New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has outlined a policy agenda centred on digitalisation, tax reform, job creation and a more business-friendly economy as he begins broader consultations ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Dr Bawumia made the remarks on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, when he engaged the Institute of Chartered Economists, Ghana (ICEG) at his campaign office at Exhibition Drive.
The engagement, described by the Institute as the first of its kind in its nearly 20-year history, brought together ICEG leadership and members of Dr Bawumia’s administrative and technical policy teams.
Dr Bawumia said his approach to developing policies for the 2028 elections would be based on consultation, data and evidence, stressing that effective solutions could only be developed after the underlying challenges had been properly identified.
“To proffer solutions, you must know the problems. As we prepare for 2028, we will listen, learn, and let evidence lead,” he said.
He said the NPP had already established 21 Sector and Identifiable Groups Policy Committees across the country to gather expert input into the party’s policies before their eventual launch.
According to him, the strategy represents a departure from waiting until after assuming office before consulting professionals and specialists on major policy decisions.
Dr Bawumia said a future NPP administration would seek to create a business environment capable of supporting enterprises across different sectors, from small businesses such as hairdressers to large-scale operators at the ports.
He also identified tax modernisation as a key area requiring reform, alongside efforts to harness Ghana’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
The NPP flagbearer cited an estimated GH¢500 billion in digital transactions as an opportunity for policymakers to use data generated through digital activity to improve decision-making and promote broader economic participation.
“Digitalisation builds an inclusive society by expanding access to opportunities, services and economic participation,” he said.
Dr Bawumia also urged economists and other professionals to help address emerging challenges associated with technological advancement, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence on employment.
He called for strategies that would protect existing jobs while creating new opportunities for Africa’s growing youthful population.
Another issue he highlighted was Ghana’s property sector, pointing to the high number of unregistered buildings in Accra as an obstacle to developing a stronger mortgage-based housing market.
He further cited Ghana’s experience with mobile money and financial inclusion as evidence that technology, when supported by appropriate policies, could transform economic activity and expand access to financial services.
For his part, ICEG President, Prof. Emeritus Peter Tuffour Asubonteng, welcomed the engagement and described it as an important milestone for the Institute.
The Institute’s Chief Executive Officer, Gideon Amissah, said ICEG remained committed to promoting evidence-based policymaking, strengthening the connection between academia and industry, and advancing the Directive Principles of State Policy.
He also appealed for support for the passage of legislation to establish ICEG by an Act of Parliament.
Dr Gideon Boako, Economic Policy Adviser, and ICEG Council Member Prof. Alice Mensah, stressed the importance of sustained engagement between political leaders and professional economists in developing effective public policies.
Dr Godfried Asamoah also emphasised the need for rigorous, data-driven assessment in policymaking.
The engagement forms part of a broader consultation process by Dr Bawumia and his technical team as the NPP develops its policy proposals for the 2028 elections.
Frederick Opare-Ansah, who represented the Technical Experts and Professional Bodies Research Team, assured ICEG of continued engagement as the team seeks to incorporate professional expertise into the party’s proposed governance agenda.
