The next NDC/Mahama government will:

1. Create one million jobs in four (4) years (250,000 jobs per years) dubbed “EDWUMAPA”. This will include both private and public sector jobs.

NB: NABCO beneficiaries will retained permanently and given decent wages.

1. Provide Free Primary Health Care for all Ghanaians. Under this policy, any Ghanaian who visits a CHPS compound, or health center or clinic or polyclinic or District hospital will be treated for free.

NB: This policy will complement the NHIS which will apply to only secondary and tertiary health facilities.

1. Absorb 50% of the school fees of all tertiary students for the 2020/2021 academic year.
2. Improve and continue the implementation of free SHS.

• abolish the double-track system
• expand the Free SHS programme to cover students in private Senior High Schools in underserved/deprived areas.
• promote the use of IT and provide free Wi-Fi in schools to enhance performance of students
• provide students and teachers with free tablets loaded with relevant content to facilitate teaching and learning
• address challenges with the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS)

1. Pay all customers of the collapsed financial institutions their locked-up funds in full within our first year in office.
2. Roll out the Big Push policy; a $10 billion investment in infrastructure (Roads, railway, hospitals, markets, schools, etc.) that will create jobs. Note that, only local materials and contractors will be used for these projects.

• A component of the Big Push includes a transportation plan which would involve completion of the Eastern Corridor road, dualisation of major Highways in Ghana, construction of the Western Corridor road. Some of the specific transport projects under the Big Push will include the following:
• Complete the Eastern Corridor Road
• Dualize Accra-Kumasi Highway
• Dualize Accra-Takoradi Highway
• Dualize Accra-Aflao Highway
• ReingineerTem-HoHighway
• Port Infrastructure at Keta
• Bridge over Oti River
• Volivo to Dorfor bridge over the Southern Volta River
• Commence construction of Western Corridor Highway stretching from Axim to Elubo, Enchi Asawinso, Goaso, Sunyani, Wenchi, Bamboi, Bole, Wa, Lawra, Hamile
• Continue Expansion of Takoradi Port to Sekondi to improve the handling of mineral ores and other natural resources
• Implement the Golden Triangle/Central Corridor to improve transport and access covering Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi, Kintampo, Tamale, Bolgatanga, Paga

1. Increase maternity leave from three (3) months to four (4) months and introduce seven (7) days paternity leave.
2. establish a Cancer and Kidney Disease Trust Fund to support Ghanaians who need assistance for such conditions
3. employ the backlog of qualified health professionals.

• establish a Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule Endowment Fund for medical and surgical specialists training
• implement tax waivers in order to assist health workers acquire means of transport to respond to emergency calls
• establish a housing scheme for health workers and provide residential facilities at all health facilities for health workers
• scale up the training of Physician Assistants and emergency physicians
• construct Regional Hospitals in the six new regions, and the Western Region
• Provide district hospitals in districts where there is none

1. small businesses will be exempted entirely from corporate and personal income tax

• corporate income tax for medium size companies will be reduced from the current 25% to 15%
• newly established medium-sized companies that employ up to twenty (20) staff will be exempted entirely from the payment of corporate income tax for one year

1. Legalize Okada
2. Provide Free TVET at secondary and tertiary levels
3. Introduce a National Apprenticeship program (NAP). Under this program Ghanaians desirous to learn a craft will be trained by government for free, provided with apprenticeship allowances during their training, and provided with the necessary tool-kits for them to setup businesses after their successful completion of the apprenticeship program.
4. abolish the mandatory national service and teacher licensure examinations for graduate teachers

• restore automatic employment of newly trained teachers
• fast track promotions and applications for academic progression
• provide teachers with free tablets to facilitate teaching and learning
• implement a special regime allowing teachers to own vehicles under affordable terms

1. review the Legal Profession Act in consultation with stakeholders, and establish a Council for Legal Education and Training, to accredit certified law faculties to run the Professional Law Course subject to the oversight supervision of the Council.
2. Student Loan;

• resource the Student Loan Trust Fund to make timely and adequate payments to students
• increase students’ loans to be commensurate with prevailing educational costs
• abolish the requirement of guarantors as a pre-condition for accessing student loans to enable more students who need financial assistance access the loan.
• make loan repayment effective on beneficiaries gaining employment after school
• Re-introduce the Student Loan Plus scheme to assist students who gain admissions into tertiary institutions access loans to pay for their admission and school fees.

