The NDC’s governance initiatives, a superior model for leadership

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has faced widespread criticism for poor governance over the past eight years. The discussions have centred on economic mismanagement, with an avoidable high debt of GH₵761 billion, with external debt alone accounting for over 43% of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product and inflation that reached a record 51 percent in November 2022, a depreciating cedi leading to an IMF bailout.

Corruption scandals and the controversial E-Levy tax and Agyapa Royalties scandal eroded public trust, while high youth unemployment and persistent inequality deepened social discontent. Despite promises of accountability, the government has failed to effectively tackle corruption, stiffled dissent, fueled public dissatisfaction and uncertainty ahead of the 2024 elections and positioned themselves as unfit to continue leading the country.

What the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Offers.

The National Democratic Congres (NDC), under John Dramani Mahama presents itself as a solution to Ghana’s governance challenges, emphasizing transparency, accountability and institutional reform. Here’s an overview its proposed agenda aimed at addressing these the issues Ghana presently faces.

Their proposals promise to transform governance and restore public confidence in the nation’s political and economic systems. Here's why the NDC should be given the mandate in the upcoming elections.

A Commitment to Good Governance and Accountability

The NDC’s governance agenda begins with a pledge to drastically reduce corruption and inefficiency. This is evident in its plan to:

1. Downsize Government:

The Akufo-Addo administration initially appointed 123 ministers- the highest ever in Ghana's history. This included 35 ministers of state, 16 regional ministers, and over 80 deputy ministers. They argued the size was necessary to achieve efficiency but they instead took the country to its knees.

John Dramani Mahama’s government at its peak had 84 ministers and his second coming promises to limit the number of ministers to 60 as a step towards reducing waste, protecting the public purse and fostering efficiency. This measure will save public funds and improve coordination within government ministries.

Given the plunder and waste Ghana has been subjected to since 2017, it is imperative to choose the prudent NDC way.

2. Operation-Recover-All-Loot: By investigating and recovering stolen assets, the NDC seeks to deter corruption and hold public officials accountable for mismanagement and fraud, which the present administration has been accused of.

Recovery of looted funds provides critical resources for development, prosecution holds perpetrators accountable, deters corruption, and rebuilds public trust in governance.

The NDC’s operation recover all looted funds is the only recourse Ghanaians have to salvage critical development funds.

The NDC also promises a forensic audit of all scandals.

Key Scandals Under the Akufo-Addo Administration include,

- PDS Scandal: Invalid guarantee in the Power Distribution Services deal, raising suspicions of negligence and insider dealings.

- Agyapa Royalties Deal: Lack of transparency and conflicts of interest in the attempt to monetize Ghana’s mineral royalties.

- Missing Excavators Scandal: Over 500 seized illegal mining excavators disappeared under government custody.

- National Cathedral Controversy: Allegations of mismanagement, misuse of public funds, and lack of transparency in the project.

- COVID-19 Funds Mismanagement: Auditor-General uncovered irregularities, including inflated costs and unaccounted expenditures.

- Sputnik V Vaccine Scandal: Inflated vaccine procurement costs through middlemen instead of direct negotiations.

- Cash-for-Seat Scandal: Businesses allegedly paid high fees for access to the president at an event.

- Galamsey Allegations: Accusations of complicity of officials and party members in illegal mining activities despite anti-galamsey efforts.

- Auditor-General’s Dismissal: Removal of Daniel Domelevo, seen as an attack on anti-corruption efforts.

- Premix Fuel Diversion: Subsidized fuel for fishermen was allegedly diverted with the involvement of political officials.

4. Institutional Reforms: By introducing independent oversight bodies such as a Value for Money office and merging the Emoluments and Fair Wages Commissions, the NDC seeks to ensure fiscal responsibility and fairness in public service remuneration.

These reforms reflect a decisive approach to governance, focusing on eliminating waste, curbing corruption, and restoring accountability.

5. Enhancing Public Service and Security

Public service inefficiency and security lapses have long plagued Ghana. The NDC proposes several solutions:

Security Reforms: Introducing a community police program and investing in modern infrastructure and ICT tools will strengthen the nation’s ability to combat crime and ensure public safety.

Merit-Based Recruitment and Promotion: By addressing favoritism and political interference in security services, the NDC will improve morale and performance across agencies.

Welfare of Security Personnel: Enhancing the living conditions and retirement benefits for armed forces and police personnel will ensure their dedication and long-term service to the country.

6. Transparent Scholarship Regime

Education remains a powerful tool for national development. The NDC plans to reform Ghana’s scholarship system to end political patronage by prohibiting scholarships for political appointees, the NDC will prioritize the needs of vulnerable and marginalized students.

Meritocracy and Equity will ensure that Scholarships will be awarded based on merit and aligned with national development goals, ensuring resources benefit those who need them most.

This overhaul will promote fairness and foster a skilled workforce to drive Ghana’s economic growth.

Why John Dramani Mahama?

John Mahama’s experienced leadership and the NDC’s commitment to transparency, accountability and institutional reform offer Ghana a clear path towards addressing corruption, inefficiency and public disillusionment. At this pertinent time, supporting Mahama provides an opportunity to restore integrity, foster economic growth and build a more equitable society.