Speaking at a media engagement on Sunday, 25 August, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Dr Bawumia emphasised his limited influence as Vice President. "The budget that has gone to Parliament, which has been passed, is not my budget, is it my budget? It's not my budget. The budget goes in the name of the President, it doesn't go in the name of the Vice President," he explained, noting that his authority is constrained in his current role. Dr Bawumia pointed out that his vision for reforms, such as import duty reductions and tax amnesties, is aligned with his presidential ambitions. He drew a parallel with former President John Mahama, stating: "Even President Mahama, who was president-I'm only Vice President-but he was President.