Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has made a bold declaration to prioritize Ghanaian ownership of the country's mineral resources, promising a paradigm shift in resource management if elected as president.
Addressing a gathering of religious leaders during the commencement of his regional tour in Akropong, Eastern Region, Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision for a fundamental transformation in how Ghana manages its natural wealth. He emphasized the need for Ghana to reap the full benefits of its abundant mineral resources, which have historically been exploited without commensurate gains for the nation.
"I am going to refocus our paradigm for natural resource management. For the most part, Ghana has not maximized the benefits of our natural resources," Dr. Bawumia stated, highlighting the longstanding trend of gold extraction from Ghana dating back to the 15th century.
Acknowledging the current imbalance in resource ownership, Dr. Bawumia asserted, "It is as if right now we don’t own our natural resources." He pledged to empower Ghanaian institutions, particularly universities and the geological service department, to conduct thorough exploration aimed at uncovering untapped mineral reserves within the country.
Dr. Bawumia outlined his proposed policy shift, stating, "Once we have explored and we know that the gold is here, the new policy is going to be that the ownership of those resources will be 100% owned by Ghanaians." This assertion marks a departure from previous approaches to resource management, signaling a commitment to ensuring that Ghanaians benefit directly from the nation's mineral wealth.
Highlighting the potential for discovery within Ghana's seven unexplored gold belts, Dr. Bawumia's vision aligns with a broader strategy to promote indigenous ownership and control of natural resources. By prioritizing local ownership, the NPP candidate aims to foster economic empowerment and enhance Ghana's capacity for sustainable development.
Dr. Bawumia's pledge underscores the NPP's commitment to fostering inclusive growth and harnessing the nation's resources for the benefit of all citizens. As the December election approaches, his promise of 100% Ghanaian ownership of mineral resources adds a significant dimension to the national discourse on economic empowerment and resource management.
