The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has responded to recent criticisms that he has shifted his focus from Ghana’s economic challenges to digitalization.
Bawumia views digitalization as a key component of his economic strategy, aiming to tackle critical economic issues with innovative technology rather than avoiding them.
After facing criticisms from the opposition, particularly the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, his comments have been seen as downplaying urgent economic concerns.
At the launch of the National Credit Scoring System, Bawumia justified his methodology, which is designed to improve credit access for citizens of Ghana.
He emphasized the importance of digital solutions in addressing financial access, transparency, and economic inclusion in his strategy.
He emphasized that digital tools are designed to establish a modern economic system that promotes efficiency, fairness, and increased participation.
For instance, the introduction of mobile money interoperability has boosted financial inclusion by facilitating seamless transfers between various mobile networks. This serves as a tangible demonstration of the positive impact that digital projects can have on Ghana’s economy.
As I advocated for the implementation of these projects, I faced criticism from those who believed I had shifted my focus from economics to digitalization. They failed to grasp that my intention was simply to address economic issues through digitalization.
In 2017, I made a statement about how with the introduction of mobile money interoperability, all Ghanaians would have access to a bank account. At the time, this concept was often misunderstood by many. They even laughed about it. They thought it was impossible. Today, we have made it possible.
