Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has directed the Minority in Parliament to deepen their engagements with key stakeholders across the country in order to shape policy alternatives and strengthen advocacy in the House.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase-Ayirebi and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah revealed this during a meeting with the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA).
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, speaking with the traders, said the directive by Dr. Bawumia forms part of a broader strategy to better understand the concerns of Ghanaians and reflect them in parliamentary debates and policy proposals.
“In the coming months, Ghanaians will see us engage with other identifiable groups with a view to better understanding their feedback and demands of the government,” he said.
According to him, the engagements are already underway nationwide, with some MPs over the weekend visiting the Ashanti Region to engage with some cocoa farmers.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah indicated that beyond consultations, the Minority is also developing and presenting alternative policy proposals to address what he described as gaps in the government’s economic management approach.
He argued that while the government continues to highlight improved macroeconomic indicators—particularly inflation—the methods used to achieve these outcomes must be carefully examined for sustainability.
“You need to examine the method with which the results are achieved and ask yourself whether it is sustainable and appropriate,” he noted.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said the Minority has consistently presented alternative approaches, including strengthening initiatives such as the One District, One Factory (1D1F), rather than replacing them with new policies.
Additionally, he noted that the Minority has proposed amendments to key legislative frameworks, including the Bank of Ghana Act and the Value for Money legislation, to improve transparency and accountability.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah further questioned the level of stakeholder consultation on recent tax measures, particularly the implementation of a 20% VAT-related policy, which traders say has placed additional burdens on businesses.
He described it as “shocking” that some stakeholders claimed they were not adequately consulted, despite assurances given to Parliament during committee proceedings.
“There is disconnect and mismatch between the promises and what is being delivered,” he said, and urged stakeholder groups like GUTA to share their positions with the Minority for a more effective representation in Parliament.
The MP, however, assured the stakeholders that the Minority’s engagement drive will be continuous and not a one-off exercise, emphasising that feedback gathered from these consultations will directly inform their work of holding government accountable through parliamentary.
A Daily Guide Report
