The leader and founder of the All-People’s Congress (APC) Dr. Hassan Ayariga, has outlined his vision for Ghana’s future. Dr. Ayariga made a strong case for a shift away from the dominant political duopoly in Ghana.

Dr. Ayariga expressed his belief that only a “third force” could bring about the significant changes the country needs. He criticized the current political landscape, where people fear “spoiling their votes” by voting outside of the two major parties. According to Dr. Ayariga, this mindset prevents real progress and hinders the emergence of alternative political forces that could challenge the status quo.

“If we say that we want something different, and yet we are afraid to spoil our votes, we will never really make any significant headway.”
Dr. Hassan Ayariga the leader and founder of the All-People’s Congress (APC)

The central message of Dr. Ayariga’s campaign for the upcoming elections is what he calls an “economic lockdown.” This concept empowers Ghana by increasing productivity, manufacturing, and industrialization. According to Dr. Ayariga, Ghana must become self-sufficient and create jobs by operating a 24-hour economy with three shifts—eight hours each for production, manufacturing, and industrialization. Dr. Ayariga emphasized that Ghana can no longer afford to rely heavily on imports, which weakens the local economy and causes the cedi to depreciate.

“If we keep importing, we can’t produce. We can’t create jobs. Our cedi will depreciate. Everything will just be the way it is.”
Dr. Hassan Ayariga the leader and founder of the All-People’s Congress (APC)

A key part of Dr. Ayariga’s vision is changing the mindset of Ghanaians. He believes that to build the country, Ghanaians must adopt a new attitude towards their nation. Dr. Ayariga stressed the need for citizens to realize that Ghana is theirs to protect, grow, and develop. He emphasized patriotism and self-reliance, urging Ghanaians to see the value of their contributions to nation-building.

“This is Ghana, and we Ghanaians, must come first in everything we do. We have to change our mindset in believing that Ghana is the only thing that we have.”
Dr. Hassan Ayariga the leader and founder of the All-People’s Congress (APC)

Dr. Ayariga also highlighted corruption as a major barrier to progress in Ghana. He explained that the widespread corruption in previous and current governments has eroded citizens’ willingness to contribute to nation-building. Dr. Ayariga believes that a trustworthy leader who serves the people—rather than expecting to be served by them—can inspire Ghanaians to engage actively in the development of their country.

“When you have a president who is unique, who tells the people the way it is, inspires the people, and lets them know that he is coming to serve them, not they serving him, that’s when change happens.”
Dr. Hassan Ayariga the leader and founder of the All-People’s Congress (APC)

A Unified Third Force

Dr. Ayariga is committed to uniting the minority political parties and movements in Ghana to create a strong third political force. He expressed his belief that unity among these smaller parties is essential for breaking the political dominance of the NPP and NDC. While he has already secured alliances with several groups, Dr. Ayariga emphasized that this is only the beginning of a broader effort to consolidate the minority parties into a unified alliance that can effectively challenge the two dominant parties.

“they are always thinking about a third force and they want a third force that is a united third force. They want the minority political parties, and the minor movements, groups and the so call independent candidates to all come together and build one party besides the NDC and the NPP.”
Dr. Hassan Ayariga the leader and founder of the All-People’s Congress (APC)

Addressing Illegal Mining (Galamsey)

Dr. Ayariga also addressed the pressing issue of illegal mining, which has devastated Ghana’s water bodies. Dr. Ayariga criticized the current state of mining in Ghana, where private entities control much of the sector, leading to environmental degradation. Under his leadership, Dr. Ayariga promised that the government would take full control of the mining sector, ensuring that it benefits the nation as a whole. Dr. Ayariga also proposed skill training programs for youth involved in illegal mining to integrate them into government-run mining operations. He asserted; “The wealth and sovereignty of Ghana include mining and that should be solely and only managed by the state and the Republic of Ghana, not any other individual.”

Moreover, Dr. Ayariga’s vision is a self-reliant Ghana, driven by a productive economy and led by a trustworthy government that prioritizes its citizens. Dr. Ayariga believes that through an economic lockdown, a change in mindset, and a unified political front, Ghana can break free from its dependency on imports and become a nation that produces what it consumes. His manifesto titled “The Nation’s Manifesto,” promises to lay out the specific policies that will guide this vision, with a particular focus on national empowerment and inclusive governance.