'I entered politics to serve the people, not to enrich myself' - Dr Bawumia

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 7:38 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

Vice‑President Dr. Alhaji Muhammad Bawumia: “I Entered Politics to Serve the People, Not to Enrich Myself”

In a recent interview published on GhanaWeb, Vice‑President Dr. Alhaji Muhammad Bawumia reiterated his commitment to public service and explained the personal motivations that guided his decision to join politics. The discussion, which appeared in the “Politics” section of the site, provides a clear picture of the former economist’s vision for Ghana, his approach to governance, and his candid perspective on the challenges facing the country.

From the Ivory Tower to the Presidential Palace

Dr. Bawumia, a seasoned economist with an academic background that includes a Ph.D. from the University of Cape Town, revealed that his move into the political arena was driven by a desire to translate his expertise into tangible improvements for the Ghanaian populace. “I entered politics to serve the people, not to enrich myself,” he said, emphasizing that his decision was rooted in a belief that the country’s economic potential had not yet been fully realized. His academic work on public finance and institutional reforms has informed his advocacy for policies that promote fiscal responsibility and inclusive growth.

The Vice‑President reflected on the broader context of Ghana’s political landscape, noting that his entry into politics coincided with a period of increased public demand for transparency and accountability. He pointed to the 2016 presidential elections, in which his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), secured a decisive victory, as a turning point that opened avenues for economic policy reforms that could uplift the nation.

Tackling Corruption and Strengthening Institutions

A central theme of the interview was the fight against corruption. Dr. Bawumia argued that corruption remains the greatest obstacle to Ghana’s development, citing studies that show how illicit financial flows undermine public services and erode trust in institutions. “We need to build an environment where good governance is not optional but mandatory,” he asserted. To achieve this, he outlined a multi‑pronged strategy that includes strengthening the public procurement system, increasing whistleblower protections, and leveraging technology to enhance transparency.

He highlighted the role of the Anti‑Corruption Unit (ACU) and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) as instrumental bodies that must be empowered with adequate resources and judicial support. Dr. Bawumia also pointed out that the education sector, particularly the training of public servants, must embed ethical principles to prevent corruption from taking root at the lowest levels of bureaucracy.

Economic Diversification and Job Creation

With a background in economic policy, Dr. Bawumia emphasized diversification as a key strategy to create jobs and reduce Ghana’s reliance on commodity exports. He noted that the country’s agricultural sector, although historically vital, requires modernization to compete globally. “We are investing in agro‑processing, digital agriculture, and sustainable farming practices,” he said. This approach aligns with the government’s broader “Agricultural Growth Program,” which seeks to double the contribution of agriculture to GDP by 2030.

The Vice‑President also stressed the importance of the private sector in generating employment. He cited initiatives such as the “One‑Stop-Shop” for business registration, which aims to reduce the time and cost of starting a company. Dr. Bawumia urged private enterprises to adopt inclusive practices, encouraging them to invest in skills training for youth and to explore opportunities in the burgeoning tech sector, particularly in Accra’s emerging innovation hub.

Education, Health, and Social Protection

Beyond the economy, Dr. Bawumia spoke candidly about his priorities in education and health. He recalled that his father’s struggle to secure quality schooling for his children left a lasting impression, and this shaped his commitment to improving Ghana’s educational system. The Vice‑President highlighted the government’s “Education Sector Transformation Plan,” which targets higher literacy rates, improved teacher training, and increased investment in infrastructure such as schools and laboratories.

In the health arena, he acknowledged the challenges that COVID‑19 posed to Ghana’s already strained healthcare system. “We have made significant strides in vaccine procurement and distribution, but we must also focus on strengthening primary healthcare and building more hospitals in rural areas,” he said. He noted that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has been expanded to cover a larger proportion of the population, yet he remains critical of the delays in reimbursement processes that burden healthcare providers.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Sustainable Development

Dr. Bawumia concluded the interview by painting a picture of a Ghana that is resilient, prosperous, and inclusive. He cited the importance of environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of climate change. “We are working on policies to reduce our carbon footprint, promote renewable energy, and protect our natural resources,” he explained. He underscored the significance of partnerships with international organizations, such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank, to secure funding and technical expertise for large‑scale infrastructure projects.

In the final segment of the interview, the Vice‑President called upon citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. “It is not enough to vote; we need to engage in community dialogues, hold our leaders accountable, and contribute to the national discourse,” he urged. He also appealed to the diaspora to invest in Ghana, stressing that the country’s future depends on the collective efforts of its citizens, both at home and abroad.

Additional Context from Related Links

The GhanaWeb article is complemented by several linked pieces that offer further insights into Dr. Bawumia’s political stance and the NPP’s policy agenda. A link to the NPP’s official website provides details on the party’s manifesto, which includes commitments to infrastructure development, healthcare reform, and anti‑corruption measures. Another linked article discusses President Nana Akufo‑Addo’s recent speech on economic growth, in which he echoed the Vice‑President’s emphasis on fiscal discipline and diversification. A third link leads to a Ghanaian news report on the “One‑Stop-Shop” initiative, outlining the concrete benefits it has already delivered to new businesses.

Together, these sources give a fuller picture of the current political climate in Ghana and illustrate how Dr. Bawumia’s message of service, transparency, and development is being operationalized through both policy and practice. His interview serves not only as a personal statement but also as a call to action for all stakeholders in Ghana’s ongoing journey toward sustainable progress.