The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, has reaffirmed his pledge to introduce a flat rate duty at Ghana’s ports if elected president in December.
The flat rate duty, to be paid in Ghana cedis, aims to eliminate discretionary practices by customs officers, plug loopholes, and enhance revenue mobilisation at the ports.
Addressing a crowd of party supporters at the Ofie Mega Walk in Akropong, Dr. Bawumia outlined his plans to transform the country, including the introduction of digitalisation at the customs office to prevent corruption.
He announced that the NPP will launch its manifesto in the coming weeks, which will detail more initiatives to drive the country’s development.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted the benefits of digitalisation, citing the example of passport applications, which will become a seamless process with the use of digital technology.
He emphasised that Ghana is entering a digital age and urged supporters to vote for him to learn from European best practices and develop the nation.
“From the customs office, we’ll introduce the flat rate of duty and digit-ability to prevent corruption at the port for the development of the country. We are bringing more initiatives on board as we launch our manifesto in a few weeks to come.”
“Because of digitalization, passport application is going to be a thing of the past. If you have your card, you don’t have to apply and fill out a form for a passport. We have all your details, so you’ll just pay the fee, and we print your passport for you. This initiative will help the country to move into digitalisation.
“Ghana is going into the digitalisation age, not the ‘akonfem ‘era. Vote for me so that we can also learn from the Europeans to develop our nation.”
Sammy Awuku, the NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate for Akuapem North Constituency, also addressed the crowd, assuring them of a comprehensive overhaul of the current economic crisis after the elections.
He encouraged party supporters to intensify their door-to-door campaigns to showcase the achievements of the NPP under President Akufo Addo.
