I will reform GRA to broaden tax base – Dr. Bawumia

The flagbearer of the New Patri­otic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to eliminate waste across various sectors of the economy to drive the country’s socioeco­nomic development, if elected in the 2024 general election.

At the launch of the party’s 2024 manifesto in Takoradi in the Western Region, yesterday, he outlined plans to overhaul the procurement culture and implement other measures to achieve this goal.

Dr Bawumia, who is the Vice Presi­dent, stated that his government would shift from outright purchasing of goods such as vehicles and equipment to leasing them instead.

This change, he explained, aims to save signif­icant amounts in cash expenditure across ministries and departments, with the private sector assuming maintenance responsibilities.

Additionally, he proposed empowering the private sector to take on more responsibilities for public services and infrastructure, which, he expressed the belief, would reduce government spending, enhance efficiency, cut waste, and improve competition and accountability.

Dr Bawumia said the introduction of a simplified tax system was also part of the strategy to minimise waste, explaining that making the tax system easier to understand and comply with would reduce inefficien­cies and administrative burdens.

He said another measure to reduce expen­diture in the system was to reduce the number of ministers to 50.

He acknowledged the severe economic challeng­es faced between 2020 and 2022, including high inflation, rising food prices, and debt restructuring, due to unfavourable economic conditions.

Despite these difficulties, he claimed that recovery was underway, with improvements in GDP growth and inflation, and reiterated his commitment to ad­dressing high living costs and youth unemployment.

He highlighted the creation of 2.3 million jobs as a major achievement, contrasting this with the oppo­sition’s record, and stressed the ongoing process for job creation and economic growth.

Dr Bawumia introduced a comprehensive plan for Ghana’s future, aimed at fostering an inclusive economic environment that would nurture resource­fulness and talent among Ghanaians.

“This vision includes reforms in education, fiscal discipline, and private sector empowerment to ensure sustainable growth and development,” he said.

The manifesto launch, held at the Ghana Sec­ondary Technical School (GSTS) park in Takoradi, marked the beginning of major campaign efforts leading up to the December 7 elections. It brought together the rank and file of the party.

The running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prem­peh, discussed the connection between the legacy of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the future of the NPP and praised the President’s achievements in education and energy.

Dr Opoku-Prempeh expressed strong support for Dr Bawumia, highlighting his commitment and integrity.

The NPP Chairman, Mr Stephen Ntim, affirmed that President Akufo-Addo had laid a solid founda­tion for future leadership and assured the gathering that the NPP was poised to deliver economic pros­perity and a secure future for Ghanaians.