Bawumia’s promises on electricity costs causes stir

During his two-day visit to the Upper West Region, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), emphasized his vision of lowering electricity costs through the use of solar energy. He emphasized that, unlike oil-based fuel, the country does not require foreign exchange to import the sun.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia began his tour by paying homage to the Waala Overlord, Naa Fuseini Pelpuo IV, at his palace, where he met with chiefs and elderly people.

In his welcome speech, read by his spokesperson, Naa Kadir Ibrahim Jinpenhi, Naa Fuseini Pelpuo IV praised the Vice President’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, expressing confidence that he would not support them now or in the future.

The Waala Overlord also sought compensation for victims of military brutality in the Wa municipality after an alleged phone theft nearly three years ago.

“Your Excellency, nearly three years ago, my people were beaten by rampaging military men. The soldiers stormed into town, beating up nearly everyone they saw in retaliation for the alleged theft of one of their mobile phones.

The issue brought the military’s top brass to Wa, and the traumatized victims were promised compensation. July 2024 will mark three years since the unfortunate incident, but the promised compensation has yet to be paid.

The Vice President responded by saying he would look into the compensation issue and ensure that the victims were fully compensated.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia then went to the regional library to meet with Muslim clergy, outlining his vision for the country if elected leader.

“I believe that one way to reduce electricity costs is to switch from oil-based fuel power generation to solar power.” Instead of using oil-based fuels, let us generate electricity from the sun. I intend to introduce 2000 megawatts of solar power. God provides us with the sun for free; we do not need foreign exchange to import the sun, but we do need foreign exchange to import oil-based fuel.”

He also stated that his primary focus would be on large-scale mechanized agriculture supported by irrigation, which he predicted would transform the country. He promised to invest more resources in agriculture so that produce could be processed within the country.