MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
Fellow Ghanaians,
Since 2017, our beloved nation has experienced an unprecedented and ignoble decline across all facets of national life. From economic mismanagement to crumbling infrastructure, weakened institutions, and a deteriorating quality of life, Ghana has been plunged into a state that demands urgent attention and resolute action.
Our economy, once touted for its resilience, has now collapsed under the weight of poor governance and ill-conceived policies. New and troubling terms such as "haircuts" and "domestic debt exchange" have become part of our economic lexicon—terms that underscore the severity of the financial crisis we face. For the first time in our history, pensioners who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation have had to picket at the Ministry of Finance to demand their hard-earned savings. These funds, invested in government bonds with the hope of securing a peaceful retirement, have been jeopardized. The sight of our senior citizens, frail and determined, protesting on the streets was not only heartbreaking but a damning indictment of our government’s neglect and mismanagement.
Economic Hardship and Its Toll
The current government has introduced a plethora of taxes that have exacerbated the economic challenges faced by ordinary Ghanaians. These taxes have inflicted excruciating hardship, shrinking disposable incomes and crippling small businesses. Our living conditions have significantly worsened, and the basic necessities of life have become increasingly out of reach for many.
Infrastructure, a critical pillar of development, has suffered severe neglect. Roads are in deplorable condition, leaving communities isolated and businesses struggling. Hospitals remain unfinished or inadequately equipped, denying citizens access to quality healthcare. Projects initiated to enhance our health services have been abandoned, leaving a trail of unfulfilled promises and unmet needs.
A Broken Educational System
Education, the cornerstone of our future, has been subjected to one of the most incompetent implementations in our history. The Free Senior High School (SHS) program, which could have been a beacon of hope, has instead become a source of frustration for parents and students alike. This is in stark contrast to the Progressive Free SHS program introduced by the Mahama administration, which laid a solid foundation for gradual and sustainable implementation. Today, parents are overwhelmed by the lack of quality in education and the uncertainty that surrounds their children’s future.
The Return of "Dumsor"
In the energy sector, the mismanagement has been nothing short of phenomenal. "Dumsor," a term that symbolizes persistent power outages, was effectively eliminated by the Mahama administration in 2016. Yet, today, it has returned with devastating consequences for households, businesses, and the broader economy. This is a clear indication of how far we have regressed under the current administration.
A Governance Crisis
Underlying all these challenges is a governance crisis marked by corruption, nepotism, favoritism, and impunity. These vices have eroded public trust, weakened independent state institutions, and entrenched a culture of state capture.
One of the most glaring examples of this governance failure is the unchecked and destructive illegal mining activities that have ravaged our environment. Forests, rivers, and arable lands have been destroyed, and entire communities have been left vulnerable to the effects of environmental degradation. What makes this tragedy even more disheartening is the complicity or outright involvement of government officials in these illegal activities.
The Path to Redemption
In this manifesto, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) offers a comprehensive roadmap to address the myriad problems facing our nation. Guided by our social democratic ideals, we have outlined clear, actionable, and concise solutions to reset Ghana and put it back on the path to progress and prosperity.
Among the cornerstone policies is our proposal for a 24-Hour Economy, a transformative initiative designed to boost productivity, create jobs, and maximize the use of our resources around the clock. This and other policies are presented in straightforward terms, making it easy for every Ghanaian to understand, embrace, and rally behind.
Our vision is to create an egalitarian society where every citizen has an equal opportunity to thrive—a Ghana where no one is left behind.
A Manifesto for Resetting Ghana
This manifesto is more than a document; it is a call to action and a promise of a better future. It provides a solid framework for what we are calling the "Resetting Ghana" agenda. It is an urgent and comprehensive plan to restore hope, rebuild trust, and revive our nation from the abyss into which it has sunk.
We urge every Ghanaian to read, understand, and support our manifesto policy proposals. This is not just about the NDC; it is about the future of Ghana. It is about restoring our dignity, reclaiming our place as a proud and thriving nation, and securing a brighter future for generations to come.
The Call to Action
On December 7, 2024, Ghanaians will have the opportunity to make a choice—a choice between continued decline and a fresh start. We ask you to vote for the NDC, to support our vision for a reset, and to join us in the collective effort to rebuild our beloved nation.
The challenges we face are daunting, but together, we can overcome them. Let us all join hands, regardless of our differences, and work toward the Ghana we want—a Ghana that offers opportunities for all, protects the vulnerable, and celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of its people.
Let us march forward with determination and hope. Together, we can reset and build the Ghana we want.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah
National Chairman
National Democratic Congress