The presidential candidate for the opposition Progressive People’s Party (PPP) says Ghanaians should expect competence and incorruptible leadership if he wins the December 7 presidential election.
Papa Kwesi Nduom, who is a business consultant, says he will get Ghana working again by using the country’s available natural resources to create jobs for the people. He promised to fix the economy, which he said will help alleviate the economic hardships the people face.
“We have made it very clear that Ghana has everything that is needed,” continued Nduom. “What has been missing and what will make a difference in so many different ways is the application of competence, incorruptible leadership. The type that will ensure that what we know needs to be done and be done today with a sense of urgency and not left to sit for months and months and years and years,” he said.
Nduom says Ghanaians will have an opportunity to choose between stagnation and progress. He urged prospective voters to opt for his progressive vision.
“We will work to bring about an inclusive society where merit is what determines whether someone gets a position, wins a contract or is put in a position to serve the interest of Ghanaians,” he said.
Called Edwumawura (job creator) by his supporters because of his numerous businesses across the country, Nduom says he will use his pragmatic business experience to make the nation prosperous by sharply reducing the high unemployment rate.
“The idea that somebody who is credible and who is known to create jobs in all 10 regions of the country, the idea that such a person is in the race provides opportunity for the PPP to win,” said Nduom.
Some critics say the PPP, which was formed early this year, has yet to gain traction among the population to pose any significant challenge to both the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the main opposition, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Nduom partially agrees with the assessment, but says he embarked on a nationwide campaign to generate grassroots support to propel his party to victory in the presidential vote.
“I have personally been around the country at least three times around all the corners of the 10 regions. So, we believe that there is a good opportunity and a good one at that for us to win the election,” said Nduom.
Nduom was born on February 15, 1953 in Elmina, Ghana’s Central region. He holds a PhD in Service Delivery Systems from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in the U.S.
Nduom was elected in 1997 as member of the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) District Assembly for the Akotobinsin Electoral Area in Elmina, Ghana’s Central region. He then became a legislator when he was elected as a parliamentarian in 2004.
He was later elected presidential candidate for the opposition Convention People’s Party (CPP) in 2007. He resigned to form the PPP this year.
Nduom has served as Ghana’s Energy Minister, Minister for Economic Planning and Regional Cooperation, Public Sector Reform Minister as well as chairman of the National Development Planning Commission.
He is married to Yvonne Nduom and they have four children.
Clottey interview with Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, PPP leader