The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, at the 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto launch in Winneba, has accused the current government of Corruption, Nepotism, and impunity which has weakened state Institutions.
Aseidu Nketiah delivered a speech that touched on the party’s vision for the future and the challenges Ghana currently faces under the present administration. The event was significant, not only for its content but also for the somber tone set by the recent passing of Comrade Eric Datson, a dedicated party member. Aseidu Nketiah acknowledged this loss but urged the gathering to continue forward with their mission, emphasizing that even in the face of adversity, the fight for a better Ghana must proceed.
Aseidu Nketiah began by paying tribute to Datson, detailing his contributions to the NDC over the years; “Comrade Eric Datson served the party dutifully, beginning from a branch youth organizer, two terms constituency youth organizer, a deputy regional youth organizer, a regional youth organizer, and deputy national youth organizer aspirant and a long-term Central Regional Communications member.”
Despite the profound loss, Aseidu Nketiah expressed the necessity to continue the event, drawing on the metaphor of battle.
“When comrades are in battle, some comrades will fall. But we fight forward, win the victory, and then come back to count the fallen comrades.”
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
This acknowledgment of loss intertwined with the call to persevere set the tone for the rest of his address. Aseidu Nketiah proceeded to outline the NDC’s criticism of the current administration, painting a grim picture of the state of the nation.
Aseidu Nketiah described how since 2017, Ghana has witnessed “the most ignoble degeneration in all areas of our national life.” In particular, he focused on the economic collapse highlighting the government’s introduction of new economic terms such as “haircuts” and “domestic debt exchange” into Ghana’s management lexicon. Aseidu Nketiah pointed out the unprecedented situation where pensioners had to protest at the Ministry of Finance to demand their hard-earned savings;
“For the first time in our history, pensioners who toiled to serve our country and are entitled to a quiet retirement have had to pick it at the Ministry of Finance to demand their hard-earned savings.”
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
The NDC Chairman also lamented the government’s heavy taxation policies, which he argued had imposed “excruciating hardship” on the people. In his view, this combined with the deteriorating infrastructure, broken roads, and neglected hospitals has worsened the quality of life for many Ghanaians.
Heath Care and Economic Mismanagement
Aseidu Nketiah criticized the administration’s failure to complete health service projects, stating;
“Our hospitals have been neglected, and many projects meant to enhance the quality of our health services have been completely ignored.”
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Turning to education, Aseidu Nketiah expressed deep concern over the state of the sector, particularly the free senior high school (SHS) education program. While Aseidu Nketiah acknowledged the smooth introduction of the progressive free SHS program under the Mahama administration, he criticized the current implementation under the incumbent government, calling it “reckless” and “incompetent.” According to Aseidu Nketiah, this mismanagement has left parents stranded as they seek quality education for their children
“Many parents have become exasperated as they demand the ever-elusive quality education for their wards.’’
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
The energy sector, another focal point of his speech, also came under scrutiny. Aseidu Nketiah pointed to the resurgence of power challenges, or ‘dumsor,’ which had been effectively addressed by the Mahama administration but had now returned under the current government.
Aseidu Nketiah attributed these setbacks to what he described as “massive corruption, nepotism, favoritism, and impunity. Aseidu Nketiah argued that all this has led to weakened independent state institutions and fostered a culture of state capture.
Moreover, Aseidu Nketiah lamented the devastation of Ghana’s environment due to improperly regulated mining activities, which he claimed were “led or aided by government officials.”
Despite the grim assessment of the nation’s current state, Aseidu Nketiah emphasized that the NDC’s manifesto offers actionable solutions rooted in the party’s social democratic ideals.
Aseidu Nketiah presented the NDC manifesto as a practical blueprint for tackling the nation’s pressing challenges and achieving an egalitarian society:
“In this manifesto, the National Democratic Congress has provided Ghanaians with clear, actionable, and concise solutions born out of our social democratic ideals to address the many problems this country faces today.”
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
One of the key proposals outlined in the manifesto is the policy of a 24-hour economy, which Nketiah described as being communicated in simple terms to ensure broad understanding and support.
“Our policy of the 24-hour economy has been clearly stated in simple terms to enable everybody to understand and associate with it.”
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Aseidu Nketiah urged Ghanaians to familiarize themselves with the manifesto’s proposals, stressing that it represents “the people’s manifesto” and offers a solid framework for rebuilding the country.
In his final call to action, Aseidu Nketiah rallied supporters to dedicate themselves to voting for the NDC in the upcoming election. “Let us join hands to reset and rebuild the Ghana we want together.”
Aseidu Nketiah’s speech though grounded in a critique of the current administration, was ultimately forward-looking. His emphasis on the NDC’s solutions and commitment to rebuilding Ghana provided a sense of hope and determination for the future.
