The flagbearer of the New Patri­otic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to eliminate waste across various sectors of the economy to drive the country's socioeco­nomic development, if elected in the 2024 general election. At the launch of the party's 2024 manifesto in Takoradi in the Western Region, yesterday, he outlined plans to overhaul the procurement culture and implement other measures to achieve this goal. Dr Bawumia, who is the Vice Presi­dent, stated that his government would shift from outright purchasing of goods such as vehicles and equipment to leasing them instead. This change, he explained, aims to save signif­icant amounts in cash expenditure across ministries and departments, with the private sector assuming maintenance responsibilities. Additionally, he proposed empowering the private sector to take on more responsibilities for public services and infrastructure, which, he expressed the belief, would reduce government spending, enhance efficiency, cut waste, and improve competition and accountability. • Vice President Dr Bawumia (inset) addressing supporters at the manifesto launch Dr Bawumia said the introduction of a simplified tax system was also part of the strategy to minimise waste, explaining that making the tax system easier to understand and comply with would reduce inefficien­cies and administrative burdens.