Solid plans or empty promises? Unpacking NPP and NDC visions for Ghana
Ghana heads to the polls on December 7, 2024, to elect a new president and 276 legislators.
The presidential race features prominent contenders, but the focus will be on the major parties that have been in governance since the Fourth Republic began in 1992.
The flagbearer of the NDC, former President John Dramani Mahama, and the flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will be going head to head.
Each candidate has unveiled a manifesto outlining their vision for Ghana’s future.
Key themes include “Resetting Ghana: Jobs, Accountability, and Prosperity” by the NDC and “Selfless Leadership: Bold Solutions for Jobs and Business” by the NPP.
These provide different perspectives towards achieving development.
The NPP delineates a strategy to generate one million jobs through initiatives in digital skills, construction, and agribusiness.
In contrast, the NDC’s platform highlights industrialisation and agriculture as catalysts for economic reform.
Both parties promise to enhance the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative in education.
The NPP is focused on growing and improving the programme, while the NDC suggests a review to solve inefficiencies.
Both parties continue to place a high priority on healthcare.
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will be enhanced as part of the NDC’s commitment to universal healthcare.
The NPP, however, emphasises its ongoing Agenda 111.
Infrastructure development also takes centre stage.
The NDC introduces the “Big Push,” a $10 billion infrastructure plan designed to stimulate the economy, whereas the NPP prioritises completing existing projects to ensure continuity and efficiency.
Flagship promises
The NPP focuses on developing a world-class digital economy as a cornerstone of its agenda, aiming to leverage technology to drive growth and innovation.
In contrast, the NDC prioritises creating a 24-hour economy powered by manufacturing and agriculture, aligning with its core campaign promises centred on economic transformation and job creation.
The NPP’s key priorities include implementing a flat-rate tax system, reducing living costs through tax reforms, and building a world-class digital economy.
As part of its tax reform agenda, the party plans to abolish the betting tax and introduce a flat-rate tax for importers.
In the energy sector, the NPP emphasises renewable energy, particularly solar power, with a commitment to install 2,000 MW of solar capacity.
On the other hand, the NDC focuses on economic modernisation driven by manufacturing and agriculture, envisioning a 24-hour economy as a catalyst for growth.
The party also plans to review certain taxes, prioritising progressive taxation to generate revenue for social services.
In energy, the NDC aims to diversify sources by prioritising the development of hydroelectric and thermal power plants.
The two parties also diverge in their taxation philosophies: the NPP advocates for a flat tax structure, while the NDC promotes progressive taxation to ensure fairness and fund social programs.
Failed promises
However, scepticism among voters remains high, fuelled by a track record of unfulfilled promises by the two major political parties.
Former President John Mahama faced criticism for his incomplete pledge to eliminate “schools under trees” during his 2013–2017 tenure, a promise to improve education infrastructure.
He also pledged to build 200 community day schools, but by 2016, only nine were completed.
His 2012 promise to establish 10 colleges of education remains unfulfilled, with none built.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has also struggled to deliver on key promises, including his commitment to stabilise the Ghanaian cedi.
As the Chairperson of the Economic Management Team, Dr. Bawumia has also fallen short in elevating Ghana’s economy to the level of expectations by citizens.
Eventually, Ghana had to succumb to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme.
The Vice President has repeatedly stated, “I’m only the vice president, not the president,” distancing himself from accountability for these unfulfilled promises.
With trust eroded by broken promises, the upcoming election transcends policy debates—it is a decisive test of credibility and the ability to deliver real change.
Both candidates must not only present compelling visions for Ghana’s future but also persuade voters that they can deliver meaningful and lasting change where others have fallen short.
As the 2024 election approaches, Ghanaians face a choice between these two distinct approaches to achieving economic growth and national prosperity.