The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has touted its 2024 Manifesto as a comprehensive plan to revitalize Ghana’s economy and propel the nation towards sustained growth.
Speaking at a press conference at the NPP Headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the party’s Director of Communication, Richard Ahiagbah, emphasized the NPP’s superior economic proposals, which he said would stabilize and grow the economy while leveraging digital advancements.
“The NPP’s 2024 Manifesto offers Bold Solutions for jobs and business. Its ideas are forward-looking, aiming to stabilize and grow the economy, leveraging the digital revolution to make Ghana competitive,” Ahiagbah stated.
He noted that the NPP’s economic strategies are designed to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, asserting that they would drive long-term national development.
He underscored the importance of these solutions, which he believes are crucial to sustaining Ghana’s economic recovery and laying the foundation for widespread prosperity.
Mr. Ahiagbah stated that economic experts have thoroughly examined the NPP’s policy proposals and concluded that they are “relevant, workable, and effective” in achieving immediate economic stability.
“Dr Bawumia and the NPP’s Bold Solutions for the economy have been widely discussed and found by experts to be relevant, workable, and effective in sustaining the economic recovery and delivering a stable economy for Ghanaians in the immediate term,” he stressed the credibility and feasibility of the NPP’s proposals.
Mr Ahiagbah also urged Ghanaians to support the NPP and its presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, in the upcoming December 7 elections.
He emphasized that the economy should be the primary focus of voters, as the NPP presents the best policy options to drive growth and improve living standards.
“We should vote for Dr Bawumia and the NPP to implement these widely accepted policy ideas to stabilize and grow the economy. The economy is everything to vote for on December 7, and Dr Bawumia and the NPP offer the right policy solutions to boost growth and prosperity for Ghanaians,” Ahiagbah remarked.
The NPP’s vision, he explained, is grounded in leveraging digital technologies to enhance economic competitiveness and create sustainable employment opportunities. The party remains confident that its comprehensive approach will position Ghana as a formidable player in the global economic landscape.
He indicated: “We want to commend the NPP Parliamentary party, led by Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin, for their spirited defense of the 1992 Constitution. We commend the Supreme Court for its service to the nation.
“I want to echo the words of the Majority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin: this is not a victory for one side and defeat for another, but rather, a triumph for our democracy and the rule of law. Now, let’s get back to work.”
He indicated that NDC campaign has consisted mainly of insults led by its flagbearer, H.E. John Mahama, and an outright refusal to debate the economy to help Ghanaians make an informed decision on December.
“As things stand, with 24 days or so to the elections, Ghanaians are confused about the NDC’s plan to grow Ghana’s economy. They propose a catchy phrase, 24-hour economy, but they cannot explain it. The NDC is running an empty slogan campaign. We return later to the 24-hour economy proposal,” he said.
He stressed that Dr Bawumia and the NPP’s Bold Solutions for the economy have been widely discussed and found by experts to be relevant, workable, and effective in sustaining the economic recovery and delivering a stable economy for Ghanaians in the immediate term.
Dr. Bawumia’s economic plan, as outlined by the NPP’s Director of Communication, centers on sustaining Ghana’s economic recovery, creating jobs, and implementing tax reforms to support growth and reduce the cost of living.
Key initiatives include accelerating economic growth to 6% through investments in agriculture, mining, digital services, and tourism. The plan also proposes using public-private partnerships for infrastructure, establishing a Fiscal Responsibility Council, and introducing fiscal rules to limit government spending increases.
Bawumia’s tax reform strategy involves a one-time tax amnesty to clear past tax obligations, a flat-rate tax system similar to Estonia’s, and VAT restructuring to avoid cascading taxes.
Additional measures include reducing withholding tax on small-scale gold exports to 1%, eliminating the betting tax, providing tax credits for startups, fully digitizing tax processes, and aligning port duties with regional standards to enhance competitiveness.
Digitalization efforts aim to broaden the tax base and reduce the burden on existing taxpayers