The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has outlined an ambitious $10 billion infrastructure plan and a series of governance reforms as part of his campaign for the upcoming December 7, 2024, general elections.
Speaking at the NDC’s manifesto launch at the University of Education, Winneba, former President Mahama detailed his vision to improve critical sectors and address systemic issues that have plagued Ghana for decades.
$10 Billion Infrastructure Investment
The NDC flagbearer committed to implementing a $10 billion, 5-year infrastructure investment, aimed at revitalizing critical sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and water supply.
This plan, he asserted, is not merely about new projects but also about completing those that have been left abandoned by successive governments.
“Many projects that could have transformed our communities remain unfinished due to changes in government. My administration will carry out an inventory of all hospitals, schools, electrification, water, and road projects that have stalled or been abandoned and make annual budgetary allocations for completing them”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama , NDC Flagbearer
According to former President Mahama, this approach seeks to reverse the trend of abandoned projects that have cost the nation dearly, from the $3 billion STX housing deal to the controversial Saglemi Housing Project, which remains incomplete and contentious.
Governance Reforms: Abolishing Ex-Gratia and Streamlining Government
In a move to address public outcry over government expenditure and inequality, former President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to abolish ex-gratia payments to public officials.
This decision, he noted is part of a broader initiative to reduce waste and ostentation within government.
Former President Mahama also pledged to address disparities in the remuneration of Article 71 officeholders compared to the broader public service, proposing the establishment of an Independent Emoluments Commission.
This commission according to him would merge the existing Presidential Commission on Emoluments with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, ensuring a fair and transparent process for determining public sector salaries.
“Abolishing ex-gratia and cutting out waste in government are essential steps to restoring public confidence in our leadership. We need a fair system where compensation is based on merit and service, not political connections.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama , NDC Flagbearer
Scholarship Reforms and Anti-Corruption Measuress
Addressing another controversial issue, former President Mahama vowed to reform the government scholarship program, which he criticized for being marred by “kalabule” (deceit).
He emphasized that under his administration, individuals with conflicts of interest, including government officials and political appointees, would be barred from applying for scholarships meant for underprivileged students.
“These scholarships are intended for those who truly need them, not for those who can afford to send their children to school on their own,” Mahama declared, emphasizing his commitment to social equity.
Furthermore, the NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama pledged to embark on a “ruthless war against corruption,” which includes prohibiting politically exposed persons, including himself and his family, from purchasing state assets.
This pledge comes amid increasing public scrutiny of how state assets have been managed and acquired by politically connected individuals.
“We will reopen investigations into major unresolved cases, such as the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence and the killing of Ahmed Suale,” he promised, highlighting his administration’s commitment to justice and accountability.
Lean and Efficient Government
In his address, former President Mahama also underscored the need for a lean yet efficient government.
He pledged to cap the number of ministers and deputy ministers at 60, the lowest in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, as part of efforts to reduce government expenditure.
Additionally, he proposed streamlining government agencies by merging those with overlapping functions to eliminate redundancy.
“Not all NDC members will be appointed to serve in government; we will choose the best people to drive our agenda for national development,” Mahama explained.
20% Allowance for Rural Teachers and Health Workers Under NDC Manifesto
Moreover, former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), announced a new policy initiative aimed at addressing the disparity in the distribution of essential services between rural and urban areas.
Former President Mahama stressed his plans to introduce a 20% allowance for teachers and health workers who accept postings to rural areas.
The NDC Flagbearer emphasised that this incentive is designed to attract more personnel to work in underserved communities, helping to close the development gap between rural and urban regions.
He acknowledged that the current trend sees most teachers and health workers preferring urban postings, which often leaves rural areas without adequate access to essential services.
“Our teachers and health workers predominantly choose to serve in cities, leading to a significant shortage of personnel in rural areas. To counter this, an NDC government will implement a policy to provide a 20% allowance on top of the basic salary for those who agree to work in designated rural areas.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama , NDC Flagbearer
He further explained that the government would outline specific rural areas where this allowance would apply, ensuring that teachers and health workers who commit to serving these communities are duly rewarded.
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