Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister for Works and Housing, recently articulated the economic vision of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the upcoming 2024 elections, emphasizing job creation and economic growth as its core focus under a potential Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia-led government. During the inaugural Election 2024 Dialogue at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Nkrumah highlighted a strategic shift from Ghana’s reliance on raw material exports to value addition and industrialization, which he believes will facilitate job creation and sustainable economic progress. This transition is seen as essential for empowering the youth and fostering a more resilient economy that can compete in the global marketplace.
Nkrumah further detailed the NPP’s plans to establish technology hubs and industrial parks, initiatives deemed vital for nurturing innovation, drawing investments, and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). By focusing on fostering a robust ecosystem for these enterprises, the NPP aims to stimulate job creation significantly. Additionally, Oppong Nkrumah underscored the importance of integrating digitalization into the economy to formalize operations better and enhance government revenue collection. He pointed to existing digital transformation efforts, such as mobile money interoperability and the Ghana Card, as foundational successes that will be built upon to create a more supportive environment for businesses.
The Minister also indicated that governance reforms will play a crucial role in Bawumia’s vision. Transparency and accountability within government institutions are cornerstones of the NPP’s agenda, with new reforms proposed to enhance the efficiency of public service delivery. Oppong Nkrumah reiterated the party’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions, fostering a government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens. These measures are geared toward establishing a strong governance framework that can support the broader economic goals of the NPP.
Addressing the critical issue of housing, Nkrumah spoke about the NPP’s aspiration to significantly scale up affordable housing projects to mitigate the existing housing deficit in Ghana. He reiterated that making housing accessible for low- and middle-income Ghanaians is a priority, with plans to leverage public-private partnerships as a means to deliver effective housing solutions. The vision is predicated on ensuring that every Ghanaian can access decent, affordable homes, which is essential for improving the overall quality of life and stability in the country.
Throughout the dialogue, Nkrumah emphasized the importance of youth employment in the NPP’s agenda. He outlined plans for educational reforms and the introduction of entrepreneurship programs specifically designed to equip young Ghanaians with the necessary skills for today’s job market. Recognizing the large influx of youth into the job market annually, he asserted the party’s responsibility in creating sufficient opportunities to support their success and uplift the nation’s economic potential. Empowering the youth is depicted as a key factor in driving future growth and fostering a culture of innovation and resilience.
The Election 2024 Dialogue served as a critical platform for the NPP not only to showcase its vision for Ghana but also to engage with students and political observers ahead of the elections. Organized by GIMPA’s Law Students’ Association, this event is set to inspire similar discussions across various university campuses across Ghana, thus allowing the party to converse with stakeholders and further clarify its plans for the nation’s development. As the election date approaches, the NPP’s efforts in communicating its vision and engaging with the electorate will be pivotal in shaping the political landscape and influencing voter sentiment.
