Mahama Offers “Hope” To Ghanaians

Former President John Dramani Mahama has promised “hope” for Ghanaians, whom he says have been left dejected by the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufor-Addo.

He observes that Ghanaians are reeling under economic hardships posed by the current administration and believes he has the requisite expertise to deal with it.

“We have all lived painfully through the challenges the failed Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration has inflicted on us through their reckless mismanagement of the economy, poor governance, barefaced corruption, and profligate expenditure at the expense of socio-economic and infrastructural development,” he said delivering his New Year message on Wednesday night

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said the state of the country demands “tough, true and trusted” leaders to steer affairs.

“As we start the journey in this New Year, I am here to offer hope to you all. I am committed to repairing the damage done to our economy and creating a brighter future for all Ghanaians. We must all work together to bring about the change that Ghana so desperately needs.”

He has pledged to repair the “damage” caused to the economy, create well-paying jobs to fight the 14% unemployment rate and meet the youth’s aspirations.

Unemployment
Together with his team, Mr Mahama said he has developed a comprehensive plan to create job opportunities for the youth.

“We will empower our youth to contribute meaningfully to their well-being, families, the Ghanaian economy, and society through targeted investment in education and skills development. While providing jobs for the youth, we will also encourage business ownership – and entrepreneurship.”

Additionally, he said his first budget after re-election will support small businesses and adjust taxes as incentives for job creation.

24-hour Economy
Mr Mahama’s flagship 24-hour economy policy also took centre stage in his speech as he made allusions to South Korea.

“At the heart of my vision for economic revitalisation is the implementation of a 24-hour economy. This innovative policy seeks to maximise productivity and efficiency by extending business hours and operations around the clock. Doing so will create a more dynamic and vibrant economy that benefits workers and businesses. A 24-hour economy will increase economic output and create well-paying jobs.”

He intends to partially grant an electricity waiver to companies who would participate in the policy.

“My government will provide cheaper and more reliable electricity for participating businesses based on a Time of Use (TOU) tariff system. Companies that sign up for the 24-hour economy policy will benefit from modern smart meters calibrated to charge a lesser tariff (per KW/h) for power consumed during off-peak hours.”

“Businesses that subscribe to the 24-hour economy policy will receive further tax incentives to reduce the cost of their operations and enhance their competitiveness. Financing support will be provided to strategic agro-processing factories and manufacturing companies through the Ghana EXIM Bank to boost production for import substitution and exports”

In a general sense, he said the policy will offer Ghanaians increased access to public services.

Agriculture
The agricultural sector is not missing in his plans for the country as he intends to create new opportunities for farmers, improve food security, and bolster economic growth by introducing well-established cooperatives, advanced farming techniques, embracing digital tools, and promoting agribusiness.

“We will also establish and deploy farmer service centres nationwide to make essential farming equipment, accessories, and technology available to small and large farmers to boost production and output and make farming truly trendy, cool, and attractive to young Ghanaians.”

Corruption
Expressing his passion for the fight against corruption, Mr Mahama promised to be thrifty with the country’s resources.

According to him, an unfettered space will be given to the anti-corruption agencies to deal with culprits in his administration.

“We would hold to account members of this administration who have abused the public trust by misconducting themselves in office.”

Cut Government
He also pledged to make use of a reasonable government size as means of saving revenue for relevant projects.

“We will reduce the size of the government in our bid to cut down on expenditure. We will combine ministries and remove government agencies that duplicate each other. In other words, we in government will also tighten our belts, even as we call on our people to make whatever sacrifices are necessary for national revival.”