Socialist Movement Ghana proposes sweeping reforms to liberate Ghana from 'neo-colonial' economy

The Socialist Movement Ghana has presented a set of socio-economic proposals that it believes will culminate in the total transformation of the country and liberate it from the neo-liberal socio-economic agenda.

At a press conference addressed by its General Secretary, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the group explained the purpose of the alternative proposals, noting that the objective is not to compete in the 2024 elections but rather to get leaders of the various political parties to agree to the measures outlined.

The group, through Kwesi Pratt, decried what it observes to be the persistent inimical impact of the neo-colonial and neo-liberal economic path being pursued by Ghana, stating that the country’s recent resort to the International Monetary Fund for a bailout is indicative of how badly the current economic system has served the country.

The Socialist Movement of Ghana is therefore demanding major reforms in the country, anchored on the four thematic areas of political sovereignty, economic independence, social equity, and the building of a democratic state.

On the economy, the group said, “We must return all sectors of the economy to national control and stop exploitative arrangements with TNCs. We reject the notion that a nation-state has no role in economic production and should just create the enabling environment for foreign investor profitability, hoping that this will stimulate economic development. We welcome foreign private investors willing to work within a regime that prioritizes the interests of our people and the transfer of critical technology,” parts of the statement read.

In the area of political sovereignty, the group expressed the need for the country to reject neo-colonial exploitation and return to its non-aligned status when it comes to issues of geopolitical significance.

The group is also demanding that the next leader of the country declare the country’s support for Palestine and take steps to mend the country’s relationship with its Sahelian neighbours, which include Mali and Burkina Faso.

The group also campaigns for a Ghanaian society where the rights enjoyed by the citizens are not tied to their ethnicity, education, rank, or other conditions.

The group believes that gender equality is consequential in achieving social equality and therefore wants the presidential aspirants to commit to advancing the development of women in society.

“True unity is social equality. All citizens must have equal rights, opportunities, and access to public facilities and services, no matter how diverse we are in terms of race, ethnicity, language, official rank, education, wealth, or other features,” part of the statement read.

The group is also calling for immediate and far-reaching changes in the prevailing democratic system, warning of possible danger if the status quo remains.

It believes that citizens must be made to feel that democracy is not only felt during elections and that at any point in time in the country’s progress, their collective concerns and voices will receive the attention they deserve.



EK