Dr. Adutwum Pledges “Livable Wages” and Unified Front in Bid for NPP Leadership.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, a prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, has intensified his campaign for the 2028 elections with a dual promise to champion “livable wages” for the Ghanaian workforce and to heal internal divisions within the party.

Addressing delegates during a nationwide campaign tour, Dr. Adutwum outlined a vision centered on industrialization, tourism, and aggressive skills development as the primary engines for improving the national standard of living.

Vision for Party Unity:

Positioning himself as a “unifier,” Dr. Adutwum emphasized his ability to bridge gaps between various factions within the NPP.

He argued that his candidacy offers a fresh start, free from the personal grievances that often plague internal politics.

“I am the candidate who can truly unify this party,” he told delegates.

He posited that, “When you elect me, no one will feel alienated by past insults or attacks on their preferred leaders. I am committed to ensuring we enter the 2028 election as a formidable, undivided force.”

“Livable Wage” Standard:

Central to Dr. Adutwum’s economic platform is the transition from a minimum wage to a “livable wage.”

He defined this as an income level that transcends basic survival, allowing families to build long-term wealth and security.

Financial Dignity:

Income that covers daily necessities, healthcare, and education.

Asset Building:

A wage structure designed to help workers eventually own homes and vehicles.

National Stability:

Aligning Ghana’s labor market with the standards of emerging global economies.

“It is time our nation ensures that hard work translates into financial stability,” Adutwum remarked.

He added that, “Livable wages are the right of every worker, and I intend to champion this as a matter of national priority.”

21st-Century Skills:

Dr. Adutwum linked wage increases directly to workforce productivity.

He argued that for the economy to prosper, the government must provide the tools for self-improvement.

To achieve this, he proposed the introduction of training vouchers.

This initiative would allow workers to acquire specialized skills, particularly in Information Technology (IT) and modern technical fields.

“There can be no prosperity without productivity, and no productivity without opportunity,” he noted.

He stated that, “My government will provide the avenues for workers to add value to themselves, ensuring they are equipped for the 21st-century job market.”

War on Poverty:

Expressing concern over Ghana’s current economic disparities, Dr. Adutwum flagged poverty eradication as a core pillar of his campaign.

He cited the fact that nearly 40% of the population remains either unemployed or “working poor” as a significant national concern.

“The idea that citizens can work yet remain in poverty is unacceptable,” he stated.

He stressed that, “We must do everything within our power to eradicate poverty and create an environment where every Ghanaian has a path to success.”

Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.