NDC unveils policy roadmap for good governance, economic growth

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has outlined its commitment to good governance, infrastructure development and business growth, as set out in its 2024 manifesto.

The policies are aimed at driving economic growth, promoting transparency, accountability and support for businesses in order for them to thrive.

At the party's sectoral press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, the Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Agbodza; the MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the party’s Sectoral Spokesperson for Business Development, Saajida Shiraz, provided in-depth explanations and responded to media queries on various aspects of the party's policies.

The event was the second in a series organised by the party ahead of the December 2024 elections.

The party, shortly after its manifesto launch at the University of Education, Winneba, on August 24 this year, announced sectoral spokespersons to guide the discussions on the various policies outlined in the document. 

Infrastructure devt

Mr Agbodza, who spoke on infrastructure development, said developing the sector would propel economic growth and also improve on the quality of life of citizens.

He said the party’s focus would be on critical sectors such as transportation, energy and healthcare.

"An NDC government will embark on a US$10-billion accelerated infrastructural plan to drive job creation and prioritise the completion of uncompleted and abandoned government infrastructure projects across all sectors.

"We will also revamp the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) to undertake strategic self-financing projects for jobs and national transformation," the MP added.

Mr Agbodza, who is also the Minority Chief Whip, said in line with that, the party would construct new hospitals and upgrade existing healthcare facilities.

He said the NDC was committed to building resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding challenges posed by climate change, and also ensure sustainable urban planning, flood control measures and the development of eco-friendly public transportation systems.

Good governance

On good governance, Mr Ablakwa said when the NDC took over the reigns of governance, it would investigate the state capture of lands and reclaim them for the benefit of the nation.

He said the party would also re-open investigations into major unresolved cases, including the Ayawaso West Wuogon election violence, the 2020 election-related killings and the murder of Ahmed Hussein-Suale and Silas Wulochamey.

“We will launch inquiries into the numerous scandals that have rocked the nation under the corrupt Akufo-Addo and Bawumia government.

“They shall include investigations into Ghana’s COVID-19 management and expenditure, the SML, ‘Agyapa’, Maths sets, PDS, sky train, Pwalugu dam, ‘Appearance fees’, Ambulance spare parts acquisition, illegal sole-sourced contracts, among others,” Mr Ablakwa added. 

Business development

On the party’s business development policies, Ms Shiraz said the NDC was equipped with the right policies to restore investor confidence and alleviate financial pressures on businesses.

She expressed concern about the adverse effects of high taxes, the steep depreciation of the cedi, rising interest rate and increasing utility tariffs on both businesses and livelihoods.

“The incoming John Mahama-led government will create a congenial business atmosphere and restore investor confidence, expand the indigenous entrepreneurial class by supporting Ghanaian owned and led businesses for job creation,” Ms Shiraz said.

She mentioned some of the measures as contained in the NDC manifesto to include easing the tax burden by eliminating E-levy, COVID-19  the emissions levies; rationalising import duties and also offering tax incentives, financial support and reliable power through the 24-Hour Economy initiative.

The spokesperson said the next NDC government would also launch a “Made-in-Ghana Agenda” to promote the production and consumption of locally made goods as well as an “Export Ghana Policy” to enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian products internationally.