NDP launches manifesto

The National Democratic Party (NDP) has launched its manifesto in Drobo in the Jaman South District in the Brong Ahafo Region amid joy and goodwill from the chiefs, people and the supporters of the party in the area.

The manifesto launch drew residents of Drobo, Japekrom and adjoining towns, as well as the Mmratehene of the area, Nana Asafoakye John Kwadwo Sekyere, to the durbar grounds.

Launching the manifesto, Mrs Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings said the NDP’s manifesto was concise but a bold initiative to reverse the general decline in the country.

She asked Ghanaians for their support to be president and to also use the trust they would repose in her as a test of her pledge in the manifesto to serve the people together with her team for the realisation of their aspirations.

Embodiment

In his comments, the General Secretary of the NDP, Alhaji Mohammed Frimpong, said the Flag Bearer of the party, Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings, was the embodiment of the NDP’s manifesto.

He said taking inspiration from her past work and achievements in grass-roots mobilisation for community development in the 1980s and 1990s, the manifesto sought to reinstitute the democratic values that brought progress but were truncated.

Alhaji Frimpong presented copies of the manifesto to the Mmratehene amid cheers from the youth and chants of “maame no ye… maame no be ba”, to wit “the woman is good, the woman will come,” signifying their desire to support Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings’ candidature for President.

The Mmratehene, Nana Asafoakye John Kwadwo Sekyere, in a response, told Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings that her words were pleasant to their ears.

Present at the launch was the running mate of Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings, Mr Kojo Mensah Sosu.

Also present were the Brong Ahafo Regional Chairman of the Party, Sheikh Alhaji Mustapha; the Kintampo Chairman, Alhaji Sulley Tanko; the National Deputy Women’s Organiser, Hajia Sarah Sallah, among several other regional and national executive members.

Bold actions

With the theme: “Bold actions to put Ghana right,” the 27-page manifesto promises “to restore participatory democracy to reflect genuine local involvement in national democratic governance.”

“Genuine accountability for state resources, both fiscal and natural, would be the cornerstone for building a just, equitable and peaceful Ghanaian society,” the NDP pledged in the introduction of the manifesto.

Placing people over politics, lessening the tax burden on Ghanaian businesses, the development of renewable energy sources like solar, decentralisation and the election of district chief executives, an “obiara ba ho hia” (everybody’s child is important) policy that would build on the skills and interest of each individual child, a health care where primary health care would be central, youth development initiatives, a focus on women and children, agriculture, environment, tourism and sports were the thematic areas covered in the manifesto.

MP

The durbar was also used to endorse the candidature of Ms Joyce Bediako Asare as the Member of Parliament for the Jaman South District.

Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings reminded supporters that she was second on the presidential ballot sheet, while Ms Asare was fourth.

Chiefs bless her

Prior to the manifesto launch, Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the Mpuasu/Japekrom Traditional Area, Okatakyie Amoah Aturu Nkonkonkyia II, as well as the Krontihene, Nana Amo Bediako IV, and the Abontendomhene, Nana Bediakoo Kyeremeh of the Drobo Traditional Area.

At the various palaces visited, she introduced her parliamentary candidate and asked for the support of the chiefs and people in sending her to the presidency and Ms Asare to Parliament.

Okatakyie Amoah Aturu Nkonkonkyia II urged all parties in the presidential and parliamentary race to work to consolidate democracy through peaceful words and actions.

He said that would ensure jobs for the youth and prevent their dangerous attempts to cross the Mediterranean into Europe.

He also urged the Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Charlotte Osei, to endeavour to ensure fair play in the election for all candidates to prevent confusion and conflict.

The Krontihene of the Drobo Traditional Area, Nana Amo Bediako IV, urged Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings to let her words be sweet.

“Do not run naked after a mad person who takes your clothes when you are in the bathhouse,” was his advice to her in staying clear of all the political insults.

The Abontendomhene of the Drobo Traditional Area, Nana Bediakoo Kyeremeh, said the traditional area had taken notice of Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings’ past work and was solidly behind her in her quest to be president.