Vice President Dr. Bawumia Outlines Gov't Achievements In 100 Days

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has been outlining some achievements chalked up by the Akufo-Addo led-government in 100 days in office.

Speaking at a Town Hall meeting organised by the Multimedia group, on Monday at the New Court Complex in Accra, Dr. Bawumia said even though the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo did not make any promise to give an account of its performance in 100 days, the government has accomplished what others thought was impossible.

In all Dr. Bawumia touted about 103 achievements of the Akufo-Addo led-government in 100 days.

According to Vice president Dr. Bawumia the 2017 budget, saw Ghana moving away from an economy that was primarily focused on taxes to an economy that is focused on production.

This singular move, he said, will provide incentives to the private sector to bring down the tax rate and increase production.

Furthermore, the Vice President said the current government in 100 days has saved the country more than $300 million.

According to him, contrary to criticisms that the first 100 days of the government have been marked by wrong calls on the economic front, there is evidence of progress such as a stable local currency that has brought some relief to investors and business owners.

Dr. Bawumia said government has upped the country's foreign reserve from less than $6 billion to $8 billion. "With this achievement, you have a lot more confidence in the economy and you see stability return to the currency (cedi)"

"When we came in, the cedi was running but essentially we have arrested it and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Apeatu has the keys. He has locked it up."

He said government has reprofiled public debt and replaced it with long term to short term to create space to manage the economy.

Dr. Bawumia said fertilizer prices has been reduced by 50%.

He said government has spread allocation of premix fuel to nine (9) OMCs’ from two (2).
 
Government has also put in measures to regulate small scale mining.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia revealed that Air France has recommenced operations in Ghana after folding up for a long time.

He said the National Identification process and implementation to begin soon adding that the process of issuing National ID cards has begun.

Veep Bawumia also said government has awarded contracts for training of 1400 teachers in Information Communication Technology, (ICT).

On energy, Dr. Bawumia said the days of thermal purchase agreement will no accepted accept renewable power.

According to Dr. Bawumia, government’s review of some power purchase agreements entered into by the previous government has bolstered the energy sector.

He said they have saved the nation some $300 million through the cancellation of about 20 agreements and review of four others. This, he said, has "helped to reduce government expenditure."

“Capped electricity power purchases at 10 cents per KWH. Established policy to separate VRA’s thermal operations from hydro. Established a policy to move all major government buildings, schools, hospitals, military, and police to solar energy. Uninterrupted production of oil and gas in the Jubilee Field due to a temporary mooring solution. A long term permanent solution is being discussed. This solution has saved Government USD 5million per month.” He disclosed.

Dr. Bawumia revealed that draft bill for National Research Fund has been completed adding that approval for employment of nurses trainees has also been completed.

He listed the review of the 20 PPAs, restoration of the teacher and nursing trainees allowances cancelled by the past government, giving clearance for the payment of new National Service Scheme (NSS) allowance from GHC350 to GHC559 and employing 11, 000 nurses who have been home two years after school as some of the government's achievements.

On Gender and Social Protection Dr. Bawumia said government has established the first government adult shelter to support victims of human trafficking. 

“There is one for victims of domestic abuse but this is the first ever shelter dedicated to victims of human trafficking.” He said.

"Established a revolving Ghs 500,000 human trafficking fund."

Government has also made budgetary allocation to expand LEAP to cover more beneficiaries, from 213,000 to 350,000 households who had been captured but not catered for.

He said budgetary allocation for Youth Employment Agency, (YEA) has been increased.

According to Dr. Bawumia, all arrears of the school feeding program has been increased.

He said all allowances due soldiers at the various missions have been fully paid. “$39 million in arrears have also been paid.”

“Peacekeeping allowance increased and paid from $31 to $35.Successfully participated in ECOMIG Operations (GAMBIA): We moved away from "dzi wo fie asem" and actively participated in the restoration of democracy in Gambia while helping to ensure peace and stability in that country.”

According to Dr. Bawumia, office of Diaspora Affairs within the Office of the President has been established.

Government has also worked with international bodies to secure election of the following three Ghanaian nationals to high profile positions within the African Union System.

• Kwesi Quartey (Deputy Chairperson of the African Union) 

• Kathleen Quartey-Ayensu (Member of the AU Commission on International Law) and Daniel Batidam (AU Anti-Corruption Board).

Dr. Bawumia expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to tell Ghanaians the work of government in 100 days.

GBC