The Spokesperson for the NDC 2024 Manifesto on Youth Development and former General Secretary of the National Union of Ghanaian Students (NUGS), Julius Kwame Anthony has strongly defended the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s policies aimed at youth development.
In a comprehensive address, Anthony outlined the opposition party’s vision and plans for the youth of Ghana, contrasting them sharply with what he describes as the unfulfilled promises and misguided policies of the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Anthony emphasized three key pillars that differentiate effective governance from mere political rhetoric: proper costing of policies, setting achievable timelines, and demonstrating integrity through a proven track record.
“If we are to sit here right now and I ask you what you would want to do for the people of Ghana, you can easily come up with that outline. What differentiates what you say and whether you’ll be able to accomplish it are 1, costing of the things, that is having a clear mind as to how you are going to fund it. 2, timelines of achieving those things. Then 3, integrity and track record in doing those things that you said you are going to do”
Julius Kwame Anthony, Spokesperson on NDC Manifesto on Youth Development and former General Secretary of the National Union of Ghanaian Students
He argued that these pillars are the foundation of the NDC’s manifesto, particularly under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama.
He cited the NDC’s “No Fee Stress” policy as a prime example of a well-costed and achievable initiative that aims to reduce the financial burden on Ghanaian families.
According to Anthony, the NDC plans to fund this policy by eliminating the wasteful expenditures currently prevalent under the NPP government.
A 120-Day Social Contract
Julius Kwame Anthony further underscored the NDC’s commitment to a “120-day social contract” with the people of Ghana, wherein former President Mahama pledges to implement key policies within the first 120 days of his presidency, should he be re-elected.
“The ‘No Fee Stress’ policy, for instance, will be fully operational within these first 120 days. This is a clear testament to our commitment to immediate action and accountability,” he assured.
He contrasted this with what he sees as the NPP’s failure to deliver on its promises, saying “We were all here in 2016 when Vice President Bawumia and President Akufo-Addo promised teachers housing and Okada riders new vehicles.
“Seven and a half years later, these promises remain unfulfilled,” Anthony remarked, criticizing the NPP’s track record, arguing that the government’s failure to deliver on these promises undermines its credibility.
Focus on Digital Transformation
One of the central tenets of the NDC’s youth development strategy according to Julius Kwame Anthony is digital transformation.
He outlined the NDC’S plans to replicate the Accra Digital Centre model across all 16 regions of Ghana, aiming to train one million coders and establish incubation hubs to nurture IT talent nationwide.
“The Accra Digital Centre stands as proof of our commitment to digital advancement. Unlike Vice President Bawumia, who has suddenly become an ‘IT guru’ after seven years of governance with little to show, we have laid down a clear path and infrastructure for this development”.
Julius Kwame Anthony, Spokesperson on NDC Manifesto on Youth Development and former General Secretary of the National Union of Ghanaian Students
He criticized the NPP’s digital policies, particularly the implementation of the e-levy, which he argues stifles innovation in the Fintech sector.
He reiterated former President Mahama’s promise to invest $50 million into the Fintech industry and scrap the e-levy, describing it as a clear plan to empower the Fintech sector, unlike the NPP, which has only added burdens through misguided taxation.
“When you speak to the people in the Fintech industry, they will tell you that the worst problems they have is unnecessary government regulation and bureaucracy, which prevents them from even getting access to the market. The reason is simple. They are protecting the markets for their cronies, and so they prevent everyone else from entering.
“The second challenge they tell you is that they cannot even make a profit and people do not find the platforms attractive anymore because they have to pay too much. And the effect of that can be linked to young people, especially young ladies doing petty and little businesses on social media, on Instagram and all of that”.
Julius Kwame Anthony, Spokesperson on NDC Manifesto on Youth Development and former General Secretary of the National Union of Ghanaian Students
Empowering Women and Youth
Moreover, the former General Secretary of the National Union of Ghanaian Students, Julius Kwame Anthony underscored the NDC’s plans to empower women and youth through targeted initiatives like the proposed Women Development Bank.
The establishment of the bank, he noted would provide seed capital to women-led businesses at lower interest rates than the national average, fostering entrepreneurship and economic independence among Ghanaian women.
“We will not just offer credit to buy basic needs; we are providing the means for women to establish and grow their businesses, contributing to the economy,” he explained.
He further criticized the NPP’s approach to youth development, particularly their proposal to provide credit for basic needs, arguing that it promotes dependency rather than self-reliance.
“In a country where youth unemployment is rampant, telling young people that they can live on credit without jobs or businesses is not only irresponsible but also shortsighted,” Anthony stated.
Addressing Inequalities and Corruption
Anthony didn’t hold back in criticizing the current administration for its alleged corruption and cronyism, particularly in the allocation of scholarships and government positions.
He assured that while the NPP has concentrated opportunities and resources in the hands of a few, former President Mahama and the NDC are committed to creating equal opportunities for all.
He pointed out that many young Ghanaians are unable to access education and job opportunities because of the skewed allocation of resources under the current government.
“The NDC is focused on breaking these barriers and ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of their background, has a fair chance to succeed,” Anthony added.
In his closing remarks, Julius Kwame Anthony made a compelling case for the NDC as the better choice for Ghana’s future, particularly for the youth.
“The choice is clear: between a government that has consistently failed to deliver on its promises and one that has a proven track record and a clear, actionable plan for development. The NDC is ready to bring about real change, and we urge Ghanaians to make the right choice come December”.
Julius Kwame Anthony, Spokesperson on NDC Manifesto on Youth Development and former General Secretary of the National Union of Ghanaian Students
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