NDC: Building for the people NPP Borrowing for the Few, the Decision Before Ghanaians on Saturday, December 7th, 2024

 As Ghana inches much closer to the crucial December 7th polls, the political temperature has risen to unprecedented levels. The stakes are even higher than ever in the history of Ghana, and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have drawn clear battle lines. However, a closer look at Ghana’s current socio-economic realities and the track records of these two parties reveals a stark contrast between the failed promises of the NPP and the transformative, pro-poor governance of the NDC.

The NPP’s Legacy of Broken Promises and Wanton Corruption
Since coming to power in 2017, the NPP government, led by President, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has disappointed Ghanaians on multiple fronts. Campaign promises that once resonated with hope and optimism have been left to rot in the dust of unfulfilled dreams.

In 2016, the NPP rode to power on the wings of grandiose promises—economic transformation, moving Ghana from taxation to production, job creation, and reducing the cost of living.

However, under their administration: The prices of essential commodities like food, water, fuel, and rent have skyrocketed, burdening ordinary citizens with unbearable costs. The cost of living has more than tripled, with inflation spiraling out of control whilst basic services such as electricity and transportation have become even luxuries for many Ghanaians.

Despite record borrowing—over USD 460 billion since 2017—the government has failed to provide visible infrastructure or development projects to justify this colossal debt. Instead, scandals such as PDS, “cash-for-seats,” Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s bedroom unimaginable physical cash, the Lands and Natural Resources minister’s poly tank stashed dollars scandal, Ken Ofori Atta’s direct benefits from state borrowing, the diversion of government insurance transactions from the State Insurance Company (SIC) to Enterprise Insurance, regional and district land grabbing, the gallamsey invasion of Ghana’s forests and waterbodies including cities, disrespect for our chieftaincy bodies and dubious contracts across every sector have highlighted this administration’s prioritization of personal gain over the public good.

Moreover, the ostentatious lifestyle of the executive branch has further alienated the government from the struggles of the average Ghanaian. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Akufo-Addo spent a staggering GHC 17 million per hour on luxury aircraft, accumulating a total of USD 28.5 million on private jet rentals, as exposed by the indefatigable North Tongu Member of Parliament, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The NDC: A Legacy of Pro-Poor Development:
In sharp contrast, the NDC under former President H. E. John Dramani Mahama championed pro-poor policies and infrastructure-driven governance. Despite borrowing significantly less, the NDC’s investments in critical sectors of the economy are visible and impactful.

Infrastructure Development
The Mahama-led administration prioritized infrastructure as a cornerstone for national development. Under his leadership;
Hospitals: The NDC built several healthcare facilities, including the University of Ghana Medical Center, Ridge Hospital, regional hospitals, polyclinics and 100s of CHPS compounds across the country, ensuring that healthcare became more accessible to all Ghanaians while creating jobs in these health facilities for Ghanaians.

Schools: Hundreds of schools, including the progressive E-blocks, were constructed to eliminate the “schools under trees” phenomenon and expand access to education.

Roads: Major road networks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, famously dubbed the “Dubai of West Africa,” and several rural roads were constructed, including the commencement of the Tema Motorway Interchange, Pokuase Interchange, Kasoa Interchange and many more connecting communities and boosting economic activity.

Markets: Modern markets such as the Kejetia Market in Kumasi, Kotokraba Market in the Central Region, Aboabo Market in Tamale, Atonsu market and many others were built under the erstwhile NDC administration and others across the country built purposely to provide jobs and open trade opportunities for the Ghanaian people, which indeed created spaces for economic empowerment, especially for women traders and the youth.

Pro-Poor Sensitivity: The NDC’s policies were designed to address the challenges faced by ordinary Ghanaians. Under the leadership of John Mahama and H.E. Prof. Evans Atta Mills, initiatives such as the expanded Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program which was scratched by H.E. J.A. Kuffuor, the establishment of the GETFund under H.E. J.J. Rawlings, the expansion of tertiary education through the creation of universities in regions like Volta, Eastern, Brong Ahafo, and Northern, as well as the conversion of polytechnics into technical universities, showcased the party’s dedication to education and development. Additionally, the affordable housing project at Saglemi and subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk highlighted the NDC's commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

The NDC prioritized the extension of electricity to rural areas to afford Ghanaians an optionable lifestyle among others.
Prudent Fiscal Management: Despite engaging in transformative development, the Mahama administration kept Ghana’s debt levels within manageable limits yet was bastardised by known NPP apparatchiks such as Gabby Otchere Darko, Kwaku Bako and a few others. Unlike the NPP, which has borrowed heavily with little to show, the NDC ensured that borrowed funds were channeled into visible projects that improved the lives of Ghanaians.
The Choice Before Ghanaians: As Ghanaians prepare to head to the polls, the stark contrast between the two major political parties is undeniable. On one side, the NPP’s tenure has been marred by broken promises, rampant corruption, misplaced priorities, skyrocketing inflation, and a sharp depreciation of the cedi—issues that have significantly eroded public confidence.

On the other hand, the NDC stands on a legacy of meaningful development, prudent fiscal management, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people. The prevailing economic hardships, thus rising living costs, high unemployment rates, and inadequate access to basic services are reflective of the NPP's inability to govern effectively. Ghanaians are yearning for a leadership that listens to their concerns, prioritizes their well-being, and lays a solid foundation for the country’s future.

The NDC, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, has demonstrated before that it is capable of delivering on these aspirations. It is a party that builds, unites, and empowers. On December 7th, Ghanaians have the opportunity to return to a government that puts their interests first—a government that will prioritize infrastructure, social interventions, and economic relief over empty promises and reckless extravagance.

The choice is clear. It is time to restore Ghana’s dignity and rebuild the hope of its people. Let us choose progress. Let us choose the NDC to reset and build the Ghana we want together.

Source: Francis Atayure Abirigo
Development Communication Expert
(Contact: 0244161902, aabirigo@yahoo.com)