Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), unveiled a comprehensive development plan yesterday at the launch of the party’s manifesto, emphasizing the crucial role of the private sector in driving Ghana’s growth and prosperity.
With a focus on infrastructure provision and management, Dr. Bawumia outlined a vision for a private sector-led development agenda, designed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve public services.
“I believe the private sector has the capacity to provide jobs and create wealth for society. My Administration will therefore incentivize the private sector to do more in complementing government in the provision and management of many infrastructures and other public services,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
This partnership aims to reduce government expenditure, increase efficiency, create competition, and improve maintenance. Dr. Bawumia highlighted the success of empowering Ghanaian contractors to undertake major infrastructural projects, previously awarded to foreign contractors.
He noted thst the private sector will be encouraged to take responsibility for providing and managing critical infrastructure, including hostels, housing, and schools. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will be utilized to finance, construct, manage, and maintain roads, addressing the massive demand for road construction.
“My policy will encourage the private sector to take greater responsibility in the provision and management of critical infrastructures including hostels, housing, and schools for government to rent or own,” Dr. Bawumia explained.
Furthermore, Dr. Bawumia promised to revolutionize the procurement culture, shifting towards leasing goods and equipment, with private sector responsibility for maintenance, to tackle waste and corruption.
“I want to change our procurement culture drastically to tackle waste and corruption. My government will move towards public private partnership… rather than outright purchase of goods such as vehicles, printing equipment and so on.Private sector will have the responsibility for the maintenance of the equipment,” he emphasized.
