RESETTING GHANA: THE JOHN MAHAMA WAY
A New Dawn for Ghana
When John Mahama won his second shot at Ghana’s Presidency, he understands it is not going to be an easy task. He is taking up the steering wheel of a slowing economy that will need a complete overhaul, and he is eager to take the baton.
As the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama was a leadng critic of the Nana Akufo-Addo government that was battling with a dwindling economy amidst the post COVID shock.
According to the NDC, under the Akufo-Addo regime, the high cost of living crisis fuelled by 54% hyperinflation and a debt-to-GDP ratio of 104% in 2022 plunged the broad masses of Ghanians into abject poverty and penury.
In the data provided in John Dramani campaign manifesto, it stated that the Ghana Statistical Service report reveals that 8.5 million Ghanaians, constituting 25% of the population, went a day without food in 2023. Even more damaging to the welfare of Ghanaians and businesses has been the free fall of the cedi, which now exchanges at almost 16 to a dollar from a 2016 rate of 4 to a dollar.
The Cedi lost 54% of its value in 2022 alone due to historic levels of capital flight and has never since recovered.
It also stated that through reckless and unhinged borrowing, the Akufo-Addo led administration has more than quadrupled the public debt from GH¢ 120 billion in December 2016 to over GH¢ 742 billion, as Ghana continue to default on its debt obligations, leading to its downgrade by all Sovereign Credit Rating Agencies.
John Dramani Mahama, while seeking the mantle, expressed his optimism in in his ability to change the future of the Ghanian people thus, ” I approach this quest with the humility, introspection, integrity and urgency of an experienced leader convinced that Ghana is headed in the wrong direction and must be rescued”.
“We have an abiding faith in the Ghanaian people’s ability to weather the most daunting storms. I do not doubt that when we combine our collective energies and efforts, we can rescue our beloved country and build a great nation that offers opportunities for all and a bright future for our children“
I approach this quest with the humility, introspection, integrity and urgency of an experienced leader convinced that Ghana is headed in the wrong direction and must be rescued”.
According to the president elect, the National Democratic Congress government of John Dramani Mahama and Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang would implement a 24-hour economy for business development, growth and job creation. “We will boost our economy through investments in the productive sectors of agriculture, manufacturing and the creative economy. We will stimulate growth through energy, infrastructure, science, technology and environmental developments”.
John Mahama’s economic plan for Ghana is built around creating jobs and opportunities for Ghanaians. To achieve this, he’s proposed several initiatives, including the establishment of a Youth Entrepreneurship Fund to provide financial support to young entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. He also plans to revamp the National Youth Employment Programme to offer more job opportunities for young people, and establish a SME Fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Mahama also recognizes the importance of education in unlocking Ghana’s potential.
He plans to improve the quality of education in Ghana by increasing funding for schools, providing more resources for teachers, and implementing policies to reduce the number of out-of-school children. He also promises to make education more accessible and affordable for all Ghanaians, regardless of their background or financial situation.
“ OVERALL, MAHAMA’S VISION FOR GHANA IS ONE OF HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY. HE BELIEVES THAT WITH THE RIGHT POLICIES AND LEADERSHIP, GHANA CAN BECOME A PROSPEROUS AND DEVELOPED COUNTRY.”
In addition to education, Mahama’s plans also focus on enhancing healthcare in Ghana. He aims to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme, increase funding for hospitals, and reduce healthcare costs for citizens. He also recognizes the importance of infrastructure development in building a modern Ghana, and plans to improve the country’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and ports. Furthermore, Mahama is committed to fighting corruption and promoting transparency and accountability in government. He plans to strengthen institutions responsible for fighting corruption, and implement policies to increase transparency and accountability in government.
Overall, Mahama’s vision for Ghana is one of hope and opportunity. He believes that with the right policies and leadership, Ghana can become a prosperous and developed country. Will he succeed on this mission? Many pundits says his first year in office will determine a lot on his walk at the front.
