Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has offered explanations for his inability to currently address unfulfilled promises.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, have criticized Dr Bawumia for failing to ensure that the government, of which he is a part, fulfils its campaign promises to Ghanaians, yet he intends to do so after being elected.
In response to a question about the delay in implementing key tax reforms, including tax amnesty, flat rate tax, and import duties, during his media engagement, Dr Bawumia explained that his role as Vice President comes with certain limitations, stating that he is not in total control of governance.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that his current position as Vice President does not grant him the requisite executive authority to implement all his ideas, reserving these plans for his future presidency.
He illustrated this point by referencing former President John Mahama, who, despite having full presidential powers, was unable to accomplish all his objectives during his tenure.
Dr. Bawumia further highlighted the importance of a manifesto in presenting innovative ideas and shaping the future of governance, underscoring his commitment to realizing his vision when he assumes the highest office.
“I must have a manifesto, otherwise if I do everything now, if I could, what would I do when I come into office? How can you do everything now? Even former President Mahama who was President, I’m only a Vice President, why didn’t he do everything then? Why is he coming back? He had full authority, I don’t have full authority.
“The budget that has gone to Parliament, which has been passed, is not my budget, is it my budget? It’s not my budget. The budget goes in the name of the President, it doesn’t go in the name of the Vice President.
“But when you have to think about what new you want to do, you come up with new ideas, and I have come up with new ideas which I want to do when we come into office.”
He compared his position to that of other vice-presidential candidates globally, stressing that it is essential for anyone aspiring to the presidency to craft a novel and innovative platform for their potential leadership.
“Everyone who is running for office, whether you are Kamala Harris or you are Bawumia, you still have to think about what you have to do when you get into office. And this is why I’m presenting my new ideas as to what to do.”
