Mr. John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the upcoming 2024 presidential elections in Ghana, has articulated a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive society that promotes equality and eliminates discrimination across all social strata. He has outlined a vision that prioritizes the reduction of poverty and the enhancement of political and social representation for marginalized groups, particularly women and persons with disabilities. Mahama’s platform is rooted in addressing the entrenched gender biases and harmful cultural norms prevalent in Ghana, which he believes lead to gender-based violence, limited economic opportunities for women, and unequal representation in political arenas. The NDC’s manifesto, entitled “Resetting Ghana: Jobs, Accountability, and Prosperity,” emphasizes the importance of gender and disability inclusion, child protection, and social support systems.
Reflecting on his extensive political experience—having served as an Assemblyman, Member of Parliament, Vice President, and President—Mahama expresses a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Ghanaians. He critiques the current government’s shortcomings in social protection and gender equality initiatives, asserting that the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has not effectively championed these crucial issues. He argues that inadequate legal protections for women and vulnerable communities have exacerbated social injustices, emphasizing the need for a transformative approach under his leadership. Mahama proposes a robust agenda to implement effective social protection, enhance gender safety, and ensure the economic inclusion of marginalized groups, framing these objectives as core tenets of the NDC’s social democratic values.
In his vision for Ghana, Mahama pledges to prioritize gender equity and social justice through comprehensive legislation that addresses harmful societal norms and enhances access to resources for underrepresented groups. He acknowledges the economic and political significance of women’s representation and commits to increasing the participation of women in decision-making processes. The NDC plans to enact policies that support persons with disabilities and protect children from exploitation and street neglect. Central to these efforts is the implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act of 2024 which aims to institutionalize practices that guarantee gender parity across various sectors of society, including politics, security, and trade unions.
To facilitate these transformations, Mahama proposes the establishment of a Gender Equality Committee, which will oversee the implementation of strategies to improve female representation and accountability in politics. He underscores the importance of passing crucial legal frameworks such as the Property Rights of Spouses Bill and the Domestic Workers Bill, which aim to enhance the legal rights of women and establish protections for domestic workers. By inviting the electorate to support the NDC’s policies, he hopes to galvanize support to create a society where all individuals have equal access to opportunities regardless of gender or social status.
Alongside his commitment to social justice, Mahama emphasizes economic revitalization through tourism, proposing the diversification of the tourism sector to include health tourism, which aims to enhance job creation and generate foreign exchange. He outlines a strategic plan to upgrade health facilities to meet international standards, thus attracting patients and clients to Ghana’s healthcare services. The NDC intends to market Ghana as a leading destination for medical tourism within the West African region, training health professionals in specialized fields to cater to complex medical conditions and improving the country’s overall healthcare infrastructure.
In conclusion, Mahama calls on Ghanaians to vote for him and the NDC in the upcoming elections, promising a government committed to equity, social justice, and economic empowerment for all citizens. He emphasizes that the policies and frameworks proposed are geared towards fostering an inclusive environment where all sectors of society can thrive. Through a combination of strategic legal reforms, enhanced support for marginalized groups, and the promotion of health tourism, Mahama envisions a Ghana that is not only economically prosperous but also socially just and inclusive, allowing all individuals to participate fully in the country’s development.
