The New Patriotic Party running mate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says his professional career as an economist and banker at the Bank of Ghana curtailed him from open participation in partisan politics, but his contribution in the economic development of the country is unblemished. “My professional career and circumstances over the years has confined me into matters of finance and economic governance. Naturally, my open participation in partisan politics was curtailed. Even though I may not be known on the political platform, I have been very active in the economic platform. I am proud to have contributed to the economic achievements of President Kufuor in the last seven years.” He said confidently. In his acceptance speech to climax activities of the National Delegates Congress currently underway in Sekondi Takoradi, Dr. Bawumia chronicled his numerous contributions towards the economic development of the country. According to him, Ghana is the first and only country in the world to apply a cashless biometric system across the country, a feat he contributed to, then as deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana. ‘The e-zwich common platform is modernizing the country’s payment system. The e-zwich has put Ghana on the map as a world leader in the application of biometric smart card technology.Ghana is the first and only country in the world to deploy this technology across its entire country sector.” This achievement he contends confirms Akufo Addo’s vision of moving Ghana from a third to first world country, which has already begun under President Kufuor. “We have been able to leapfrog ahead of countries like the United States” he stated. He said his contribution at the Bank of Ghana, coupled with the sound economic policies implemented by President Kufuor has for the first time since 1983 ended Ghana’s over dependence on the International Monetary Fund. Ghana can now pursue more independent policies without IMF conditionality, he stressed. He also enumerated his role in the implementation of the re-denomination and the deregulation of the petroleum sector, a policy he said saved the government a total of $500 million over three years. He said his contributions in the banking reforms ensured the springing up of the many banks in the country, with credit facilities to small and medium scale entrepreneurs. With these economic achievements Dr. Bawumia said his contributions “behind the scenes” is enough and the time has come for him to be at the fore front in Ghana’s politics. “I have made my modest contribution behind the scenes to the solid economic foundation of the first eight years of the NPP government. As a result of the strong foundation laid by the NPP our economy is ready for a big leap, in the wisdom of our flag bearer and National Executives Committee members the time is ripe to bring me to the fore front. This is a view to which I subscribe.” He said his appointment is a privilege and a unique opportunity to move this country forward, and pledged his support, commitment and loyalty to the party. On the economy, he said the Nana Akufo Addo led administration will implement specific policies in the various regions to assuage and eliminate the poverty across the country. He maintained the NPP under Akufo Addo’s presidency shall build on the sound economic achievement of the Kufuor administration and shall rise to the challenge in the pursuit of modernizing Ghana. He thanked all friends, family members and sympathisers for their support and swore to work in unity with the few, who for legitimate reasons had their reservation over his nomination. He promised to work with the rank and file of the party to ensure that the NPP retained power in the December elections. Listen to Dr. Bawumia Author: Nathan Gadugah