The second and final IEA debate for Presidential candidates with representation in Parliament took place in Accra last night. The flagbearers of the NDC, NPP, CPP and PNC took turns to outline their policies on various issues of national development.
On crime and national security, President John Mahama of the NDC said his government will continue to improve on the good works they have started over the four year period in power.
He said they have well resourced the security agencies with equipment which has led to significant drops in criminal cases.
He also said the Police will be formally trained in how to handle white colour crime, especially cyber fraud.
For his part, Dr Abu Sakara of the CPP said his party will strengthen security forces under cover for effective execution of their work.
He said information and suggestion centres will be established in every district to tackle crime at the community level.
Under the CPP, crime in offices and high places will be tackled by training and retool the Economic Crimes Unit to be up to the task.
The PNC promises to re-introduce the border guard’s concept to tighten security at the country’s borders.
The party’s flagbearer, Hassan Ayariga further noted that fighting crime calls for the concerted effort of all.
His government will therefore put up free telephone lines for the public to use to help the security forces by reporting crime cases.
Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP indicated that contrary to President John Mahama’s assertion that crime rate has decreased, armed robbery cases are rather on the ascendency.
He stressed the need to increase the number of police personnel and the strengthening of the judicial system to enhance crime fighting.
He also said the economy needs to be developed to discourage crime.
On Gender, Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP said he is passionate about the issue, especially women’s participation in national development.
This is because he worked extensively with women during the Kufour administration.
He advocated special attention to the education of women and girls since this will empower them to aspire for greater heights.
President John Mahama promised to set up a Women In Governance Fund to assist women who will want to go into politics and aspire for public office.
He said his government will give women the opportunity to realize their full potential for their voices to be heard.
The Presidential Candidate of the PNC, Hassan Ayariga said his government will among other things identify women’s groups and empower them to go to the grass roots to support women at that level.
It will also identify career women to serve as role models.
The CPP said it will empower and educate women. It will also create awareness and assign queen mothers with specific roles to play in national development.
Answering a question on oil and gas, the CPP flagbearer, Dr Abu Sakara Foster said a CPP government would ensure the passage of the local content law with a sense of urgency.
It will also set up another body in addition to the Petroleum Commission to make the area more beneficial to the country.
Dr Sakara Foster also indicated his determination to ensure that Ghanaians take charge of the management of the sector.
The PNC flagbearer, Hassan Ayariga said the present production agreements on oil and gas do not favour Ghana.
He said his government would review the agreements and expand the exploration to cover other areas.
He said if these measures are taken, revenue from the sector would even be enough to replace all donor support.
Nana Akufo Addo of the NPP said the revenue from the sector is expected to be used to transform the economy but this has not been so.
His government will therefore streamline the activities under the sector and invest the revenue in education and healthcare.
President Mahama of the NDC said since 2009, sixteen new discoveries of oil and gas have been made.
It is important that the country strengthens its negotiations on oil and gas resource and put in place a legislation to make the industry predictive and attractive to investors who have the technology and capital to put in.
On Science and Technology, Mr Ayariga of the PNC said his government will change the educational curricula to make it more innovative and technology focused.
Turning to Marine resources, he promised to review existing fishing laws to the advantage of local fishermen.
Mr Ayariga said his government will explore ways of assembling and manufacturing fishing boats locally.
The Flagbearer of the NPP, Nana Akuffo Addo said an NPP government will focus on training and enhancing educational institutions to promote science and technology.
He said, he will lead the fight against the over exploitation of marine resources and halt the politicization of matters of the fishing industry.
President John Mahama of the NDC, pledged to provide 10,000 scholarships especially to girls to whip up their interest in the study of science and technology.
Again, the NDC will distribute one million laptops to students across the country.
On the marine sector, he said the NDC government has already created a special unit, the Marine Police within the Police Service, to police activities on the sea and enhance effective regulation of Ghana’s marine resources.
Dr Abu Sakara of the CPP said he will strongly advocate an electronic tagging of ships to help regulate the industry, adding that harnessing the potential of the country’s estuaries will make fishing more convenient and attractive.
On Science and Technology, Dr Sakara said he will set up a 10 million Ghana cedi Research and Development Fund to promote innovation.