BY Nadia Ntiamoah
Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reiterated that his political journey has never been about personal enrichment but rather about service to the nation and improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
Speaking to enthusiastic party delegates at Amenfi West in the Western Region during his ongoing nationwide campaign tour, Dr. Bawumia mounted a strong defence of his political record, emphasizing transparency, fiscal discipline, and innovation as the hallmarks of his public service.
He drew a sharp contrast between his approach to governance and what he described as the “extravagant and scandalous” practices of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) while in power.
Dr. Bawumia, who first entered government as Vice President in 2017 under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, recalled one of his administration’s landmark achievements—the implementation of the Mobile Money Interoperability Project—as evidence of his commitment to prudent management of public resources.
According to him, the project, which allows seamless transfer of funds between mobile money platforms and bank accounts, was executed at a fraction of the cost initially proposed by the NDC government.
“Before we came into office, the NDC had proposed to implement the same project at a staggering cost of $1.2 billion,” Dr. Bawumia revealed.
“But when we took over, we cancelled that deal and successfully completed it for just $4.5 million — not even up to $5 million.”
The former Vice President described the achievement as one of the biggest cost-saving measures in recent years, noting that the difference of over $1.195 billion proved how efficient governance could save the country from waste and corruption.
He said the interoperability project has since transformed the financial landscape, promoting inclusion, transparency, and job creation.
Dr. Bawumia, a trained economist and former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, maintained that his greatest fulfilment in politics is witnessing how well-thought-out policies improve the lives of Ghanaians, not accumulating personal wealth.
“I entered politics to serve the people, not to enrich myself,” he said, adding that “my greatest joy comes from seeing how government projects are transforming lives across the country.”
His remarks come at a crucial time as he intensifies his campaign for the NPP’s 2028 presidential ticket.
The statement was also seen as part of his broader effort to differentiate himself from other contenders by highlighting his technocratic background and results-driven leadership style.
Dr. Bawumia reminded party delegates that his political brand is rooted in accountability and efficiency, insisting that leadership must focus on maximizing public benefit rather than personal or partisan gain.
“I am not in politics for money — I am here to make a difference in the lives of ordinary Ghanaians,” he declared.
The former Vice President’s comments follow years of public debate over corruption, wastage, and misuse of state resources under successive governments.
Bawumia’s emphasis on cost efficiency and transparency may resonate strongly with delegates seeking a credible candidate to lead the NPP into the next election cycle.
Dr. Bawumia’s Amenfi West address thus reinforced his image as a reformist leader committed to value-for-money governance, accountability, and innovation—qualities he believes are essential to move Ghana forward in the coming years.