1. Pensions Sector
   A next NDC government will introduce a new Pension Scheme for organised groups in the informal sector of the Ghanaian economy, specifically:

a. Cocoa and Cashew Farmers
b. Driver Unions such as GPRTU, PROTOA and Co-operatives
c. Ghana Union of Traders Association
d. Beauticians and Hairdressers Associations
e. Dressmakers and Tailors Associations
f. Garages Associations
g. Artisans Association of Ghana
h. Farmers and Fishermen Associations

Also, the next NDC government shall:

• amend National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766) to allow contributing workers who lose their jobs suddenly due to natural occurrences such as the COVID-19 epidemic, to be paid some allowances while they search for new opportunities
• amend National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766) to allow workers who have contributed for a period of ten (10) to fifteen (15) years to use their contributions as collateral to access mortgage loans
• amend the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766) to reintroduce the CAP 30 Pension Scheme for security agencies.
• pay pensioners an annual thirteenth month bonus.

1. Marine and Riverine Fishes
   The NDC Government will establish modern fish markets and cold stores along the major fish landing sites such as Tema New Town, Cape Coast, Shama, Sogakofe, Yeji, Kpando Torkor, Biriwa, Asesewa, Discove, Kpong and equip them with smoking and processing facilities.
2. Zongo and deprived communities

• establish two Islamic Senior High Schools in the southern and northern belts for the Zongo communities
• award scholarships to brilliant but needy students in Zongo communities at the basic level to the tertiary level, with special focus on girls and medical and nursing students
• support Arabic teachers in the Makaranta with monthly allowances
• enroll youth in Zongo and Inner Cities into the National Apprenticeship Programme as well as the free technical and vocational education and training (free TVET)
• provide start-up capital for business owners and earmark Funds for the ‘Soyayya Development Fund’.
• work with the Hajj Board to make Hajj more affordable to prospective pilgrims
• give representation to Zongo Chiefs and other denominations on the Hajj Board to ensure easy facilitation of Hajj
• ensure that a representative from the Muslim Umma is placed on the board of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
• facilitate the establishment of morgues in accordance with Islamic customs and practices and collaborate with the Ministry of Health to set up focal teams responsible for procedures that are compliant with Islamic customs and practices at all state morgues

1. Cocoa Sector Strategic Policies & Interventions

• Free Healthcare for Cocoa Farmers
  The next NDC Government will:

a. provide Free Primary Healthcare for all cocoa farmers and exempt all cocoa farmers from NHIS premium payment for secondary and tertiary care

c. create a biometric database of all cocoa farmers and made available at all cocoa clinics so that at any point in time, cocoa farmers and their dependents can have access to free healthcare at the cocoa clinics in the various cocoa growing regions in Ghana. In addition to the existing Cocoa Clinics in Accra, Tafo (Eastern Region) Debiso and Kumasi, the next NDC Government will ensure COCOBOD builds well-equipped hospitals in each of the cocoa-growing regions.

• Cocoa Roads
  The next NDC Government will revive and broaden the scope of the Cocoa Roads Project implemented under the past NDC Government to cover more cocoa-growing areas and resume all abandoned cocoa road projects and pay all contractors whose certificates have not been honoured by the Akufo Addo’s NPP Government
• Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme
  The next NDC Government will ensure the establishment of a pension scheme for cocoa farmers so they can enjoy pensions in their old age as already captured under the pensions sector.
• Annual Increment in Cocoa Producer Price
  The next NDC Government will ensure the consistent annual increment of the cocoa price to make cocoa farming more attractive, especially to the youth. • Free Fertilizer and Other Agro-Inputs
  The next NDC Government will continue to provide free agro-inputs (fertiliser, insecticides, fungicides, etc.) and extension services to all cocoa farmers.

The Upper East Region will get a homegrown air terminal should the resistance National Democratic Congress (NDC) develop successful in the 2020 general decisions.

