job market. Yet, critics question the feasibility of such a massive training program and its potential to deliver tangible results in a short timeframe.

4. Constitutional Amendments for Decentralization

Seeking to garner support for his candidacy, Bawumia has vowed to spearhead extensive constitutional amendments through public consultation. Highlighting issues such as ex-gratia, the rights of dual citizens, and the election of MMDCEs, Bawumia aims to deepen decentralization and empower institutions while curbing the powers of the presidency. However, skeptics doubt Bawumia’s sincerity, viewing his promises as mere political posturing to win votes.

5. Tax Abolishment and Educational Reforms:

In a last-ditch effort to appeal to voters, Bawumia has made desperate promises to abolish taxes on digital payments and introduce coding and robotics standards in senior high schools. With lofty ambitions to promote a cashless economy and equip students with cutting-edge skills, Bawumia hopes to sway undecided voters with populist policies. Yet, critics argue that such promises may be unrealistic and fail to address the underlying challenges facing the education and taxation systems.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s desperate promises reflect his fervent ambition to ascend to the presidency of Ghana. However, amidst grandiose schemes and bold proclamations, questions linger about the feasibility and sincerity of his proposals. As the 2024 general elections draw near, only time will tell whether Bawumia’s desperate promises will resonate with the electorate or fall flat in the face of scrutiny and skepticism.

The NPP flag bearer cannot run away from the fact that in the past seven years and counting, they have overburdened Ghanaians with endless taxes when the same Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, promised Ghana was going to move from taxation to production. Ghanaians are paying levies and taxes that make no logical sense, such as the e-levy, the bet tax, the COVID-19 levy, and the list is endless. If the same person turns around to promise he will abolish these and may more, it is time for him to abolish them now or forget the separate promises. Ghanaians know him better now. Talk is cheap.

I Will Abolish E-levy, Betting Tax As President – Bawumia

March 3, 2024February 8, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

In a recent address to the nation, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia outlined a comprehensive strategy to revamp Ghana’s taxation system and eliminate the controversial e-levy. His proposals aim to foster economic growth, encourage digital innovation, and alleviate financial burdens on businesses and individuals.

Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his opposition to the e-levy, a tax on electronic financial transactions introduced in 2022. He pledged to remove this levy if elected president, emphasizing the importance of promoting digital payments and transitioning towards a cashless economy. This move aligns with his vision to facilitate greater financial inclusion and modernize Ghana’s payment infrastructure.

Recognizing the potential of digital payments to drive economic progress, Dr. Bawumia announced plans to incentivize their use by eliminating taxes on such transactions. By removing barriers to digital payments, he aims to encourage individuals and businesses to adopt electronic channels for financial transactions, thereby reducing reliance on cash and enhancing efficiency.

In addition to abolishing the e-levy, Dr. Bawumia unveiled a series of tax reforms designed to simplify the tax system and stimulate economic activity. This includes the elimination of other taxes such as the emission tax and tax on betting, which contribute to the overall tax burden faced by businesses and consumers. By reducing unnecessary taxes, Dr. Bawumia seeks to create a more conducive environment for investment and entrepreneurship.

Addressing concerns about the proposed 15% VAT on electricity tariffs, Dr. Bawumia committed to abolishing this tax if it is implemented by January 2025. This measure aims to alleviate the financial strain on households and businesses, particularly in the face of rising energy costs. By lowering VAT on electricity, Dr. Bawumia aims to enhance affordability and support economic growth across various sectors.

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To further simplify taxation and support small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), Dr. Bawumia proposed the introduction of a flat tax regime. Under this system, both individuals and SMEs would be subject to a flat percentage of income tax, with appropriate exemptions to protect low-income earners. This streamlined approach to taxation aims to reduce compliance costs for businesses and promote entrepreneurship.

Dr. Bawumia’s ambitious tax reform agenda represents a concerted effort to promote economic development, financial inclusion, and business growth in Ghana. By abolishing the e-levy, simplifying the tax system, and supporting digital payments, he seeks to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all citizens.

Bukom Banku Reveals His Favorite Candidate In NPP November 4 Primaries

March 3, 2024October 27, 2023 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

Bukum Banku Reveals His Favorite Candidate In NPP November 4 Primaries

Ghanaian professional boxer, Braimah Isaac Kamoko also known as Bukom Banku, has revealed his favorite candidate in NPP November 4 presidential primaries.

