Promises & Plans: What NDC Offers Ghanaians in 2024

As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, the political landscape is charged with anticipation and scrutiny. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, is positioning itself as a viable alternative to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Central to their campaign is a manifesto that promises to address pressing issues facing the nation, yet the effectiveness of this approach hinges on the party’s ability to translate rhetoric into actionable solutions.

The NDC has revived its 2020 election mantra, emphasizing the slogan “Ghana is hard,” which resonates with many Ghanaians feeling the pinch of economic hardship. This strategy aims to galvanize public sentiment against the current administration, suggesting that a change in leadership is essential for alleviating widespread suffering. However, critics argue that while the NDC effectively capitalizes on public discontent, it has not sufficiently articulated a comprehensive plan to tackle these challenges.

Meanwhile, our analysis reveals that the NDC’s manifesto appears to prioritize economic revitalization and social welfare, followed by governance, youth empowerment, and security, while issues like gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability receive less emphasis. This distribution reflects a strategic focus on immediate, high-impact areas likely to resonate with voters’ current needs while possibly underrepresenting other important, long-term development issues.

Exhibit 1: Frequency of proposed solutions per campaign issues in NDC’s manifesto

Key Campaign Promises and Proposed Solutions

1. Economic Revitalization: The NDC proposes a 24-hour Economy initiative designed to stimulate job creation by extending business operations beyond traditional hours. Complementing this are plans for a Women’s Development Bank to empower female entrepreneurs and a National Apprenticeship Program that targets youth employment. Additionally, tax incentives and a “Big Push” infrastructure plan aim to provide financial support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and enhance export capabilities.
2. Governance & Transparency: To combat corruption and enhance governance, the party advocates for forensic audits, the establishment of an anti-corruption court, and initiatives like “Operation-Recover-All-Loot.” These measures are intended to restore public trust in governmental institutions by ensuring accountability.
3. Social Welfare: The NDC’s commitment to social welfare includes implementing Free Primary Healthcare and establishing a Ghana Medical Care Trust. Furthermore, initiatives such as risk exposure insurance for healthcare workers and educational policies aimed at eliminating fees for students with disabilities reflect a comprehensive approach to enhancing social equity.
4. Infrastructure Development: A significant aspect of their campaign is the proposed $10 billion “Big Push” plan, which focuses on expanding railways, improving road infrastructure, and developing sustainable water systems. This investment is crucial for facilitating economic growth and improving living standards.
5. Agriculture & Food Security: The NDC aims to bolster food security through programs like the Feed Ghana Program and initiatives supporting local poultry production and cocoa processing. These efforts are vital for ensuring that Ghana can meet its food needs while also boosting agricultural exports.
6. Environmental Sustainability: Recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, the NDC proposes a ban on new forest mining and initiatives such as the Tree for Life reforestation policy. These measures are critical for preserving Ghana’s natural resources amid increasing industrial pressures.
7. Social Inclusion & Gender Equality: The party’s focus on social inclusion includes provisions for free sanitary pads for girls and shelters for survivors of gender-based violence. Additionally, they propose a Women’s Development Bank and a 30% quota for women in political appointments to promote gender equality in governance.
8. Youth Empowerment & Public Safety: The NDC emphasizes youth empowerment through job creation initiatives like the Digital Jobs Initiative and engagement in cocoa farming. Public safety measures include investments in military hospitals and community policing programs aimed at enhancing security nationwide.

The Challenge Ahead

Despite these ambitious proposals, skepticism remains regarding the NDC’s ability to deliver on its promises. Existing voter sentiment across different platforms reflects a growing frustration with political rhetoric that lacks substance. Many Ghanaians express doubt about whether either major party can fulfill their electoral pledges, as evidenced by comments from undecided voters who feel disillusioned by past failures.

The challenge for the NDC lies not only in presenting a compelling vision but also in demonstrating its feasibility through clear, actionable plans that resonate with voters’ lived experiences. As Mahama embarks on his third presidential campaign attempt after previous defeats, he must navigate a landscape marked by voter fatigue and skepticism towards political promises.

The party must move beyond mere rhetoric to articulate concrete solutions that address the real challenges facing Ghanaians today. If they can successfully bridge this gap between promise and delivery, they may not only regain power but also restore faith in political leadership as a catalyst for meaningful change in Ghana’s future. The electorate will ultimately decide whether they are willing to embrace new leadership based on hope or remain cautious due to past disappointments.