Former President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer for the 2024 general elections has called for a decisive change in leadership to secure the future of Ghana, particularly for its youth.
Speaking during an interaction with traders and market women at Ho Asigame in the Ho Central Constituency of the Volta Region, the former President emphasized that the upcoming December 7 election is not merely a contest between the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), but a critical decision about the future of Ghana.
“This election is about the future, especially about the young people of Ghana. We have an opportunity to make a change. And on 7th December, all of us have a responsibility to our country”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Flagbearer
He underscored the importance of prioritizing policies that would transform lives despite the economic challenges the country faces.
The National Democratic Congress flagbearer and leader, while acknowledging the dire state of the country’s economy assured the people of the Volta Region that the NDC has plans to stimulate economic growth, particularly through initiatives targeted at women and small business owners.
The Establishment of the Women’s Bank
One of the flagship projects he highlighted was the establishment of a Women’s Bank, which he promised would have a branch in the Ho market.
This bank, he explained, would provide accessible loans to market women at low interest rates, enabling them to grow their businesses.
“There’ll be a branch of the women’s bank in this Ho market. So our mothers and our sisters who are doing business here, when you make your small money, you go and put it in the women’s bank. And anytime you need a loan, you need GHS1,000, or Ghs2,000, or GHS500, you go to the women’s bank. They’ll give it to you at a low interest rate, and you pay small, small”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Flagbearer
Further outlining his vision for the region, former President Mahama reiterated his commitment to building an ultra-modern market in Aflao, a promise first made in the NDC’s 2020 Manifesto and set to be reaffirmed in the 2024 Manifesto.
He also pledged to upgrade the road connecting Aflao and Ho, particularly the Ho-Dzodze road, to enhance trade and economic activities between the two markets.
“What is left is the Ho-Dzodze road; we’ll repair it so that the two markets will be linked up…that will also link up with Lome-Ashigame, and so it will create prosperity in this corridor”, former President Mahama explained, presenting a vision of economic integration and growth for the Volta Region.
Women Empowerment
Former President Mahama also touched on the broader socio-political context, highlighting the importance of women’s empowerment in leadership.
He expressed optimism that the 2024 elections would make history by electing Ghana’s first female Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
“I bring you greetings from Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. Our women are our partners and they have occupied every office of the land except the 2 highest offices. That is the vice presidency and the presidency. On 7th December, history is going to be made”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Flagbearer
Addressing criticisms that there is no significant difference between the NDC and NPP, former President Mahama strongly denounced the claim, delineating the NDC’s track record of investing in transformative projects that benefit communities for generations.
He highlighted the NDC’s efforts in extending electricity, providing clean drinking water, and building schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure that enhance the quality of life for Ghanaians.
“When NDC come into power, we invest in things that will transform the lives of the people. What we do is extend electricity to communities. We provide good drinking water for communities. We build markets so that our mothers can get a good place to trade.
“In addition, we in the NDC provide roads, and we build schools. We provide hospitals, chips compounds and health facilities. Because we know that those projects will benefit not only those who are alive, but their children, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Flagbearer
Abuse of Incumbency and Election Monetization
Additionally, the NDC Presidential Candidate for the 2024 general elections cautioned voters against being swayed by monetary inducements from the NPP, urging them to accept any money offered but to vote against the ruling party.
“Give the momo number to them. And when they bring the money…take the money, and vote against them,” he advised, assuring the crowd that there was no need to fear retribution for doing so.
In a forward-looking promise, former President John Dramani Mahama revealed that his administration, if elected, would focus not only on infrastructure but also on creating jobs for the youth through a “24-hour economy” initiative.
He explained that this concept would involve extending working hours across various sectors, thereby creating more job opportunities and accelerating economic growth.
“And you know the formula for the 24-hour economy is 1:3:3. It means 1 job, 3 people, 3 shift. Because if we go to work at 8 and close at 5, that’s 8 hour working day. It will take us 50 years to be able to turn this economy around. If people are walking, we must be running.
“And that’s why we will give incentives to all those who are capable of extending their working hours. We’ll give them tax incentives. We’ll give them security and safety. We’ll improve the transport system so that people can go and work at night so that more of our young people can get employment under the 24 hour economy”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Flagbearer
NPP’s Unfulfilled Promises
Former President Mahama concluded his remarks by reminding the audience of the unfulfilled promises made by the NPP in the past, particularly President Akufo-Addo’s pledge to transform Ghana within 18 months.
He described these promises as mere political rhetoric aimed at securing power, rather than genuine efforts to improve the lives of Ghanaians.
“All they wanted was political power to enrich themselves, their families, and their friends,” he stated.
In a rallying call for change on 7th December, former President Mahama urged Ghanaians to vote for change to ensure that the country is given back to the people of Ghana.
“On 7th December, Ghanaians are going to send the NPP back into opposition. Let them go”, Mahama declared, wrapping up his speech to loud cheers and chants from the market women and traders.
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