Former President John Dramani Mahama engaged with residents of Bukom in a lively town hall meeting, where he discussed issues of concern and responded to pressing questions from the audience.
The event, part of his broader campaign strategy ahead of the upcoming elections, saw Mahama expressing gratitude for the warm reception his campaign has received across various regions, including Tamale and the Upper East.
Key Points Addressed by Mahama:
1. Economic Growth and Tax Reforms
Responding to concerns about the high tax burden on businesses, Mahama outlined his plans to alleviate these challenges by introducing tax waivers and expanding markets for Ghanaian products through export trade under agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He acknowledged that these changes would not occur overnight but emphasized that they would set the foundation for long-term economic growth.
Mahama also criticized the current government’s introduction of the COVID-19 tax, arguing that it was an unjust burden on citizens who had already suffered during the pandemic.
He explained that the tax had been embedded in the government’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a key revenue source, making it difficult to remove without renegotiating terms with the IMF.
Mahama proposed rationalizing taxes by expanding the tax net to include under-taxed sectors, such as property taxes, which he believes could generate significantly more revenue than the underperforming Electronic Levy (E-Levy).
2. Healthcare and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
Addressing the issues with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Mahama lamented the current state of the scheme, citing difficulties in reimbursing health facilities for services rendered to NHIS cardholders.
He attributed these problems to the government’s capping of NHIS funds, which redirects excess funds to other areas, leaving the NHIS underfunded.
Mahama pledged to uncap the NHIS funds to ensure that all contributions from the National Health Insurance Levy go directly into the NHIS, enabling the scheme to adequately fund healthcare services and provide essential drugs to patients.
He expressed concern over the current unavailability of basic medications in hospitals, which forces patients to purchase drugs from private pharmacies, undermining the purpose of the NHIS.
Campaign Trail Continues
As Mahama concluded the town hall meeting, he announced that the campaign would move to the Volta Region the following day, urging residents to prepare for a series of engagements until Friday.
He reiterated his commitment to listening to the concerns of Ghanaians and incorporating their feedback into his campaign policies.
The town hall meeting in Bukom was a continuation of Mahama’s grassroots campaign approach, focusing on direct interaction with the electorate and addressing their concerns in real time.
As the political season heats up, Mahama’s engagement with the people of Bukom underscores his strategy to connect with voters on key issues affecting their daily lives.
