In a scathing analysis of the recently launched National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto for the 2024 general elections, NDC Activist Dela Coffie praised the party’s vision for Ghana, describing it as a comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming the country into a prosperous and united nation.
In his opening remarks, the renowned opposition party’s activist positioned the NDC as the only viable alternative to the current administration, which he accused of being exhausted, divided, and obsessed with clinging to power despite its failed policies.
“The main thrust of the manifesto is to give Ghana a different political choice: the choice between failed NPP policies, exhausted and divided in everything other than its desire to cling on to power, and a new and revitalised NDC that has been resolute in transforming itself into a party of the future.
“And as expected, Mahama placed securing economic recovery and protecting frontline public services, investment in youth-based careers and infrastructural development as the main priorities in the manifesto”.
Dela Coffie , NDC Activist
Key Economic and Social Policies
Highlighting the National Democratic Congress’s key policy proposals, Mr Coffie indicated that the manifesto outlines several bold policies designed to restore Ghana’s economy and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
He pointed out that central to the party’s flagbearer former President Mahama’s plan is ensuring macroeconomic stability and restoring fiscal and debt sustainability.
Dela Coffie further affirmed the NDC’s pledge to abolish the unpopular E-Levy, COVID-19 levy, and Emissions levy, and apply the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy on fuel to cushion consumers.
“The manifesto also outlined to undertake a comprehensive reform of Ghana’s VAT regime to provide relief for households and businesses”, he added.
Women Development Bank
One of the standout proposals according to the NDC Activist is the establishment of a Women’s Development Bank, a special-purpose financial institution aimed at empowering women economically.
This bank, he noted would be run by women and provide low-interest loans and other tailored financial services to women-owned and women-led businesses on very flexible terms.
Furthermore, in a move aimed at providing social security for informal sector workers, Dela Coffie stated that the NDC plans to implement “Mo-Ne-Yo”, a unique pension scheme for commercial drivers, motorcyclists (Okada), small-scale miners, farmers, fishermen, traders, market women, creatives, and artisans.
This initiative according to him, seeks to improve their livelihoods in retirement, ensuring a dignified life for those who contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.
Innovation and Ambition: A 24-Hour Economy
Perhaps the most ambitious part of the National Democratic Congress manifesto in the view of Dela Coffie is the proposal to establish a 24-hour economy in Ghana.
He emphasized that the plan includes a bold commitment to encourage and support businesses and public organizations to operate 24/7 in three shifts of eight hours each, adding that the goal is to boost production, promote productivity, and generate well-paying jobs, ultimately transforming Ghana into an import-substitution and export-led economy.
In the health sector, the NDC Activist mentioned that the party’s manifesto seeks to introduce the Free Primary Healthcare and Ghana Medical Care Trust, dubbed “MahamaCares”.
Additionally, a National Apprenticeship Programme is proposed to provide free technical and vocational training for young people in various crafts, aiming to foster self-employment and reduce youth unemployment.
Digital Transformation and Education
Recognizing the importance of digital skills in today’s economy, the NDC Activist underscored the opposition party’s commitment to roll out a “One Million Coders Programme,” where one million young Ghanaians will be trained in digital skills such as coding, web app development, and software engineering.
This initiative, he stressed is expected to create jobs in the digital ecosystem and position Ghana as a leader in technology and innovation.
Further emphasizing education, Dela Coffie reiterated former President Mahama’s commitment to the party’s “No-Academic-Fee” policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions under the “No-Fees-Stress” initiative, aiming to make higher education more accessible to all.
Fighting Corruption and Infrastructure Development
In a pointed critique of the current administration, Dela Coffie lauded former President Mahama’s promise to launch an “Operation-Recover-All-Loot” campaign to investigate, prosecute, and recover proceeds of corruption under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.
He also highlighted the NDC’s $10 billion “Big Push” policy for rapid infrastructure development, aiming to continue the NDC’s legacy of massive infrastructure projects that create jobs and spur economic growth.
A Vision for National Renewal
Dela Coffie firmly asserted that former President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for Ghana is rooted in a belief in a society where collective goals are prioritized alongside individual aspirations.
According to him, the NDC’s 2024 manifesto emphasizes building a future-oriented nation with modern education and health services, a strong economy, and a safe, respectful community.
In his kind assessment, Dela Coffie contended that the NDC’s manifesto is the most detailed policy document ever produced by an opposition party in Ghana’s history, clearly laying out the NDC’s direction and goals.
” In fact, what Mahama want is a Ghana that is one nation, with shared values and purpose, where merit comes before privilege – He believes that Ghana can and must be better: better schools, better hospitals, better ways of tackling crime, of building a modern welfare state, of equipping ourselves for a new world economy”.
Dela Coffie , NDC Activist
With the 2024 elections fast approaching, Dela Coffie stronly argued that the NDC’s manifesto presents a stark contrast to the policies of the current administration, offering a comprehensive plan for economic recovery, social equity, and national renewal.
He emphasized former President Mahama’s vision, as articulated in the NDC’s document, aims to bring Ghanaians together to build a prosperous, inclusive, and forward-looking nation.
“These are things we must achieve together as a country, and that’s exactly what Mahama is offering. Ghana does deserve better. And a rejuvenated NDC will be better for Ghana”, Dela Coffie concluded.
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