Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reiterated his commitment to exploring alternative sources of energy to reduce the high cost of living in Ghana. He believes the transition to solar energy is key to achieving this goal and easing the burden of electricity expenses on households and businesses.
While campaigning in the Asante Akim South constituency on Saturday, November 16, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the current reliance on imported oil and gas for electricity generation is unsustainable. He explained that the high cost of production, driven by fuel imports, is directly responsible for the hikes in electricity prices, which significantly affect households and businesses across the country.
Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision for transitioning Ghana’s energy generation to solar power. “Our electricity bill has increased, and I want to introduce a policy to take care of that. The bill has increased because we import oil and gas to produce electricity. I thus want us to use solar power to generate electricity,” he stated during an address to the people of Asante Akim South.
He elaborated on his plan to establish solar farms in every district across the country, leveraging Ghana’s abundant sunlight to produce clean, renewable energy. This initiative, he promised, would not only make electricity more affordable but also cut electricity costs by 50%. “The technology exists already, and we have enough sunlight to produce solar power. I will create solar farms in all districts, which will reduce the cost of electricity by 50%,” Dr. Bawumia assured the gathering.
Throughout his campaign, Dr. Bawumia has focused on thematic areas designed to address the pressing needs of Ghanaians. Reducing the cost of living has been a major pillar of his campaign, as he has repeatedly highlighted the need to make life more meaningful and affordable for citizens. By prioritizing renewable energy, he hopes to bring relief to Ghanaian households and provide a more competitive environment for businesses to thrive.
In addition to tackling the high cost of electricity, Dr. Bawumia has also committed to policies aimed at reducing household overhead expenditures and supporting business growth. He has pledged to introduce innovative policies that will lower production costs, improve access to affordable energy, and create a conducive environment for economic expansion.
While Dr. Bawumia continues to promote his vision for renewable energy and economic relief, traditional leaders in the constituency have expressed their appreciation for the NPP government’s achievements. The Obogumanhene, Nana Owusu Ampehone, praised the government for its flagship Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which has significantly benefited the people of Asante Akim South.
“The Free SHS policy has come to help the chiefs and people of Asante Akim South. We only plead with Dr. Bawumia to construct our town roads when we vote for him,” the Obogumanhene remarked during the campaign visit. His words underscored the tangible impact of the NPP’s educational policies in the region, which have relieved families of the financial burden of secondary education and improved access to quality learning opportunities.
Obogu, one of the towns in the Asante Akim South constituency, has witnessed the benefits of the Free SHS policy firsthand. Chiefs and residents alike have lauded the initiative for its transformative impact, which has made education accessible to thousands of students who might otherwise have been unable to afford it. However, as the people appreciate the progress made in education, they continue to call for infrastructural development, particularly the construction of town roads, to complement these efforts.
Dr. Bawumia’s campaign message resonated with the people of Asante Akim South, as he emphasized the importance of addressing local challenges while pursuing national priorities. He assured the chiefs and residents of his commitment to addressing their concerns, including improving road infrastructure and delivering on other development promises.
As the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia has positioned himself as a candidate focused on practical solutions to the country’s challenges. By prioritizing renewable energy and economic relief, he aims to create a sustainable future for Ghana, where citizens can enjoy improved living standards and businesses can operate in a more competitive environment.
Dr. Bawumia’s campaign in Asante Akim South reflects his broader vision for Ghana: a nation powered by affordable and renewable energy, supported by sound policies that enhance the quality of life for its citizens. His promise to reduce electricity costs by 50% through the establishment of solar farms is a bold initiative that, if implemented, could have far-reaching implications for the country’s energy sector.
The reliance on imported oil and gas for electricity generation has long been a concern for policymakers in Ghana. High production costs have consistently translated into high electricity tariffs, placing a heavy financial burden on households and businesses. Dr. Bawumia’s focus on solar energy represents a significant shift towards a more sustainable and cost-effective energy model.
Ghana’s geographic location and abundant sunlight make it well-suited for solar energy production. By investing in solar farms across the country, Dr. Bawumia envisions a future where Ghana can reduce its dependence on imported fuels, lower electricity costs, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. His proposal aligns with international trends towards renewable energy, as countries around the world seek to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
As the 2024 elections approach, Dr. Bawumia’s campaign continues to gain momentum, with his message of economic relief and renewable energy resonating with voters. The people of Asante Akim South, like many Ghanaians, are looking for leaders who can deliver practical solutions to their everyday challenges. Dr. Bawumia’s pledge to reduce electricity costs, support businesses, and improve infrastructure represents a comprehensive approach to addressing these concerns.
In conclusion, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s commitment to renewable energy and economic relief has positioned him as a candidate focused on practical solutions to Ghana’s challenges. By prioritizing solar energy, he aims to reduce electricity costs, support households and businesses, and create a sustainable future for the country. His campaign in Asante Akim South highlights the importance of addressing local needs while pursuing national priorities, offering voters a vision of progress and prosperity under his leadership.