John Dramani Mahama and NDC Policies for 2024 General Election

As Ghana approaches the 2024 General Election, former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have outlined a comprehensive set of policies aimed at transforming the country’s economy, improving governance, and enhancing the well-being of Ghanaians.

These policies encompass fiscal responsibility, industrial investment, 24-hour economy initiatives, employment strategies, financial stability measures, market reforms, and governance improvements.

Fiscal Responsibility and Cost-Saving Measures

• Cutting Government Revenue by 30%: The NDC plans to streamline government operations by reducing waste and focusing on the efficient utilization of resources. This measure aims to redirect savings to vital sectors, stimulating economic growth.

• Eliminating Utility and Subscription Bills for Top Government Employees: To reduce expenditures, the NDC proposes stopping the payment of utilities and subscription bills for top government employees, ensuring funds are used effectively.

• Eliminating Miscellaneous Household Expenses for Top Appointees: The NDC will cease covering miscellaneous expenses in top government appointees' households, including fuel costs, redirecting resources to essential services and national development.

Industrial Investment and Economic Expansion

• USD 10 Billion Investment in Key Industries: Modernizing agriculture, mining, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors with a USD 10 billion investment to boost productivity and economic output.

• USD 3 Billion Investment in the Private Sector-led ICT Industry: Supporting ICT infrastructure and entrepreneurship to position Ghana as a technological hub in the region, fostering innovation and economic growth.

• ICT Training for Youth: Implementing comprehensive ICT training programs for youth to equip them with skills essential for the digital economy, enhancing workforce readiness.

24-Hour Economy Policy

Extending Business Operations and Services

The NDC's 24-hour economy policy aims to create more jobs and increase economic participation by allowing businesses to operate continuously.

The Triangle of the 24-Hour Economy

• Power Generation: Deploying regional/district solar energy for domestic use and allocating VRA energy for commercial purposes to ensure steady power supply for households and businesses.

• Transportation: Expanding inner-city transportation networks and utilizing Ayalolo buses for efficient public transport services to improve mobility and reduce congestion.

• Security Measures: Enhancing security through physical presence with more police officers and electronic surveillance units in district police stations to maintain law and order.

Industries Covered by the 24-Hour Economy

• Retail: Operating stores and markets around the clock to boost sales and create employment opportunities.

• Healthcare: Providing continuous medical services to improve public health outcomes and reduce waiting times.

• Hospitality and Tourism: Ensuring hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues remain open 24/7 to enhance tourism and hospitality sectors.

• Manufacturing: Running factories on a 24-hour basis to increase output and efficiency, supporting economic growth.

• Transport and Logistics: Maintaining continuous public transport services to facilitate smooth movement of goods and people, enhancing logistics.

• Emergency Services: Ensuring police, fire services, and emergency response teams are available round the clock for quick response and public safety.

• Ports and Harbours: Operating continuously to improve trade efficiency and reduce waiting times, benefiting the logistics sector.

• Agriculture: Running processing facilities continuously to enhance food security and reduce post-harvest losses.

• Mining: Conducting mining operations on a 24-hour basis to increase productivity and create jobs in the mining sector.

• Education: Encouraging higher institutions to adopt a three-shift system and offer online learning to facilitate education for working professionals.

Benefits of the 24-Hour Economy

• Increased Employment Opportunities: Creating jobs across various sectors due to extended business hours, reducing unemployment.

• Enhanced Economic Growth: Maximizing productivity and revenue generation, attracting more customers and tourists.

• Improved Public Services: Ensuring continuous availability of essential services like healthcare and transportation, enhancing quality of life.

• Flexibility for Businesses and Workers: Allowing businesses to operate at optimal times and providing flexible work schedules for employees.

• Better Infrastructure Utilization: Efficient use of infrastructure like roads and public transport, reducing congestion and improving urban planning.

• Education Access and Career Development: Facilitating access to higher education and career development through flexible learning options.

Employment and Workforce Development

• National Employment Center (NEC): Establishing a central hub to connect employers with job seekers and offering tax breaks to promote employment.

• 20% Salary Increment for Teachers in Rural Areas: Attracting and retaining qualified teachers in underserved regions to improve educational outcomes.

Regional Employment Centers for State Security Agencies

The NDC’s proposal to establish regional employment centers for State Security Agencies is aimed at decentralizing recruitment processes and ensuring equitable representation across all regions of Ghana. Each of the 16 regions will host a dedicated center tasked with:

• Decentralized Recruitment: Reducing logistical challenges for applicants and ensuring fair access to employment opportunities within the Military, Police, Customs, and Immigration sectors.

• Regional Representation: Enhancing local knowledge and understanding among security personnel to improve operational effectiveness and community engagement.

• Efficient Deployment: Optimizing the deployment of security personnel by leveraging regional insights and capabilities to address local security challenges effectively.

Financial Stability and Economic Management

• Stabilizing the Ghana Cedi: Implementing fixed exchange rates at ports to reduce volatility and stabilize the currency for international trade.

• Re-establishment of the Sinking Fund: Preparing for bond repayments to maintain fiscal stability and manage national debt.

• Enhancing the Ghana Exim Bank: Managing effectively to promote exports and support local industries, boosting foreign exchange earnings.

• Establishment of a Mining Investment Fund: Providing financial support for sustainable mining practices to enhance sector growth.

Market Stabilization and Financial Sector Reforms

• Establishment of a Women Development Bank: Supporting women entrepreneurs with financial aid to promote gender equality and economic empowerment.

• Establishment of the National Development Bank: Providing long-term financing for development projects to drive infrastructure growth.

• Restoration of Collapsed Banks: Restructuring troubled banks to ensure a stable financial sector and restore public confidence.

Governance and Trust Rebuilding

• Completion of Constitutional Review: Updating Ghana’s Constitution to Strengthen Democratic Institutions and Governance.

• Completion of Abandoned Projects: Finishing stalled projects to optimize resources and benefit communities.

• Revamping Tema Oil Refinery: Enhancing efficiency to reduce petroleum imports and ensure energy security.

John Dramani Mahama and the NDC’s policies for Ghana’s future are ambitious and multifaceted, aiming to drive economic development, improve governance, and enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians.

As the 2024 General Election approaches, these initiatives will shape the national discourse and influence voter decisions, potentially charting a path towards a prosperous and sustainable future for the country.