Key highlights of Dr Bawumia's tour in Bono region

On the 8th of May, designated as the day for the Vice President, the prospective President paid a visit to the esteemed citizens of Sunyani, in the Bono Region, to enlighten them about his comprehensive presidential policies.

This marks a pioneering effort in such endeavors. As the Vice President's consistent stance is centered on inclusivity, he initiated his engagement by meeting with clergymen in the region. Subsequently, he interacted with other stakeholders, notably our market traders and elders within the Sunyani community. Every individual had the opportunity to confer with the Vice President and express their views to him.

The highlight of these interactions was held at the Sunyani Technical University, under the banner of "Youths Connect." This platform provided an avenue for the youth to question the Vice President regarding his policies, especially those they found unclear.

The Vice President graced the occasion with a distinguished entourage, including Mr. Ayesu Stephen Ntim (the National Chairman for the NPP), Hon. Fred Oware (Senior Advisor to the Vice President), Hon. Justina Owusu-Banahene (Bono Regional Minister), Hon. Paul Apreku Twum (Minister and MP, Dormaa East), Hon. Nana Ayew Afriyie (MP, Effiduase/Asokore), Hon. Ignatius Baffour Awuah (MP and Minister, Sunyani West), Hon. Ameyaw Cheremeh (MP, Sunyani East), Hon. Kwaku Agyemang Manu (MP, Dormaa Central), Lawyer Tuah Yeboah (Dept. Attorney General), Mr. John Boadu (Former General Secretary), Commander Salam Mustapha (National Youth Organizer), etc.

Dr. Bawumia, while addressing the audience, appreciated and emphasized the significant projects undertaken by his government, the NPP. He outlined how they have generated over 2.1 million jobs to address unemployment in the country, primarily through STEM and YEA initiatives. He also highlighted some commendable social interventions, with the Free SHS program being prominently mentioned.

Under the Free SHS initiative, the country has experienced a minimal level of illiteracy, and the quality of education has been enhanced, resulting in three students from Ghana being recognized as the top performers in the 2023 WASSCE. Notably, 2.5 million students have benefited from the Free SHS policy from 2017/2018 to 2022/2023.

In the agricultural sector, he acknowledged the increase in cocoa values, with the producer price being raised by 58.26% to GH₵33,120.00 per tonne for the rest of the 2022/2023 season.

Furthermore, he highlighted significant improvements in the health sector, citing the utilization of drones to enhance the delivery of medical supplies, which has expedited medical services. Over 300 hospitals have been connected to streamline patient records and facilitate efficient service delivery. Dr. Bawumia pledged to extend this system to all teaching hospitals and regional hospitals.

The Vice President proudly announced the fulfillment of their promise of providing one ambulance per constituency. He recalled the commissioning and presentation of 307 new, state-of-the-art ambulances to the National Ambulance Service, equipped with advanced life support equipment and tracking devices.

A notable announcement was the digitization of land records to mitigate land disputes, which have become prevalent in recent times. This digitalization will contain comprehensive details of land ownership, reducing the occurrence of disputes.

Addressing the nursing students present, he assured them that their allowances would be paid regularly under his administration, unlike his predecessor who discontinued various allowances. He also pledged not to delay their postings upon completion of their education, especially with the construction of health facilities under Agenda 111.

In conclusion, the Vice President urged the youth to exercise their franchise in his favor, as he represents the future and a departure from the past represented by John Mahama.