Former Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama, says former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s record on job creation during his time in office provides a strong foundation for a new and revised employment vision ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Speaking on JoyNews AM Show on January 21, he stressed that Dr Bawumia’s next policy direction would not simply mirror the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 manifesto, noting that the former Vice President is currently engaging stakeholders and setting up structures to develop a fresh agenda.

“What he trumpeted in 2024 obviously will not be the same vision for 2028. He is here to form committees to work on a new manifesto,” he stated, describing Dr Bawumia as a critical thinker.

Dr Mahama said a central element of the former Vice President’s thinking on employment is a stronger focus on private sector–led growth, arguing that government alone cannot create enough jobs to meet national demand.

“People always look to government for jobs, but government is not the only source of employment. A private sector–driven approach can create jobs from low-skilled to highly skilled levels,” he explained.

The former MP also highlighted proposals aimed at decentralising job creation by incorporating constituency-specific employment challenges into the national budget.

“In every constituency, there are unique challenges. If you take a place like Yendi, farming and related projects can create jobs. When those needs are captured in the national budget, it helps solve unemployment at the local level,” he said.

Dr Mahama further mentioned broader industrialisation plans across regions, such as the Western Region, as well as constituency-level allocations and appointments, which he believes could stimulate local economies and reduce unemployment.

While noting that Dr Bawumia is yet to officially unveil his full 2028 employment policy, Dr Mahama said the former vice president’s past initiatives and current engagements suggest a renewed and more targeted approach.

“Let’s wait for him to come out with his final plan,” he added, “but from what he has already done, he has shown that he can give the country a new mindset on jobs.”