Flagbearer of the gathering, John Dramani Mahama made the guarantee at the gathering’s pronouncement dispatch at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, on Monday, September 7, 2020.

John Mahama said land had just been made sure about for development once he is given the gesture on December 7.

“We will build a homegrown air terminal in the Upper East area. The land was made sure about when I was President thus we will proceed with it”, he said.

The previous President additionally declared that the Kumasi Airport will likewise be moved up to get greater airplane.

Other avionics guarantees

1. To understand Ghana’s vision to turn into the avionics center point of West Africa, the following NDC government has vowed to likewise do the accompanying:
2. quickly stop all plans by the fizzled Akufo-Addo Government to auction the Kotoka International Airport
3. proceed with our vision to completely operationalise the Kumasi and Tamale International Airports
4. redesign the Takoradi and Sunyani air terminals
5. survey the institutional and legitimate structure to guarantee air terminal terrains are saved exclusively

for flying purposes

1. cooperate with the private area to set up a public carrier

Rejecting of law on rescued vehicles

John Dramani Mahama has alluded to pulling back the law that boycotts the importation of rescued vehicles into the nation should he be casted a ballot into office.

He says his next government will likewise scrap the proposed increase in import obligation on such vehicles.

The move as per the previous President is to guarantee Ghanaians whose business rely upon that area of the economy keep on appreciating not too bad lives and incomes.

The Customs Amendment Act 2020 in addition to other things is to give motivators to the car makers and constructing agents enlisted under the Ghana Automotive Manufacturers Program and disallow the importation of rescued engine vehicles and vehicles more than ten years old into the nation.

Featuring segments of the gathering’s statement on Monday, September 2020, nonetheless, John Mahama demonstrated that the survey of the change demonstration is to shield the nearby programmed industry from breakdown.

“We will survey the Customs Amendment Act 2020 (Act 1014) to scrap the law forbidding the importation of rescue vehicles and the proposed execution of a 35 percent import obligation rate. We are going to scrap it all together that rescued vehicles are not restricted and top obligation rate government means to force on these vehicles doesn’t occur. This is to defend the nearby vehicle industry so our kin in Suame Magazine, Abossey Okai, Komkompe to keep on attempting to procure an average living.”

source:Ghanaaview.com

We won’t engage in campaign of insults, name-calling

The flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his commitment to engage in a campaign devoid of insults and name-calling but one that provides solutions and hope to the good people of the country.
“I can assure you and all Ghanaians that Professor Naana Jane and myself will never engage in insults and name-calling of opponents.

“Children are watching, listening and copying and it is important we serve as good role models. The book of Philippians assures me that the God who began this mission will bring it to a fruitful conclusion,’’ he said.

He was speaking during a courtesy call on the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) and the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) to officially introduce his running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku- Agyemang to the clergy.

Mr Mahama described his running mate as a God-fearing person who was sensitive to the plight of the ordinary Ghanaian and was ready and willing to serve the country in order to address those challenges.

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State institutions

He criticised the Akufo-Addo led administration for presiding over what he described as the destruction and politicisation of independent institutions in the country.

According to him, Ghana no longer held the enviable position as the shining star of Africa in terms of independence and integrity of democratic institutions.

Mr Mahama called on Ghanaians to be united and resolute to save the country adding, “we cannot sit silently and look on as our nation slips towards decadence.”
“It is not about John Mahama, it is about Ghana,” he added.

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Analysis

The issue of state institutions or independent institutions being accused of dancing to the tune of the government has been a major campaign message for opposition parties.

The suspicion of state institutions doing the bidding of the government has been exploited by both sides of the political divide.

During the 2012 election petition, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) then in opposition accused the judiciary and the Electoral Commission (EC) of being biased in favour of the NDC which had then been declared victors of the 2012 elections.- #GhanaVotes2020

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We’ll strengthen decentralisation- JM

The Flagbearer and Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has restated his commitment to strengthening the country’s decentralisation process.

According to Mr. Mahama, “it is only through decentralisation that we can see true progress in the country”.

Speaking at a meeting with the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOSAG) in Accra on Thursday, the former President said it is important to put the destiny of development in the hands of the people, adding “without that we cannot progress as a country”.

