Since the inception of democratic governance in 1992, numerous political parties have emerged in Ghana. However, only the NPP and NDC have managed to establish themselves, leaving the rest struggling to gain a foothold in the turbulent political landscape shaped by these two dominant parties.
Both the NDC and NPP present their visions and promises to the electorate through detailed manifestos, encapsulating their ideas in visually appealing pamphlets. Despite the genuine intentions behind these proposals to address the myriad issues faced by the people, the recurring complaints after each four-year term, regardless of the ruling party, suggest that the core problems remain unresolved.
What factors could be contributing to this persistent situation? My research on the NPP reveals that many political parties formulate visions, promises, and programs not based on the actual needs of the people, but rather to cater to the interests of the parties themselves.
Manifesto preparation has transformed into a competitive political exercise, with parties striving to outshine each other. Intentions have been transformed into unrealistic promises, some of which are knowingly unattainable. Manifestos have become tools to deceive the electorate.
Manifestos from opposition parties, in particular, often lack substance due to the limited access to accurate financial information about the economy until assuming office.
Consequently, the promises made cannot be financially justified or relied upon. In essence, some manifestos are nothing more than elaborate deceptions.
Upon reviewing the NDC manifesto for the 2012 elections, I noticed that ex-President Mahama had pledged to construct dual carriageways on all trunk roads in Ghana. However, upon assuming office, he neglected the Nsawam/Apedwa trunk road, the sole dual carriage road under construction initiated by ex-President Kufuor, resulting in no progress made on the project.
Similarly, I have thoroughly examined the 2016 NDC manifesto and I must commend the individuals responsible for its presentation. The document was well-crafted with commendable visions, intentions, and programs. Nevertheless, it appeared to be more of an academic exercise rather than a practical guide for the average voter.
The outcome of the 2016 General Election for the NDC indicated that the manifesto had little impact. This reinforces my previous observation that such documents are often tailored to the preferences of political parties rather than the electorate they aim to serve.
It is essential for campaign messages to reflect the desires of the people, rather than solely focusing on what political parties aspire to achieve. The NDC’s proposal to establish a “Satellite City” in Kasoa failed to materialize, and the current idea of relocating Accra may face a similar fate.
Given the current economic climate, one must question the necessity of building a new city as a solution to Ghana’s challenges. Some political parties mistakenly believe that elaborate manifestos featuring grand projects will secure votes, yet history has shown this to be ineffective since the inception of the fourth republican constitution.
The key to a successful manifesto lies in the leader’s direct engagement with the populace, understanding their needs and priorities, and incorporating their proposed solutions into the document.
Dr. Bawumia has emphasized his commitment to fostering “growth and development” as a president, highlighting the importance of staying connected with the populace to understand their needs and priorities.
During his recent trip to the Ashanti Region, known as the NPP’s “world bank,” the presidential candidate addressed various key issues such as the Private Sector, Solar power generation, Tax system, Review of the Chieftaincy Act, Railway System, Small Scale Mining, and the creation of one million jobs.
While previous administrations have acknowledged the significance of empowering the private sector in driving our economy, the practical implementation has fallen short. Dr. Bawumia stressed that “The private sector will be incentivized to take the lead in Government spending, leading to wealth creation and prosperity.” He also highlighted the potential of solar power generation, stating, “I envision a future where we rely on solar energy.
With abundant sunlight, we can harness it to generate power. My goal is to achieve 2000 megawatts of solar energy to enhance our power supply and boost business growth.” The commercial utilization of solar power is crucial for sustainable development, particularly in rural areas.
It is imperative that the private sector takes the lead in installing, operating, and maintaining the necessary infrastructure for effective solar energy utilization.
The tax system has faced significant criticism in the past, and Dr. Bawumia, having been involved in digitalizing some of the issues, believes that implementing the flat rate tax system, similar to Estonia’s, could be beneficial for Ghana.
Dr. Bawumia is seeking your support through your votes to bring these innovative ideas to fruition. Our Chieftaincy institution has been a pillar of our nation’s development over the years. However, current societal developments call for a thorough reassessment of the role of Chiefs.
Two key issues that require serious attention are the involvement of Chiefs in land acquisition, causing harm to many Ghanaians, and the handling of minor cases traditionally managed by Chiefs. Reversing these practices will lead to faster justice delivery, reduced case delays, and decreased prison overcrowding.
While progress has been made in improving the railway system, there are still individuals within our society who seek to undermine these efforts, as evidenced by the recent Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line accident resulting in $2.1 million in damages to a new train imported from Poland.
With additional support, Nana Addo’s government can further enhance the railway system, leading to better infrastructure and reduced accidents on our trunk roads. The issue of small-scale mining nearly cost the NPP Government the last election.
The unresolved problem continues to pose a threat to our water resources, with streams and rivers being heavily impacted. A definitive solution is crucial, and the support of the flagbearer is essential in addressing this pressing issue
In terms of creating one million jobs and training one million youth in computer usage, the presidential candidate has addressed these topics multiple times, demonstrating his capability to handle them effectively.
In order to lead as a president focused on growth and progress, it is crucial for the president to engage with the citizens regularly to understand their challenges and provide appropriate solutions.
Dr. Bawumia’s approach to problem-solving involves addressing specific issues with tailored solutions, showcasing his expertise and clarity in his proposals. While he may not have solutions for every problem, his strong stance on the identified issues sets him apart from his rivals.
Endorse Dr. Bawumia for a future of growth and developmen
