The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) Samuel Awuku has insisted the Bold Solution Lecture delivered three months ago by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia did not denigrate the government.
He has maintained that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate did not in any way expose nor give up on the policies of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo by saying he would abolish some policies when he wins the 2024 polls.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has come under severe criticism after delivering his policies anticipated to help salvage Ghana from the current economic doldrums in a lecture at the University of Professional Studies of Accra (UPSA).
His decision to abolish Electronic Levy (E-Levy) and other policies introduced by his government attracted massive attention as people quizzed the role he played during the process of its passage.
Sammi Awuku who doubles as a leading member of Dr. Bawumia’s campaign team spoke on the Yensempa Morning show on Onua FM, on May, 14.
He said, “the flagbearer has not given up on the policies of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo’s government by saying he will abolish some of his initiatives when voted as president.”
Awuku highlighted that Dr. Bawumia remains committed to the government’s initiatives, emphasizing that good governance necessitates continuous policy reviews.
Mr. Awuku noted that many policies were implemented two years ago and require adjustments based on ongoing feedback and evaluations. He stressed the importance of an effective monitoring and feedback system, asserting that without it, proper impact analysis of the policies is impossible.
Citing examples, Mr. Awuku mentioned that some policies, like the E-levy, have served their purpose and may no longer be necessary. He also pointed out that the emission tax was abandoned due to negative feedback, indicating it was unnecessary.
Awuku defended the timing of the E-levy implementation. He clarified that the public’s main concern was not the levy itself but the high percentage, which led the government to reduce it to 1.5%.
The campaign aide explained that as the country advances in its digital agenda, it is crucial not to hinder electronic and digital growth. He reiterated Dr. Bawumia’s stance that the E-levy has achieved its intended goal and will be reviewed when he becomes president.
“For me, good governance practices require constant evaluation of policies and programs to ensure their relevance and effectiveness, ” he added.
By Kingsley Adusei Amakye|Onua TV/3FM