In an interview with Kofi Adomah on Kofi TV, Bukom Banku stated that he is not a member of the New Patriotic Party. He added that he is a strong member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). However, if he is given the chance to select one candidate from the NPP to lead the party to the 2024 general elections, it would be the member of Parliament for Assin Central constituency, Honorable Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

According to him, Kennedy Agyapong is his friend, while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia isn’t. He also added that he has a lot of friends in the party, but he doesn’t support the party to win any election.

Bukom Banku Reveals His Favorite Candidate In NPP November 4 Primaries

“NPP is not my party so I cannot support anyone in it but the people in the NPP are my friends, it’s just that I don’t support their party.” he said

When asked who he supports between Kennedy Agyapong and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He said.

“Kennedy Agyapong is my friend, I know him very well. But for Bawumia, he is not my friend. So if I have to support someone, it would be Kennedy Agyapong.

Bukom Banku Reveals His Favorite Candidate In NPP November 4 Primaries

He explained the reason why he supports Kennedy Agyapong as;

“Like I said, Kennedy Agyapong is my friend. And if I am to support someone, it would be Kennedy Agyapong so that he wins president. But I am not an NPP person so can’t support anyone. I am an NDC member, so I will support NDC party.”

When asked if he is confident that the NDC will win the 2024 general elections, Bukum Banku said;

“you don’t need anyone to tell you that the NDC will win the 2024 elections. It is a chop chop for Mahama. Cool win for Mahama. The country is currently mismanaged. No food, no water. We want Mahama to come so that things will be well. So that we can get money in our pockets” he added

Bawumia Will Get Over 75% Votes On November 4 – Sammy Awuku

March 3, 2024October 27, 2023 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

A member of the Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia campaign team, Sammy Awuku has stated that Bawumia will get over 75% votes on November.

Already, the campaign team of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has vehemently rejected the findings of the Global Info Analytics survey, which suggests that Dr. Bawumia is leading with 43.5% in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential race scheduled for November 4.

Bawumia Will Get Over 75% Votes On November 4 – Sammy Awuku

According to the research organization, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia holds the lead in the presidential race, but with less than 50% support.

However, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has garnered significant support, securing 23.5% of the delegates’ backing, making the race more closely contested than initially anticipated, with 18.3% of delegates still undecided.

During an appearance on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, October 26, Sammy Awuku, a spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia’s campaign team, emphasized their firm belief that their candidate’s popularity is not waning.

He pointed out that with the withdrawal of former aspirant Alan Kyerematen from the race and his resignation from the party, key members of Kyerematen’s team have declared their support for Dr. Bawumia.

Mr. Awuku argued that this should bolster Dr. Bawumia’s support base and not reduce it to 43.5%.

He stated, “Any polls that predict that the Vice President will get less than 75% on the 4th of November – trust me is not any credible poll.”

He expressed confidence that their candidate is capable of winning with 75% to 80% of the vote and highlighted their extensive campaign efforts across the country to promote the message of unity, aiming to ensure the party retains power in the 2024 election.

“As we speak today, I can tell you that we are working towards a 75% to 80% win on November 4, and I would be surprised to see the Vice President get anything below 75%,” Mr. Awuku emphasized.

Bawumia Will Get Over 75% Votes On November 4 – Sammy Awuku

“Any polling that, for me, puts Dr. Bawumia below 75%, I will not treat it seriously,” he reiterated.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will contest for the flagbearership slot of the NPP along with three other contenders including Kennedy Ohene Agyapong , Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has slated November 4, 2023, to elect a successor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as leader of the party. Kennedy Agyapong and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia are the key favorites to win the election on November, 4, 2023.

Vice President Dr. Bawumia Named Among 100 Most Influential Leaders In Africa

March 3, 2024December 7, 2022 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

The vice president of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been selected in the category of influential leaders in Africa. He was recognized for his relentless efforts at spearheading Ghana’s digitization as a core economic strategy to solve socio-economic problems. Naming Dr. Bawumia as one of Africa’s most influential leaders, the publication eulogised the Vice President … Read more

No Way, I Won’t Allow You To Do This To Me -Vice President Dr. Bawumia Finally Issues Strong Message

March 3, 2024November 14, 2022 by Asare Michael Baarffour (Devarsh)

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President, has said that his integrity is a priceless asset that he has worked hard to build over the years. Since then, he has made it clear that he won’t let people use his name for wrongdoing because his honesty is still his best card. Anas Aremeyaw Anas said that … Read more