79 Days To Go: Economic policies, education and other issues likely to influence voter decisions

In 79 days, Ghanaians will head to the polls to elect a new president and Members of Parliament, ushering in a new chapter in the history of the country.

The election also presents a crucial opportunity for electorates to determine the future of their nation by scrutinising the various policies and track records of contenders, weighing in their impacts on their livelihoods and communities.

GhanaWeb takes a look at some critical issues dominating public discourse that are likely to influence voters' behaviours.

Economic policies

Both the NPP and the NDC have outlined policies to create jobs for the youth, addressing the surge in youth unemployment in the country.

The opposition National Democratic Congress, (NDC) led by its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has stated that its proposed 24-hour economy initiative is the answer to solving Ghana’s financial and economic difficulties.

According to Mahama, the initiative will create an enabling and conducive environment for businesses, companies, and government agencies to create more jobs and recruit more people into employment, as part of efforts to address the rising trend of unemployment among the youth.

“The 24-hour initiative is the answer for now and in the future. It will create an enabling environment with deliberate policies for businesses, companies, and government institutions to operate 24/7 in a three-eight-hour shift system. In addition to the traditional 8-hour shift system, the two additional work shifts that my administration will introduce will double and sometimes triple the number of jobs that participate in public and private entities that we currently have.

“This is the 24-hour economy optimization strategy: giving more to society, providing efficient service delivery, and generating decent and well-paying jobs. The benefits of this system will include but not limited to; 24-hour port and harbour services, 24-hour customs services, 24-hour DVLA services, 24-hour agro-processing factories, 24-hour manufacturing industries, 24-hour construction companies and many more," he noted.

Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on the other hand has made a compelling case for his election as the next president of Ghana, outlining bold solutions for the future.

The party's economic vision hinges on private-sector-driven growth, emphasising industrial expansion, digital transformation, and fiscal prudence.

Delivering his first major address to the nation after his election as NPP flagbearer, during which he gave broad policy outlines of a Bawumia presidency, Dr. Bawumia minced no words in declaring his opposition to taxes on electronic financial transactions, declaring that he will abolish the E-Levy as president.

He added that his bid for a digital and cashless Ghana will be significantly boosted if E-Levy is abolished.

“To move towards a cashless economy, however, we have to encourage the population to use electronic channels payment. To accomplish this, there will be no taxes on digital payments under my administration. The E-Levy will, therefore, be abolished,” he declared at the UPSA auditorium on February 7.

Dr. Bawumia further disclosed that as part of a new tax regime by his government, he will also abolish the Emissions Levy, Betting Tax, as well as the proposed 15% VAT on electricity tariffs, if it is in existence by January 2025.

He also announced that his government would introduce what he described as a friendly, flat tax regime for Ghana, which will boost individuals and businesses, particularly Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).

“My administration will introduce a very simple, citizen and business-friendly flat tax regime. A flat tax of a percentage of income for individuals and SMEs, which constitute 98% of all businesses in Ghana, with appropriate exemption thresholds set to protect the poor,” he indicated.

Education:

While education is a bedrock of both parties’ manifestos, their visions are different.

The NPP is focusing on continuing their Free SHS program, expanding TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), and promoting digital literacy.

On the other hand, the NDC seeks to improve the quality of education reforming the Free SHS system to address inefficiencies and also provide free tuition for freshers in public universities.

The implementation of the Free Senior High School Programme introduced by the Akufo-Addo government remains a critical issue in the 2024 elections.

Introduced in 2017, the pro-poor policy which aligns with Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals which aims ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

This goal is a pivotal driver for positive change, emphasizing the transformative power of education in fostering a sustainable and equitable world.

Although the programme has increased enrollment it has now been without challenges as many have raised concerns about overcrowding in schools, feeding and resource challenges.

Both the NDC and other opposition parties have weighed in on the programme promising to refine it and improve its scope.

Former President and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his stance on not scrapping the programme.

Speaking during a recent community engagement in Gbane in the Talensi constituency in the Upper East Region, the flagbearer told the people that those saying he would cancel Free SHS were liars because he will never do that when he comes into office; moreover, it is a constitutional requirement.

“If anybody tells you JM is coming to cancel free SHS, that person is a big liar. JM is coming to improve the implementation of the free SHS. The free SHS has come to stay, but we are coming to make it a quality free SHS,” Mahama said.

The NDC flagbearer continued, “I wish to assure you that, when we come, we are going to invest and finish all the abandoned E-blocks and also expand the facilities in all existing schools.

“We are doing this to stop the double-track system as soon as possible because we cannot afford a situation where our children come home and stay home for three to four months and then go back to school.”

The ruling New Patriotic Party champions it as one of their flagship programmes and have pledged to construct additional infrastructure such as classroom blocks, dormitories, and dining facilities for schools in Ghana.

“The programme is a cornerstone of our government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education for all Ghanaian youth. It is probably one of the most successful social intervention programmes ever implemented in Ghana.

“It has dramatically boosted student enrollment in senior high schools across the country. What is more important, the highest enrollments are coming from the poorest regions of Ghana, like the five northern regions.

“Furthermore, Ghana has now attained gender parity in senior high-school education as more girls than boys have accessed the programme. Also, the increase in enrollment has not resulted in a reduction in quality.

“In fact, the performance of the students in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination last year shows that the free SHS beneficiaries attained the best results since 2014. The policy has therefore been a resounding success. That does not mean it is without problems. There is more to be done to improve it," Dr Bawumia noted.

Infrastructure:

Infrastructure development also plays a critical role in the election discourse as voters are keenly interested in proposals to improve roads, transportation and urban development.

The NDC prioritises infrastructure development, with specific attention to transportation and urban development, while the NPP also seeks to expand public infrastructure.

Healthcare:

Healthcare delivery is also another critical issue for voters.

The healthcare strategies presented by both the NPP and NDC offer diverse visions for how Ghana should address public health challenges and improve access to health care.

While the NPP’s approach focuses on completing ongoing infrastructure projects and integrating technology into the healthcare system, the NDC’s vision focuses on universal access, affordability, and improving the welfare of healthcare professionals.

JKB/AE

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