Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, launched a robust defense of his political motivations, asserting that his commitment to public service is driven solely by a desire to improve the lives of Ghanaians, not personal financial gain.
Cost-Saving as a Core Motivation
Addressing delegates during his campaign tour of Amenfi West in the Western Region, Dr. Bawumia directly contrasted his record of cost-efficient governance with a scandalously high-cost contract proposed by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“I entered politics to serve the people, not to enrich myself,” he stated, presenting the highly successful Mobile Money Interoperability Project as concrete evidence of his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
The $1.195 Billion Saving
Dr. Bawumia put the spotlight on the massive disparity between the NDC’s proposed cost for the technological initiative and the final executed cost under the current administration:
- NDC Proposal: “When we initiated the Mobile Money Interoperability project, the NDC had proposed a contract worth $1.2 billion.”
- NPP Execution: “We cancelled that deal and instead completed the entire project for just $4.5 million — not even up to $5 million.”
This drastic cost reduction resulted in an astonishing saving of over $1.195 billion for the state. The project now seamlessly connects all mobile money wallets and bank accounts nationwide, which Dr. Bawumia noted has “greatly benefited Ghanaians and created thousands of jobs.”
Prioritizing Social Impact
The figures served to underscore his overarching mission, with the Vice President emphasizing that his motivation remains rooted in social impact rather than personal wealth accumulation.
“My greatest joy comes from seeing how these projects are transforming lives, not from personal gain,” he added. He concluded by firmly positioning himself as a servant leader dedicated to national development: “I am not in politics for money — I am here to make a difference in the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.”
The address positioned Dr. Bawumia as a fiscally responsible candidate with a proven track record of reducing government cost, enhancing efficiency, and prioritizing public benefit ahead of the NPP’s internal flagbearer contest.
