Issuing Ghana cards to over 85% of adult population is a major step towards formalising the economy - Dr. Bawumia

The Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has informed organized labour that his commitment to the issuance of national identity cards to the adult population of the country has paid off, as it has significantly formalized the Ghanaian economy.

At a meeting with the TUC in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Bawumia explained his vision and policies for Ghana, observing that for years, successive governments had operated an informal economy due to the exclusion of several members of the adult population in many crucial areas, thus making accurate economic decisions difficult. Hence, his commitment to addressing the challenge as Vice President, with the permission of the President.

"There was a need to formalize the economy to be able to address these age-old challenges if we are to move forward," he said.

"I observed this in a book I wrote before I became Vice President, so upon getting the opportunity, I sought the permission of the President, and he allowed me."

Dr. Bawumia revealed that a key step towards attaining the formalization of the economy was the national identity card, otherwise known as the Ghana Card, which he said the government has successfully issued to about 85% of the adult Ghanaian population and has started the issuance of Ghana Card numbers at birth to newly-born children.

"The Ghana Card has played a crucial role in helping to formalize the economy. With the Ghana Card number also being a TIN number, it means government agencies such as the banks, GRA, Ghana Health Services, as well as the telcos, now have the data to act and include everyone."

Dr. Bawumia also stated that in terms of financial inclusion, which Ghana is number one in Africa, the Ghana Card has also helped make it possible, as both banks and telcos require the Ghana Card for registrations to access services and generally for mobile money interoperability.

KOD