In a recent address, former President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate for the 2024 elections, emphasized the significant advancements made in Ghana’s healthcare system during previous NDC administrations. He proudly noted achievements aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), such as the establishment of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), which improved clinical care and patient referral systems, and the creation of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) to bolster the allied health workforce. Additionally, Mahama highlighted the establishment of several medical schools and healthcare facilities, including Teaching Hospitals, Regional and District Hospitals, and Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, calling these accomplishments unparalleled by the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
However, Mahama raised alarm over the deteriorating health sector under the NPP, citing a marked increase in communicable and non-communicable diseases. According to him, data from the Ghana Demographic Health Survey released in July 2024 revealed that communicable diseases made up 48% of Ghana’s disease burden, with non-communicable diseases accounting for a concerning portion of age-related mortality. He pointed out the troubling trend of healthcare worker migration, as 50% of Ghanaian doctors and 24% of nurses left the country within the past three years, leading to a severe healthcare crisis. In response, Mahama pledged that his administration would implement cost-effective measures to enhance healthcare infrastructure, upgrade existing facilities, and incentivize healthcare workers.
As part of Mahama’s vision for healthcare under a future NDC government, he vowed to decentralize healthcare delivery, making quality primary and specialized health services more accessible. His plans involve bolstering health education and research while focusing on disease prevention and the overall wellness of the populace. He emphasized a commitment to managing public health emergencies effectively and recommended diversifying funding sources for health services to ensure sustainable healthcare financing. These initiatives are underscored by the objective of ensuring “health for all, by all and in all,” reflecting a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s health system.
Turning to education, Mahama announced that his administration would abolish the double-track system to stabilize the academic calendar. His vision includes extending free senior high school (SHS) education to private institutions and creating a sustainable funding mechanism for secondary education, funded partially by oil proceeds. An urgent focus on completing abandoned E-blocks and enhancing infrastructure in existing SHS and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions was also highlighted. He emphasized the importance of equitable resourcing for students, including timely food supplies and improved food quality.
Mahama plans to modernize education by integrating STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), agriculture, and vocational skills into the curriculum. He aims to introduce specialized artificial intelligence labs in selected secondary schools, provide free laptops and tablets for students, and restore the roles of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and old student associations to facilitate better educational outcomes. Furthermore, he pledged to enhance digital literacy by upgrading existing ICT laboratories and expanding Science Resource Centres across the country.
On the subject of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Mahama declared his commitment to reform the system to better address the growing demand for skilled labor in a rapidly evolving economy. The emphasis will be on integrating digital skills, practical trade training, and entrepreneurial training to develop a competitive and skilled workforce. By prioritizing investment in infrastructure and enhancing the overall image of TVET, he aims to ensure that Ghanaian students are equipped to meet the labor needs of a dynamic manufacturing sector. As the campaign heats up, Mahama urged voters to lend their support to him and the NDC parliamentary candidates to usher in a new era of governance focused on jobs, accountability, and prosperity for all Ghanaians.
