The Vice President and flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, during his two-day visit to the Upper West Region emphasised his vision to reduce the cost of electricity by harnessing solar energy. He noted that unlike oil-based fuel, the country does not need foreign exchange to import the sun.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia began his tour by paying homage to the Waala Overlord, Naa Fuseini Pelpuo IV, at his palace where he interacted with chiefs and elders.

In his welcome address read by his spokesperson Naa Kadir Ibrahim Jinpenhi, Naa Fuseini Pelpuo IV praised the Vice President’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, expressing confidence that he would not support them now or in the future.

The Waala Overlord also sought compensation for victims of military brutality that occurred almost three years ago in the Wa municipality following an alleged phone theft.

“Your Excellency, almost three years ago my people were beaten by rampaging military men. The soldiers came into town beating up almost everyone in sight extensively, as revenge for the alleged theft of a mobile phone belonging to one of them.

The issue brought the military high command to Wa, and the traumatised victims were promised compensation. July 2024 will mark three years since the unfortunate incident, but the promised compensation has not been paid.”

The Vice President responded by assuring that he would look into the compensation issue and ensures the victims are fully compensated.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia then moved to the regional library and met with Muslim clergy, where he outlined his vision for the country if allowed to lead.

“I believe one way we can reduce the cost of electricity is by transitioning from oil-based fuel power generation to solar power. Let’s use the sun to generate electricity instead of oil-based fuel. I plan to introduce 2000 MW of solar power. God gives us the sun for free; we don’t need foreign exchange to import the sun, but we need foreign exchange to import oil-based fuel.”

He also emphasised that his major focus would be on large-scale mechanised agriculture supported by irrigation, saying it would transform the country. He committed to investing more resources into agriculture, so that produce can be processed within the country.