The biggest opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC), has officially launched its manifesto for the 2024 general election at the University of Education, Winneba, with a call on Ghanaians to buy into the bold visions of its presidential candidate, former President John Mahama.
This, the party claimed, would enable the NDC to win political power in the December polls in order to build a prosperous and inclusive nation for all.
Dubbed “Resetting Ghana”, the manifesto served as the party’s comprehensive policy guide, primarily designed to revitalise every sector of the Ghanaian economy.
The NDC’s policy to revitalise the economy would be expected to create sustainable growth, jobs and reset the fortunes of the country for a prosperous and brighter future.
At the launch, the flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, pledged his commitment to implementing his much trumpeted 24-hour economy, if elected.
The “Resetting Ghana” manifesto also unveiled a series of key initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for all Ghanaians, with a strong emphasis on marginalised and vulnerable populations.
Economic Policies
Touching on the economy, he promised that his government would implement a 24-hour economy strategy with three (3) shifts of eight (8) hours each to maximise productivity and efficiency.
According to Mr. Mahama, this drive would transform Ghana into an import substitution and export-led economy, enhance access to public services and create more well-paying jobs for unemployed Ghanaians.
This would be expected to stop the economic decline, restore stability and inclusive growth to the economy and attract viable and serious private sector investors to partner with the government to invest in productive sectors for job creation.
To protect the investments of the Ghanaian middle class, the government, under the NDC would lead the process to set a standardised limit for borrowing.
This measure would ensure that Ghana would not suffer a deadly debt management programme that would threaten to send elderly people holding government bonds to their early graves.
Banking and financial sector
He promised to reform the Bank of Ghana, rejuvenate the alleged almost collapsed banking and financial sector and, as far as practicable, restore licenses of banks unjustly revoked by the current regime.
He promised opportunities for experienced banking hands who lost their jobs after the collapse of banks to secure their careers once more, and move from the menial jobs they were forced into.
He promised to prioritise the participation of the local people in the banking, financial, telecommunications, mining, oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing and construction sectors to generate more jobs for the youth.
Policies on corruption
According to Mr. Mahama, the NDC government under him would wage an intense fight against corruption to reduce waste and save money for reinvestment in the economy.
The sword of the fight against corruption, he emphasised, would cut both past government officials, as well as those who would be in his administration, civil and public servants, businesses and government suppliers.
The “Resetting Ghana” manifesto, as delivered by the former president, among others, recognised procurement as a significant source of corruption and misappropriation of public funds.
To help curb this menace he said, “We will, among other measures, set up an Independent Value for Money office to scrutinise all government procurements above a $5 million threshold or as shall be recommended by Parliament.”
Additionally, unfettered space would be given to anti-corruption state institutions operating with the establishment of a Governance Advisory Council to help improve political governance, curb corruption and ensure respect for human rights.
The Council would include representatives of civil society organisations, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and ordinary Ghanaians.
Social protection
The party’s manifesto promised to ensure that economic development strategies were inclusive and that social protection policies effectively met the needs of the most vulnerable groups.
A major focus in the sector would be on gender equality, with a commitment to mandating a minimum 30 percent quota for women in political appointments.
The NDC also planned to establish the Women’s Development Bank to support women-led businesses and launch a ‘Women in Agriculture’ initiative.
In addition, if elected, the NDC would provide free sanitary pads to female students and enhance support for victims of gender-based violence through regional shelters and comprehensive care kits.
The party also pledged to allocate a 5 percent hiring quota for persons with disabilities in the public sector, offer targeted support for women with disabilities, and establish a National Para-Sports Festival.
To protect children, the party has planned to develop a comprehensive framework to address issues such as trafficking, child labour and harmful cultural practices.
This framework will also focus on enforcing parental responsibility and supporting family reintegration.
Health
The NDC has announced its health policy agenda, with the removal of taxes on essential medical supplies for dialysis being key among them.
Additionally, the NDC has aimed to create a Cancer and Kidney Disease Trust Fund to provide financial aid for those affected by these conditions.
The party also proposed the building of modern dialysis centres in the Upper East region and a new referral hospital in Bawku.
To improve healthcare services and reduce the need for long-distance travel, they plan to upgrade the Yendi Hospital and develop a potable water system for the Yendi area.
In addressing medical training and staffing challenges, the NDC seeks to abolish the quota system for admissions into nursing and teacher training colleges to increase enrolment.
The party also promised to expedite the posting of trained health professionals to ensure better healthcare coverage.
Moreover, the NDC pledged its readiness to reform the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by removing the current cap on claims and realigning the scheme to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.
Security
The National Democratic Congress has espoused the importance of security and public safety in its manifesto, outlining a broad strategy to bolster national security and improve conditions for security personnel.
The manifesto proposed a comprehensive security programme designed to complement the 24-Hour Economy Policy, which the party has prioritised as a means to bolster the country’s economy.
