The Launch of NDC’s Manifesto

NEWS COMMENTARY LOOKS AT THE NDC’s MANIFESTO LAUNCHED YESTERDAY DUBBED RESCUE MISSION

The battle line for the 2020 general election is now drawn after the almost one hour presentation of the NDC’s People’s Manifesto. The outcome of the Manifesto launch clearly captures the most salient issues confronting the Ghanaian economy.  Indeed, the content of the Manifesto itself showed the broad consultation committee members made to arrive at the policy document. Critical among the issues raised were the policy dubbed the Big Push under which infrastructural projects worth about 10 billion dollars such as hospital facilities in the newly created regions, to modern mini markets, from Aflao in the Volta Region to Asesewa one of the bread baskets of our land are to be constructed. What is more gratifying is the vision to complete the abandoned E-blocks to enable the next government restructure the Free SHS introduced by the ruling NPP. Most Economist, Experts and Political Analysts see the continuation of the Free SHS as a mature position of a future NDC government.  Also importantly captured is the inclusion of private schools to benefit from the Free SHS policy providing equity and fairness as well as reforming the double track system which is alien to the country’s education system.  Added to that is the policy on free Vocational and Technical Education and Training TVET which is a standard global practice to ensure that graduates from these sectors can set up their businesses and employ other hands to create private sector-led jobs.  The use of Master craftsmen to re-train human resource including Kayayes with start-up capital is also welcome.  On health, the People’s Manifesto also captured the increasing hypertension, Cancer and kidney or renal diseases which are killing the majority poor just because the National Health Insurance Scheme does not cover them and for the lack of money our health facilities cannot provide such vulnerable groups with medical attention.  Aging goes with deteriorating health conditions thus the pledge to pay pensioners 13 months stipend is a kind gesture to cushion those whose toil brought us to this level of development.  The other pledge to pay assembly members some allowances has been on the advocacy board for some time now but thanks to the stiff political competition our grassroots governance standard-bearers would also enjoy the toil of their labour.  Infact, the legalization of motor bikes for commercial purposes otherwise call Okada has also been hailed by those whose livelihood depends on their operations.  Lifting the ban on salvaged vehicles by technocrats at the Suame Magazine, Kokompe and Abossey Okai is also good news for the automobile operators, while giant vehicles plants would also be encouraged to support the business environment.  The policy on land use and stimulus packages promised the agriculture sector as well as small domestic SME’s are also gratifying.  For Governance Experts the vision to tackle corruption and corruption related issues is forthright and must be implemented to the letter.  Rationalizing some of the Ministries and cutting down on presidential staffers is also good news because government would save enough to cater for other equally important needs of Ghanaians.

No wonder some of the experts described the well thought out Manifesto as over-whelming.  What was missing in the document was the expectation to capture public sector workers under the Cap 30 pension scheme. Perhaps in the near future, that expectation would be considered.  At least, the small scale mining sector popularly called galamsey was not left out including what would be done to the missing excavators. All said and done the People’s Manifesto of the next NDC government created space for every Ghanaian especially the youth whose rescue mission has been set for a National Development Agenda.  What is even more refreshing is the media freedom that the Manifesto offered for journalists to keep government on its toes and deliver on its mandate.

BY: GEORGE ANKRAH.