The National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ghana’s leading opposition party, has officially launched its 2024 election manifesto, titled “Resetting Ghana,” at the University of Education, Winneba.

The party urged Ghanaians to support Mr. John Mahama’s ambitious vision for a revitalized and inclusive nation.

The “Resetting Ghana” manifesto outlines a comprehensive policy framework aimed at overhauling Ghana’s economy.

The NDC asserts that their economic plans will foster sustainable growth, job creation, and a more prosperous future for the country.

At the launch event, John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate, reaffirmed his pledge to implement a 24-hour economy if elected.

This initiative includes three eight-hour shifts to boost productivity and efficiency, transforming Ghana into an import-substitution and export-driven economy.

Mahama also promised to enhance public services, create high-quality jobs, and attract private sector investment to support economic stability and growth.

On economic policies, Mahama emphasized that his administration would implement a 24-hour economy to maximize productivity.

This policy aims to transition Ghana from its current economic challenges to a stable, growth-oriented economy.

The NDC plans to set standardized borrowing limits to safeguard middle-class investments and avoid severe debt management crises.**Banking and Financial Sector

The NDC intends to reform the Bank of Ghana, revitalize the banking sector, and reinstate licenses for banks unjustly revoked by the current government.

Mahama also pledged to support experienced bankers who lost their jobs and to prioritize local participation across various sectors to create employment opportunities.

To address the issue of anti-Corruption, the NDC flagbearer committed to an aggressive anti-corruption campaign, targeting both past and current officials, as well as civil and public servants.

The manifesto includes plans to establish an Independent Value for Money office to oversee significant government procurements and enhance the operational capacity of anti-corruption institutions through a Governance Advisory Council.

Social Protection

The manifesto outlines several social protection measures, including a minimum 30% quota for women in political appointments, the establishment of a Women’s Development Bank, and free sanitary pads for female students.

The NDC also plans to allocate a 5% hiring quota for persons with disabilities in the public sector and support initiatives for women and children’s welfare.

Health

The NDC’s health agenda includes removing taxes on essential medical supplies, creating a Cancer and Kidney Disease Trust Fund, and building modern dialysis centers and a new referral hospital.

The party also aims to upgrade existing health facilities, abolish admission quotas for nursing and teacher training colleges, and reform the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve efficiency.

Security

The NDC’s security policy focuses on removing militia groups from security agencies, addressing promotion backlogs, and enhancing police presence in high-crime areas.

The party plans to invest in ICT infrastructure, establish a new military training academy, and improve the welfare of security personnel.

Agriculture

To reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported palm oil, the NDC proposes a national policy to incentivize local cultivation and enhance the palm oil value chain.

The manifesto includes plans for developing vegetable and poultry production, supporting cocoa farmers, and rejuvenating abandoned cocoa farms.

Trade and Industry

The NDC aims to support women entrepreneurs and small businesses by enhancing the Ghana EXIM Bank’s role and offering tax exemptions for new businesses.

The party also plans to expand market access for Ghanaian goods, promote green technologies, and reduce bureaucratic barriers to stimulate digital innovation and economic growth.

Employment

The 24-Hour Economy Policy is central to the NDC’s job creation strategy, with plans to launch a National Apprenticeship Programme and the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme to support new businesses and young entrepreneurs.

The NDC also proposes a $3 billion Digital Jobs Initiative, including the One Million Coders Programme and regional Digital Centres to boost digital skills and innovation.

Infrastructure

The NDC plans a $10 billion investment in infrastructure through the ‘Big Push’ initiative, aiming to create jobs and enhance public sector employment.

The party also intends to establish a National Employment Trust to support high-growth areas and address employment needs.

This manifesto outlines the NDC’s comprehensive vision for Ghana’s future, focusing on economic revitalization, social protection, and national development.