Key elements include the removal of militia and vigilante groups from security agencies, addressing promotion backlogs, and instituting a transparent, merit-based recruitment and promotion system.
In relatively high-crime area, the party indicated in the manifesto that it would enhance police presence and patrols, expand community-based crime prevention, and strengthen border security.
This would be done through international partnerships to counter terrorism and foreign threats with a promise to improve the welfare of both active and retired security personnel.
Further proposals included establishing a new military training academy in the northern region and rolling out a nationwide community police programme.
According to the manifesto, the NDC government will invest in ICT infrastructure, modern equipment, and logistics to bolster intelligence capabilities and national safety.
The party also claimed to have plans to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons with a comprehensive plan review and enhance medical and compensation packages for personnel, ensuring adequate support for those injured or killed on duty.
In terms of infrastructure, the NDC envisioned constructing new housing units, refurbishing existing ones, and creating an Armed Forces Home Ownership Scheme.
The umbrella party also said it was committed to completing the Kumasi Military Hospital and starting new military hospitals in Ho, Bolgatanga and Sefwi Wiawso.
The party also proposed the establishment of Veterans’ Referral Departments in military hospitals across the country.
Agriculture
The NDC has announced an ambitious strategy to address Ghana’s heavy dependence on imported palm oil, which accounts for 80% of the country’s consumption at a cost of $200 million annually.
Despite Ghana’s potential to produce up to one million metric tonnes of palm oil, the country currently struggles to meet domestic demand or tap into the $70 billion global market.
To address this concern, the party announced plans to develop a comprehensive national palm oil industry policy to incentivise local cultivation and enhance the entire value chain.
The NDC’s proposed measures include establishing farmer service centres and farm banks to provide modern equipment and support to farmers.
According to the party, measures would be put in place to enhance vegetable production through the use of greenhouses, improved irrigation, technical support for urban farmers and community gardening initiatives.
The poultry sector will also receive attention, with plans to incentivize local farmers and promote domestic consumption under the ‘Made in Ghana’ agenda, with plans to encourage the youth to participate in agriculture.
Additionally, the NDC promised to focus on several key projects, such as the livestock development project to boost meat and dairy production and the feed industry programme to increase local raw material production.
Others include free fertilizer distribution for cocoa farmers and the Youth in Cocoa Farming initiative to rejuvenate abandoned cocoa farms and support young cocoa farmers.
Trade and Industry
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) unveiled a comprehensive set of economic policies designed to support women entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local industries.
These measures include enhancing the Ghana EXIM Bank’s role in financing non-traditional exports and providing tax exemptions for new small businesses during their first two years.
There is also a strategic plan for start-ups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to benefit from tax breaks and low-cost financing.
The party also plans to launch an “Export Ghana Policy” to expand market access for made-in-Ghana goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and other trade agreements.
The NDC proposed to revise the Customs (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act 1014) to lift the ban on importing salvaged vehicles, aiming to support local automotive industries.
The party further indicated its commitment to advancing green technologies by promoting electric vehicles and clean energy solutions.
The opposition party said it would focus on reducing bureaucratic barriers, increasing transparency, and streamlining regulatory processes.
It planned to promote technology-driven businesses, including app development, e-commerce platforms, and fintech services, to stimulate digital innovation and economic growth.
Employment
Central to its job creation agenda is the 24-Hour Economy Policy, designed to transition Ghana into an import-substitution and export-driven economy.
This policy encourages businesses and public institutions to operate around the clock in three eight-hour shifts, aiming to boost productivity, increase revenue, and generate high-quality jobs.
The NDC planned to launch a National Apprenticeship Programme offering free technical and vocational training to the youth, in which successful participants will receive certification, start-up capital, and equipment to start their own businesses.
The party also intended to introduce the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme, which will create, track, and mentor up to 10,000 new businesses each year, with a special focus on young entrepreneurs.
A significant component of the NDC’s strategy is the Digital Jobs Initiative, featuring a US$3 billion investment in collaboration with the private sector.
This initiative includes the One Million Coders Programme, aimed at training one million Ghanaians in digital skills like coding and software development. Regional Digital Centres will be established to grow the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors, while a $50 million FinTech Growth Fund will support local digital startups and FinTech companies.
The party’s economic strategy also involves a rapid industrialisation plan to enhance domestic consumption and exports. This plan includes setting up agro-industrial zones, mini-processing plants, and factories for processing cocoa, cashew, and other commodities. Additionally, the NDC plans to revive and establish key industries, including meat, tomato, and sugar processing facilities.
The ‘Big Push’ initiative will invest US$10 billion in infrastructure development to support job creation. Public sector employment will be expanded based on a thorough human resource gap analysis to meet the demands of the 24-hour economy.
To bolster this strategy, the NDC will create a National Employment Trust to manage an investment fund designed to de-risk and support high-growth areas that traditional banks typically overlook.
By Naabenyin Joojo Amissah & Bernice Bessey
