Former President John Dramani Mahama, together with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has unveiled a robust economic recovery agenda aimed at easing the burdens faced by Ghanaians and restoring hope. Under the theme “Resetting the Economy and Creating Prosperity for All,” the plan outlines transformative measures to address the country’s economic challenges if the NDC wins the 2024 general elections.
Central to the NDC’s strategy is a pledge to alleviate hardships through sweeping tax reforms, including the immediate repeal of the E-Levy, COVID levy, and the 10% tax on bet winnings. The plan also focuses on stabilizing the macroeconomy, restoring fiscal discipline, and boosting investor confidence through structural reforms and strategic investments.
To tackle the rising cost of living, the NDC intends to rationalize port charges, reform the VAT system to benefit households and small businesses, and implement measures to stabilize the cedi through stronger reserve policies. A $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure development program is set to drive sustainable economic growth and create decent jobs across key sectors.
The NDC’s vision also includes several social intervention programs designed to protect vulnerable groups. Key initiatives include:
- Free Primary Healthcare, ensuring access to basic health services for all Ghanaians.
- A “No-Academic-Fee” policy for first-year tertiary students.
- Free tertiary education for Persons with Disabilities.
The party further commits to conducting forensic audits into the collapse of indigenous banks and investigating allegations of illegal money printing by the Bank of Ghana under the current administration.
A significant component of the NDC’s agenda is the Economic Transformation Plan, which focuses on modernizing the agricultural sector to curb food inflation, promote import substitution, and increase exports. The plan also emphasizes strengthening fiscal oversight, improving debt management, and revisiting controversial policies such as the Gold-for-Oil deal.
Mahama has assured Ghanaians that the NDC’s governance will prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, promising policies that foster economic prosperity for all. With this recovery agenda, Mahama and the NDC aim to bring lasting solutions to Ghana’s economic woes.
Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh