In a recent interview on GHOne TV, Nana Akomea, Vice Chairman of the Bawumia Campaign Team, clarified Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s stance on key government policies, including the controversial Mobile Money (MoMo) tax and toll closures. Akomea explained that Dr. Bawumia has long advocated for a cashless economy, where even small transactions—such as buying food from local vendors—can be done digitally. This vision aligns with global trends that make financial transactions more accessible and efficient through digital platforms. However, the government’s decision to introduce a MoMo tax counters this vision, as taxing digital payments discourages the very cashless society Dr. Bawumia champions.
According to Akomea, while Dr. Bawumia opposed the MoMo tax and supported reopening tolls, these issues became part of the government’s collective decisions, which he is bound to uphold as a team player. Akomea noted that, like all members of the cabinet, Dr. Bawumia had to support the government’s policies once decisions were finalized, even if they did not align with his personal views. “When a decision is taken in cabinet, it becomes a collective decision,” he stated, underscoring the importance of unity within the government despite differing viewpoints.
Akomea also likened Dr. Bawumia’s position to a management team scenario, where members can present their ideas, but the final decision reflects the group’s consensus. He argued that Dr. Bawumia, though instrumental in proposing the cashless agenda, had to accept that policies like the MoMo tax were imposed after broader debate and agreement. Akomea pointed out that cabinet meetings involve about 30 ministers, including the president, and that once a decision is made, every member is expected to support it, whether or not they fully agree.
Responding to critics who accuse Dr. Bawumia of compromising his principles, Akomea emphasized that the Vice President remains fully committed to Ghana’s cashless future. He explained that Bawumia’s vision goes beyond immediate policies and reflects a long-term goal for a more efficient, cashless society. Despite current challenges, Akomea suggested that future policies could be adjusted to better align with the Vice President’s vision, as the government continues to evaluate the impact of the MoMo tax on digital transactions.
Akomea’s comments highlight ongoing tensions within the government, as leaders work to balance individual policy preferences with the necessity of collaborative decision-making. As Dr. Bawumia’s campaign team emphasizes his commitment to a digital and cashless economy, they also acknowledge that policy decisions require compromise. Akomea’s defense of Bawumia serves to clarify the Vice President’s stance and reassure Ghanaians that his long-term vision remains intact, despite current policy setbacks.
