New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has vowed to address critical issues affecting the Ga state, promising targeted policies to foster development and preserve its cultural heritage if elected president.
During a visit to the Ga Mantse’s palace, Dr. Bawumia highlighted challenges stemming from Accra’s role as Ghana’s capital, including land disputes, declining use of the Ga language, and youth unemployment. He assured the Ga Mantse, King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the people of his commitment to resolving these issues.
Key Concerns and Promises
Dr. Bawumia outlined specific areas requiring urgent attention:
- Land Disputes: “The demand for land here is much higher than anywhere else in the country. This means indigenes do not get access to affordable land. This is a major issue we have to deal with.”
- Education and Youth Unemployment: “Schools have limited opportunities for the youth, and jobs are scarce. We need to expand opportunities for the youth.”
- Preserving the Ga Language: Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need to teach Ga in schools to protect and promote the language. “Most of us can survive in Accra without speaking Ga, which leads to the decline of the language. We must act to reverse this trend.”
Dr. Bawumia assured the Ga people that, as president, he would collaborate with the Ga leadership to resolve their longstanding grievances, particularly land disputes involving the government.
Innovations for Fishermen
Dr. Bawumia also introduced an initiative to provide solar-powered outboard motors for fishermen. He explained that this technology would eliminate the need for premix fuel, a system plagued by corruption, and reduce operational costs for fishermen.
“Our fishermen don’t have to buy premix fuel anymore. We have brought the solar-powered outboard motors. Everything has begun, and we are demonstrating it in Apam and Tema,” he noted.
Ga Mantse’s Response
King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II welcomed Dr. Bawumia’s promises and urged him to fulfill them if he wins the presidency. He called for a “social contract” with the Ga people and emphasized the need for greater representation of Ga and Dangme indigenes in leadership positions within the NPP.
“Hosting the capital has not been easy. Thanks for proposing solutions. We’re in line with your ideas, but let’s get them done. If Ghanaians give you the nod, we expect you to deliver on your promises,” the Ga Mantse stated.
Accompanying Delegation
Dr. Bawumia was accompanied by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Titus Glover, party executives, and Darkoa Newman, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Okaikoi South.
The visit followed Dr. Bawumia’s signing of a peace pact earlier in the day, where he reiterated the NPP’s commitment to peaceful elections and the strengthening of Ghana’s democracy.
