The leader and founder of the All People’s Congress (APC) Hon. Hassan Ayariga, at the launch of the APC’s 2024 manifesto has delivered his manifesto outlining his vision for the nation and his strategy to transform Ghana.
The manifesto, themed “Transforming Ghana and Restoring Hope,” focused on key areas of national development aimed at bringing a fresh perspective to governance in Ghana. Hassan Ayariga’s address to the nation was both an appeal for change and a critique of the status quo, highlighting his party’s commitment to action rather than empty promises. In the opening moments of his speech, Ayariga expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife as the incoming first lady, acknowledging her role in his personal and political journey. He credited her for ‘his’ strength and success.
“That I’m here because of you, I’m strong because of you, I am powerful because of you and then I will become president because of you as well.”
Hon. Hassan Ayariga the leader and founder of the All People’s Congress (APC)
This expression of gratitude set a tone of humility and partnership, as Hassan Ayariga emphasized the importance of the support he received. Hassan Ayariga also congratulated the general secretary, noting their contributions to the APC’s journey. He humorously compared the general secretary to a football player. This analogy was a playful yet sharp critique of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), positioning them as defenders who are vulnerable to the APC’s offensive strategy.
A Call for Unity
A significant part of Hassan Ayariga’s speech was devoted to the core principle of the APC. He praised the participation of other political figures and independent candidates, particularly acknowledging the leader of the People’s National Convention (PNC) and independent presidential candidates present at the event. He stressed that the APC is a party committed to bringing diverse people together.
“The APC is a united party, and we believe in unity. The party that can put together different independent candidates to fight for the unity and build a country like Ghana. I think that person deserves the power.”
Hon. Hassan Ayariga the leader and founder of the All People’s Congress (APC)
By framing the APC as a force for unity, Hassan Ayariga presented his party as a credible alternative to the NPP-NDC duopoly, emphasizing that unity, rather than division, would be the foundation of Ghana’s transformation. One of the main points Hassan Ayariga drove home during his address was the distinction between policies and promises. He made it clear that the APC is offering concrete solutions, not empty political rhetoric.
“This is the manifesto we want to build this nation. It is not a manifesto that we’re going to promise people and lie to them and win elections and give them excuses. This is not our way. This could never be our way.”
Hon. Hassan Ayariga the leader and founder of the All People’s Congress (APC)
His assertion that the APC is committed to real change reflected the party’s strategy to break away from the traditional politics of the NPP and NDC, which Hassan Ayariga argued have failed the people of Ghana. Hassan Ayariga was critical of the cyclical nature of Ghana’s politics, where power alternates between the NPP and NDC, leaving citizens frustrated and disappointed. “The Ghanaian people are looking for hope, a leader they can trust, and a leader they can believe in. They are tired. They’ve been voting, changing from the NDC, NPP, NPP, NDC, NDC, NPP. Now they are tired.” This observation underscored the APC’s positioning as the party that can bring real change and offer a new direction for the country.
Seven Pillars of the APC Manifesto
The centerpiece of Hassan Ayariga’s delivery was the introduction of the seven key areas of the APC’s manifesto, each designed to address the major challenges facing Ghana. He outlined these pillars: Nationalization, Modernization, Industrialization, Commercialization, Domestication and Digitalization, and Globalization. He reiterated; “If you take these policies one after the other, you will see that we have captured what is so important for this country to stand on its feet.”
He argued that these pillars form the foundation of a comprehensive strategy to transform Ghana’s economy and society. A key component of Hassan Ayariga’s manifesto is the emphasis on changing the mindset of Ghanaians. He passionately argued that without a change in attitude, the country would not achieve meaningful progress.
“The first policy of the APC is a change of mindset, attitudinal change. As citizens, we’ve lost it all. If we do not change the way we think, the way we do things, the way we believe in ourselves, the act of trusting ourselves and becoming patriotic citizens and doing the right thing and not the wrong thing.”
Hon. Hassan Ayariga the leader and founder of the All People’s Congress (APC)
This call for attitudinal change reflected the APC’s belief that national transformation must start with individuals taking responsibility for their actions and choices. Hassan Ayariga’s speech at the APC manifesto launch was a bold declaration of his party’s intent to lead Ghana in a new direction. He articulated a vision grounded in unity, policy-driven governance, and a commitment to real change. He emphasized; “The APC is bringing that change. We are transforming Ghana and restoring hope.” With its focus on nationalization, modernization, industrialization, and other key pillars, the APC aimed to address the root causes of Ghana’s challenges and offer a credible alternative to the ruling parties. In this manifesto, Hassan Ayariga has presented himself as the leader capable of uniting the nation and delivering on the promise of a better future for all Ghanaians.
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