Beatrice Annan, the Deputy Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 election campaign, has asserted that many Ghanaians are urging the NDC to take over the country’s leadership.

According to her, the current economic difficulties in Ghana are clear evidence of the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) alleged deliberate mismanagement of the nation’s resources for personal gain.

“Ghanaians have received our campaign message because the NPP has failed. I have never seen a political party that has come into power and has deliberately run down the country to the gutters just to enrich themselves.”
Beatrice Annan, the Deputy Spokesperson for the NDC 2024 Campaign

Annan highlighted the stark differences between the economic conditions under the administration of former President John Mahama and those under the current leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

While acknowledging that the economy under Mahama was not flawless, she contended that it was far better managed compared to the current administration’s handling.

Annan expressed concern over the current exchange rate, the rising cost of living, and the ballooning debt stock, which she believes are evidence of the current government’s inability to manage the economy effectively.

In her comparison, Annan pointed out that “Togo is a small country but performs better than Ghana in terms of their economy and many aspects of a country’s growth.” This, she suggested, is a clear sign that the NDC is better equipped to manage Ghana’s economy.

Beatrice Annan called on Ghanaians to compare the achievements of the Mahama administration with those of the current government, particularly in relation to the revenue they both received while in office.

“John Mahama left the country’s debt stock at 120 billion Ghana Cedis, with significant achievements like the Kejetia Market, Bekwai Hospital, Circle Interchange, and Ridge Hospital to show for it.”
Beatrice Annan, the Deputy Spokesperson for the NDC 2024 Campaign

In contrast, she criticized the current government’s handling of over 700 billion Ghana Cedis in debt stock, which, according to her, has resulted in little more than a higher cost of living, a depreciating currency, and soaring fuel prices. “Ghanaians can compare and realize that NDC is the best manager of our economy,” she asserted.

Defending NDC’s Policy Proposals

Former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer

Addressing the criticisms aimed at some of the NDC’s proposed policies, such as the 24-Hour Economy and free tuition for first-year university students, Beatrice Annan defended these initiatives as necessary steps to transform Ghana’s education and employment sectors.

She explained that the 24-Hour Economy would involve providing industries with special electricity meters that would allow them to operate during night-time hours while paying the same rates as during the day.

“This will enable these businesses to employ more workers to reduce unemployment,” Annan noted.

In addition, she outlined how the public sector could benefit from a three-shift system, which would extend the operating hours of essential services like the Passport Office, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, and banks. This, she believes, would enhance service delivery and efficiency across the board.

Touching on the NDC’s proposal for free tuition for first-year university students, She criticized the current government’s spending priorities, suggesting that the funds wasted on projects like the National Cathedral and tax exemptions for allies could be better used to finance education.

“We did a cost analysis for the free university for first years, which is around 270 to 290 million Ghana cedis. The monies wasted on the National Cathedral, and tax exemptions offered to friends and cronies of this government can be used to fund the free university and the 24-Hour Economy.”
Beatrice Annan, the Deputy Spokesperson for the NDC 2024 Campaign

The coming months will likely see intensified political debate as the NDC seeks to convince the electorate that they are the best choice for managing the country’s future. Annan’s comments are part of this broader effort to sway public opinion in favor of the NDC’s vision for Ghana.