Mr. Mahama observed that the progress made in decentralisation has been rolled back in the last three and a half years, following the bastardisation of both the civil and local government service by the government.

He said the government has assisted in the hijacking of the work of the civil and local government service by political assistants, pointing out that as a result of interference by the government, recruitment and promotion is no longer based on merit.

Popular Ghanaian musician and political activist, Kwame Asare Obeng popularly known as A-Plus has slammed former President John Dramani Mahama for the number of promises he continues to make whenever he mounts a platform.

The NDC flagbearer while outdooring his running mate at an event held at the University for Professional Studies in Accra on Monday, July 27 promised to pay all depositors whose monies are locked up as a result of the collapse of financial institutions by government.

But reacting to this, A-Plus who has built an enviable reputation as a fair and firm critic advised the former President to desist from making those promises since he will not fulfill them even if he wins power.

He wrote, “Lol. Boss stop!!! Stop!!! Just tell Ghanaians to vote for you. Don’t make any promises. Just say, Ghana must have a president so vote for me to become president. Those who like you will vote for you”.

Were you not in this country when someone promised to fight corruption but is now fighting everyone who is fighting corruption? Were you not in this country when someone promised to use Anas’ strategy to fight corruption and used investigations by Manasseh as evidence that you were corrupt but is now fighting the same Manasseh? Me, I will never support you or NPP.

I will never believe any of you. I will never vote for any of you. You are the same. If you become president you’ll do worse!!! It is a fact!!! Ghanaians don’t believe in NDC and NPP promises anymore oooo. You are making too many promises. Forget it!!!

The Running Mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has expressed appreciation for the support that greeted the announcement of her new role. The former Minister for Education, who also served as the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana, was on Monday announced by former President John Dramani Mahama as his Running Mate for this year’s presidential election. That announcement has been greeted with enthusiasm and support from people from all walks of life, including academia, civil society, professional and women’s groups. Social media has also been awash with support for the NDC Running Mate. Addressing a retreat of the NDC Campaign Team on Friday in Accra, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed her gratitude for the support and pointed out that she will justify the confidence reposed in her. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang who said people, especially women, are looking up to the NDC for answers to issues that affect them, called on the NDC to close its ranks and work hard for victory in the upcoming elections.

Earlier today, I inaugurated the NDC 2020 Campaign Team. It was exciting to see a team that is poised to deliver VICTORY in the 2020 election.

I thanked the National Executives of the NDC for their unanimous endorsement of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as my Running Mate.

I have for a very long time held the view that women must take their seat at the highest level of decision making.

Naana is a great person, distinguished, empathetic, principled and committed to promoting women and student causes.

Born on 22 November 1951 in Cape Coast, Ghana,
She was a former Minister for Education in Ghana. She was appointed in 2013 by President John Dramani Mahama after the 2012 general election and served until January 2017.

Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang attended Anglican Girls’ Secondary School at Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls’ School. She then had her secondary education at the Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast from 1964 to 1971. She completed B.Ed.(Hons) in English and French at the University of Cape Coast in 1977 and obtained her Masters and Doctorate degrees from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1980 and 1986 respectively.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang taught and worked at the University of Cape Coast, starting in 1986. She has held various academic positions including Head of the Department of English, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Warden of Adehye Hall, Valco Trust Fund Post-Graduate Hostel, and Dean of School of Graduate Studies and Research. From 1997, she has held the position of Academic Director of the School for International Training in the History and Cultures of the African Diaspora. From 2008-2012 she was the University’s Vice Chancellor.

In March, 2007, she was one of five scholars selected to deliver presentations during the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

In October 2009, she was elected Ghana’s representative to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Ahead of the 2012 general elections, Jane Opoku Agyemang moderated the debate with Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

Between February 2013 and January 2017 she served as the Education Minister of Ghana.

On 26 October 2018, she became the Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa located in Zimbabwe.

She has served on many local and international boards and committees such as the Centre for Democratic Governance, (CDD-Ghana), the Editorial Board of The Harriet Tubman Series on the African Diaspora (Africa World Press Inc. USA), the Africa Initiative in Canada,and the College of Physicians and Surgeons as Eminent Citizen.