The Ghana We Left for Them
When the NDC government, under the leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, handed over the reins of governance on January 7, 2017, we did so with a sense of pride and accomplishment. We left behind a legacy of transformational achievements, innovative policies, and tangible infrastructure development that laid the foundation for economic growth and sustainable development. Our stewardship was anchored on a clear vision to build a resilient economy, empower citizens, and position Ghana as a leader in Africa.
This legacy was not merely a collection of projects or policies; it was a reflection of our commitment to progress, inclusion, and equity for all Ghanaians. Here, we recount the state of the nation as we left it—a Ghana poised for accelerated development and prosperity.
A Resilient Economy
By the end of 2016, the economy of Ghana was in a strong and sustainable position:
Stable Economic Indicators:
- Public debt stood at a manageable 55.6% of GDP.
- Budget deficit was a modest 6.1%.
- Inflation was on a downward trajectory, hovering around 15%.
- The cedi experienced a depreciation rate of just 9%, reflecting a relatively stable currency.
Sectoral Growth:
- Industry and manufacturing recorded growth rates of 4.3% and 7.9%, respectively.
- The construction sector grew by 8.4%, driven by significant investments in infrastructure.
- Unemployment was at a relatively low single-digit rate of 8.4%.
Future Projections:
- Both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) forecasted economic growth exceeding 8% for 2017, setting the stage for Ghana to become one of the fastest-growing economies globally.
Strategic Financial Buffers
We established strategic funds to safeguard the economy against shocks and ensure fiscal stability:
- Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) with an accrual of $270 million.
- Sinking Fund with $500 million to manage debt repayment.
- Stabilization Fund with $300 million to cushion against fiscal imbalances.
Infrastructure Development Across All Sectors
The NDC government implemented a comprehensive infrastructure development agenda unmatched in Ghana’s history:
Healthcare:
- Delivered the University of Ghana Medical Centre, the only quaternary hospital in West Africa.
- Built the 420-bed Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge.
- Added over 6,000 hospital beds through state-of-the-art regional and district hospitals, polyclinics, and institutional facilities like the Bank of Ghana and Maritime hospitals.
Transport and Aviation:
- Executed the Tema Port Expansion, transforming it into the largest port in West Africa.
- Expanded the Takoradi Port, creating over 5,000 direct jobs.
- Built the ultramodern Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport, now a regional hub.
- Commissioned the Ho Airport and upgraded the Kumasi and Tamale Airports into international standards.
Road Infrastructure:
- Constructed critical interchanges, including the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Kasoa Interchange, Pokuase Interchange, and Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange.
Education:
- Established universities such as the University of Health and Allied Sciences and the University of Energy and Natural Resources.
- Converted polytechnics into technical universities to expand tertiary education access.
- Upgraded teacher training institutions into tertiary colleges of education.
- Delivered the single largest addition to secondary school infrastructure through the construction of 124 Community Day Senior High Schools, of which 46 were operationalized.
Energy and Telecommunications:
- Launched the Eastern Corridor Fibre Optic Cable, spanning 1,000 kilometers and connecting over 120 communities.
- Developed the Accra Digital Centre, creating capacity for 10,000 jobs in the digital economy.
- Built Ghana’s first Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo, reducing the annual fuel import bill by $300 million.
Social Impact and Human Development
Our policies reflected our dedication to the people of Ghana:
Water and Sanitation:
- Increased water coverage from 56% to 76%, adding 110 million gallons per day to serve over 7 million citizens through major projects like the Kpong and Kumasi water systems.
Cocoa Production:
- Recorded a historic 966,000 metric tonnes of cocoa production, boosting the agricultural sector.
Education and Youth Development:
- Eliminated the shift system in public basic schools and removed over 2,000 schools under trees.
- Provided free uniforms, exercise books, sandals, sanitary pads, and laptops to support education.
- Achieved Ghana’s all-time best BECE performance in 2015 and consecutive WASSCE excellence from 2013 to 2016.
Energy and Power
We tackled the energy crisis with unmatched resolve:
- Mobilized the fastest and largest addition to Ghana’s power generation capacity, effectively ending "dumsor."
- Increased national electricity coverage from 60.5% to 83.2%, the highest in West Africa.
Environmental Sustainability and Industrialization
- Revamped key industrial assets like the Komenda Sugar Factory, Elmina Fish Processing Plant, and Kumasi Shoe Factory.
- Modernized markets, including Kejetia and Kotokuraba, to boost trade and commerce.
- Established over 150 factories under the Free Zones and EDAIF programs.
Good Governance and Institutional Strengthening
Under our leadership:
- Institutions like COCOBOD, BOST, and GRIDCO consistently made profits.
- Ghana EXIM Bank and the Bank of Ghana were strengthened to support trade and economic stability.
- Corruption was tackled decisively, and efforts were made to promote transparency and accountability in public office.
A Legacy of Progress and Promise
These achievements form the enduring legacy of the Mahama-led NDC government. We left behind a solid foundation for national development, one that was recognized locally and internationally. Unfortunately, this legacy has been eroded in recent years.
The time has come to restore this vision of progress. The NDC stands ready to continue its transformative agenda, to build on the gains we achieved, and to take Ghana to even greater heights.
Together, we can reclaim and elevate the Ghana we want.