Former President John Dramani Mahama, leading the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into the 2024 general elections, has introduced a series of ambitious proposals as part of the party’s manifesto.
These plans, presented during a launch event in Winneba on August 24, 2024, aim to address critical areas such as overhauling the education system, implementing stringent anti-corruption initiatives, and improving land administration and management.
Here are some key highlights of the manifesto:
1.Cancellation of the double-track system:
John Dramani Mahama has promised to abolish the double-track system currently in place in senior high schools.
This system, implemented by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2018, was designed to manage the increased student population resulting from the Free Senior High School (FSHS) program.
Mahama’s plan includes upgrading the infrastructure of secondary schools and improving the FSHS program’s execution. His goal is to eliminate the need for the double-track system altogether, ensuring a more streamlined and effective educational experience.
2.Ban on family and appointees from acquiring state assets:
John Dramani Mahama has pledged to reinvestigate past incidents of electoral violence and related crimes if elected.
He specifically mentioned revisiting the 2020 election-related violence, the disturbances during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, and the tragic murder of journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale.
Mahama has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current government’s lack of action on these unresolved cases and its failure to compensate the victims. He promised to seek justice for those affected and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
3. Overhaul of the scholarship scheme:
The NDC flagbearer has pledged to reform the government scholarship programme, which he claims has been compromised by state officials applying for benefits intended for the underprivileged.
According to him, under his administration, no government official or political appointee will be allowed to apply for scholarships.
4. Reopening of unresolved electoral cases:
John Dramani Mahama has pledged to reinvestigate past incidents of electoral violence and related crimes if elected. He specifically mentioned revisiting the 2020 election-related violence, the disturbances during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, and the tragic murder of journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale.
Mahama has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current government’s lack of action on these unresolved cases and its failure to compensate the victims. He promised to seek justice for those affected and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
5. Commission of inquiry on State Lands
In reaction to claims of state land mismanagement by the current government, John Dramani Mahama has pledged to set up a Commission of Inquiry. This proposed body will investigate accusations of state land misappropriation, with a special emphasis on the contentious Ga-Dangbe land issues.
The commission will be charged with uncovering the facts behind these allegations and providing actionable recommendations to address the ongoing challenges in public land administration.