Veep promises to provide efficient, affordable energy mix for local industry

The Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has pledged to provide a more reliable, affordable and efficient energy mix, if voted as President in the December 7 general elections.The Vice President said that would relieve the burden of local industries and manufacturing companies, create conducive environment for them to thrive, and thereby spur rapid socio-economic growth and development.He said his government would prioritise the use of solar for electricity generation, since it had the potential to reduce the cost of electricity to about 50 per cent and thereby reduce the burden of industries and manufacturing companies that depended heavily on electricity.'Our current electricity consumption is under or around 4000 megawatts. I will add an extra 2000 megawatts to our energy generation mix to reduce the cost of electricity by 50 per cent,' the Vice President stated.Dr Bawumia made the pledge when speaking at the launch of 25th anniversary of the enstoolment of Osagyefo Oseadeyo Dr Agyemang Badu II, the Paramount Chief of Dormaa Traditional Area at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region.The event also coincided with the launch of the celebration of the 2024 Kwafie Festival of the chiefs and people of the Dormaa Traditional Area.Dr Bawumia said his government would also introduce a 'Buying Ghana First' policy that would compel or force government agencies and departments to procure locally made goods and products, instead of relying on imports.He explained that the policy would be supported by a law to create conducive environment for local industries and manufacturing companies to thrive and thereby create more employment opportunities and boost domestic production of goods as well.The Vice President promised to advance and modernise agriculture by putting the sector at the centre stage of his policy initiatives, saying 'agriculture is the backbone of the economy with 60 per cent of the adult population engaging it'.Alhaji Dr Bawumia explaine d that District Agriculture Mechanisation Centres would be established to provide farmers with the requisite and appropriate farm machinery, tools and equipment.He reaffirmed the commitment of his government to set aside a quota for the Persons with Disabilities to be employed in the formal sector.The Vice President assured that he would rehabilitate the Wamfie town roads, Dormaa Ahenkro-Aboabo, Kyeremasu road, Dormaa Ahenkro-Kyeremasu-Gambia Number Two road and the Dormaa Ahenkro-Gonokrom road.Osagyefo Oseadeyo Dr Badu II, earlier expressed concern about the deplorable road network in the area and appealed to the Vice President to intervene for the reshaping of the roads.He also called on the Government to tackle the illegal mining menace with integrity and honesty and actively engage traditional authorities in the fight.The Vice President was accompanied by Madam Justina Owusu Banahene, Bono Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Ntim, NPP National Chair, Mr Kwame Baffoe, the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP and other national and regional executives of the party.Source: Ghana News Agency