The National Democratic Congress (NDC), characterized as a social democratic party, is committed to the holistic development of Ghana and aims to address the historical setbacks that have affected its citizens due to the current government’s elitist policies. In the party’s manifesto, John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate for the upcoming 2024 elections, emphasizes the party’s intention to create wealth that is equitably distributed, ensuring that all Ghanaians have access to education and healthcare. He asserts that the NDC has a proven track record in improving the quality of life for all citizens and that it intends to reverse the negative impacts caused by the current administration’s policies.
Mahama highlights that the previous NDC government made significant strides towards reducing societal inequalities and addressing the marginalization of various groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and children, through various social protection programs. In stark contrast, he criticizes the ongoing government for its lack of genuine investment in social welfare and for exploiting disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic to further enrich its members, ultimately undermining national institutions. He pledges that a future NDC administration will focus on repairing the damages inflicted during nearly eight years of inadequate leadership and will implement extensive reform plans to empower citizens across the board.
The former president places particular emphasis on education reform, advocating for a system that empowers Ghana’s human resources over the next decade. He promises significant investments will be made to improve the healthcare sector, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens. Alongside these promises, Mahama reaffirms the NDC’s commitment to revitalize social inclusion programs, aiming to empower vulnerable groups economically, politically, and socially. The party’s vision aims to create a society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute fully to national development.
Reflecting on his administration, Mahama recalls the enhancements made to the educational system, which involved infrastructural improvements, curriculum development, teacher motivation, and social interventions that increased access to quality education. However, he laments that since the current government’s tenure began, the education sector has deteriorated considerably. He refers to an alarming educational crisis marked by infrastructural deficits, an errantic academic calendar, and a lack of necessary investments in both teaching resources and teacher training, leading to increased strikes and a decline in educational outcomes.
In particular, basic education has been notably neglected, resulting in crises such as the dilapidation of educational infrastructure and the worrying prevalence of schools operating under trees, now exceeding 5,000. Mahama believes it is essential to reset the educational system to restore public confidence and enhance the quality of education, which he sees as crucial for the future of Ghana. He calls upon the electorate to grant him and the NDC a decisive mandate on December 7, urging them to consider the stability and progress of the nation when casting their votes.
In conclusion, the NDC is galvanizing support for Mahama, who occupies the eighth position on the presidential ballot, urging citizens to rally behind him and the party’s parliamentary candidates. The party’s manifesto prioritizes pragmatic policies aimed at restoring confidence and integrity in the governmental system while addressing the pressing challenges faced by the Ghanaian population. The NDC is determined to re-establish a sense of hope and progress, encouraging widespread participation in the forthcoming elections as a means to facilitate effective governance and comprehensive national development.
