2024 Elections: “Change Is Coming” – Mahama Declares

Former President John Dramani Mahama says he is optimistic that he will be sworn into office as President of Ghana on January 7, 2025.

The flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress said he was aware of the challenges confronting Ghanaians and that his team had developed a comprehensive plan that would create jobs to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

Mr Mahama rallied the citizenry not to lose hope and support the NDC to deliver change and transform the economy.

He accused the New Patriotic Party Government of “recklessly mismanaging” the economy and engaging in “profligate” expenditure at the expense of socio-economic and infrastructure development.

“2023 has been nothing but a continuation of the years of hardship, the high cost of living and worsening poverty for the Ghanaian people,” he said, adding that the 2024 budget offered “no hope” in improving the lives of the people.

“Drastic action is needed to reset our nation on the right path,” Mr Mahama added.

The former President said one of his key areas of focus would be to address the high levels of unemployment and meet the aspirations of the youth through targeted investments in education and skills development.

Listen to the audio below 

 

The Fight Against Corruption

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has pledged to restore the trust of Ghanaians in the government if voted into office.

According to him, people have lost trust in the current administration due to the massive scandals and corruption they have been involved in.

To confirm his commitment to eradicating corruption from society, he would begin by prosecuting current members of the Akufo-Addo administration who have been named for various corrupt practices.

He said, “I am also passionate about the fight against corruption and uprooting poor governance to ensure that our resources are used responsibly and ethically.

“We will hold to account members of this administration who have abused the public trust by misconducting themselves in office but more importantly we will also allow the unfettered space for the anti-corruption agencies to deal with anybody who abuses the public trust under my administration,” he said on January 3, 2024.

Mr Mahama explained that by strengthening anti-corruption measures and promoting good governance, his administration will create an equitable society where everyone can thrive.

Listen to the audio below 

 

Cut Down On Expenditure

Additionally, the former president added that in a bid to cut down on expenditure, he will reduce the size of government, combine ministries and eliminate government agencies duplicating each other.

“In other words, we in government will also tighten our belt even as we call on our people to make whatever sacrifices necessary for our national revival,” he said.

“I promise to lead on the change and I invite you to be part of the change. When times are tough, a true leader’s fundamental duty is to develop a vision that inspires and brings people together. That is another reason I am offering myself and the NDC to you this year. By working together we shall overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous and inclusive nation,” he added.

Listen to the audio below.

 

24-hour Economy

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has promised to reduce the cost of electricity tariffs and grant tax relief for businesses that decide to operate a 24-hour economic system.

John Mahama believes businesses signing up for the 24-hour system will help accomplish his vision of revitalising the ailing economy, maximising productivity and efficiency, and ultimately creating a dynamic and vibrant economy to benefit both workers and businesses.

“The 24-hour economy will succeed because we shall provide improved security and public safety which will require massive recruitment into the security services and private security operations.

“My government will provide cheaper and more reliable electricity for those participating businesses based on a time of-used tariffs system.

“Companies that sign up for the 24-hour economy will benefit from modern smart meters calibrated to charge a lesser tariff per kilowatt hour for power that is consumed during off-peak hours.

“Businesses that subscribe to the 24-hour economy policy will receive further tax incentives to reduce the cost of the operations and enhance their competitiveness,” he said.

The former president said implementation would begin by establishing and personally chairing an Accelerated Export Development Council. This council aims to boost the country’s export drive by leveraging the ECOWAS Trade Liberation Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

He stressed that the 24-hour economy is a game-changer, adding that evidence suggests that these were the practices of great nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Korea.

Touching on the leadership required to take Ghana from its current underdeveloped state to being developed, he said, “Indeed South Korea is living proof that with the right leadership, the country can transform from underdeveloped to highly developed.”

According to the former president, in the 1960s, leaders of the Asian country introduced a 24-hour economy, which boosted an export-led economy and subsequently led to their development.

He emphasised that “Introducing the Mahama 24-hour economy is the right thing to do for Ghana especially considering the State of our country today.

“It will boost our manufacturing industry and transform our country into an export-led economy providing the world with goods made in Ghana,” he said.

 

He made these comments while delivering his New Year message in a video broadcast on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

 

 

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