Edward Mahama promises sound policies at IEA evening encounter

People's National Convention flagbearer, Dr Edward Mahama says he's ready to dazzle Ghanaians with sound policies at the upcoming Institute of Economic Affairs [IEA] evening encounter in Accra.

He noted the platform which is a precursor to the presidential debate by the Institute, is an important platform for his party to articulate its policies to Ghanaians.

The IEA Wednesday held a ballot to pick three political parties for the encounter which is scheduled for June 21. It would provide a single platform to each of the presidential aspirants to present their vision and plans of governance to about 500 people from civil society.

After each presentation, representatives of civil society will pose 15 direct questions, seek clarifications or comment on the presentation.

“One of my limitations has always been that people out there have not got my messages. Most of the policies implemented by both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) when they are in power are taken from us,” he claimed

Dr Mahama said this when he paid a working to TV3 Wednesday morning to familiarise himself with the workings of the company as part of a series of activities outlined by the PNC ahead of the 2016 elections.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) was left out of the balloting. It is thus unclear whether President John Mahama will participate in IEA’s evening encounters.

Similar incident occurred in the run-up to the 2012 elections, when NDC threatened to boycott activities of the IEA but changed their stance and took part in the both the Evening Encounter and the presidential debate.

A statement released by the IEA that “as per the result of the ballot, the PNC’s flag bearer, Dr. Edward Mahama would be the first among the Presidential aspirants to mount the IEA Evening Encounter Platform. He would be followed by Mr. Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, flag bearer of the CPP and Nana Akufo-Addo, flagbearer of the NPP. The first Evening Encounter would be held on Tuesday 21st June 2016. The remaining Encounters would be held weekly thereafter.”

Key policy

The PNC hopes to cash in on its logo that depicts the coconut tree. As part of its key policies, Dr Mahama said he will champion the creation of the coconut festival that will ensure that all 100 uses of the plant are utilized and commercialized.

“Agriculture will be a major policy area we will focus to improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians. We will empower the coconut farmers and ensure that we make use of our resources. The government is responsible for creating an enabling environment so that the private sector can develop and champion economic growth,” he said.

PNC audited accounts

Dr Mahama said the party's Chief Auditor is to be blamed for the party's failure to submit its audited financial account to the Electoral Commission on time. He said the auditor had to take some leave to attend to some family matters.

“We have asked the EC for an extension and we are going to make sure we meet that the new deadline,” said, adding "we are left with the finishing touches then the report will be submitted to the EC".