The National Democratic Congress (NDC) officially launched its manifesto for the December 7 elections in Winneba today, August 24.
Under the theme “Change to Reset Ghana,” the manifesto outlines the party’s vision and critical proposals across various sectors. Here are the main highlights:
Economy
Poverty Eradication and Growth: Aims to eradicate extreme poverty, stabilise the Ghana Cedi, and promote inclusive growth. Plans include job creation through the “One Million Jobs, EDWUMA PA Plan” and a $10 billion ‘Big Push’ infrastructure investment.
Public Debt Management: Focus on reducing public debt, improving fiscal sustainability, and avoiding crowding out the private sector.
Support for Indigenous Businesses: Tax incentives and legislative support for Ghanaian-owned businesses, especially in banking, insurance, and construction.
Sector-Specific Strategies: Emphasis on agriculture, pharmaceuticals, health tourism, manufacturing, and ICT to enhance job creation and economic growth.
Jobs/Employment
Job Creation: The target is to create 250,000 jobs annually through the “Edwuma Pa” programme.
Skills Development: Initiatives like STEP-UP and the Free National Apprenticeship Programme to boost training and skill development.
Support for the Private Sector: Includes development financing, business advice, and long-term credit options.
Employment Act: Introduction of legislation to track job creation and the impact of policies.
Agriculture & Agribusiness
Production Enhancement: Focus on improving crop production and productivity, value addition, and tackling challenges in the rice value chain.
Poultry Industry Support: Promotion of yellow maise and soybean production.
Infrastructure and Logistics: Ensuring year-round vegetable production and reducing imports.
Cocoa Sector
Farmer Support: Free primary healthcare, pension scheme, and consistent annual increments in cocoa producer prices.
Youth Engagement: Continued support for the Youth in Cocoa and free Hybrid Seedlings Programme.
Healthcare Programme
Free Primary Health Care: Comprehensive free primary and preventive care plans.
Maternal and Child Health: Support for antenatal care, expanded maternity leave, and free sanitary pads for schoolgirls.
Health Infrastructure: Plans to transform regional hospitals into teaching hospitals, complete abandoned health facilities, and build new medical centres.
Teacher Motivation
Incentives: Special incentives for teachers in rural areas, increased retention premiums, and support for career progression.
Teacher Resources: Provide free tablets and support for teachers to own vehicles under affordable terms.
Education
Primary Education: Expansion and refurbishment of educational facilities, support for out-of-school children, and removing Comprehensive Sexuality Education from the curriculum.
Secondary Education: Improvement of the Free SHS Programme, double-track system abolition, and educational infrastructure expansion.
Good Governance, Anti-Corruption, and Accountability
Corruption Measures: Bold measures to combat nepotism and corruption, strengthen anti-corruption institutions, and ensure accountability.
Operation Sting: Comprehensive government reforms to address conflict of interest and procurement issues.
Local Governance and Decentralisation
Assembly Support: Increased funding and support for district assemblies, including a proposed increase in the District Assembly Common Fund.
Administrative Reforms: Upgrading assemblies, introducing waste management funds, and supporting local entrepreneurs.
This manifesto marks a significant step in the NDC’s campaign. It outlines a broad and detailed plan to transform various aspects of Ghanaian society and governance.