Ghana’s economy in recent times is honestly nothing to write home about. The country that received outstanding commendation from experts all over the world for it’s exemplary navigation during the most crucial moments of the corona virus pandemic, saw it’s economy reduced to nothing more than social media memes in just months. Despite the skyrocketing prices of goods and services however, Ghana’s ruling capitalist New Patriotic Party (NPP) remains steadfast in rolling out some of the boldest policies in the history of sub Sahara Africa. These policies seem to have drastically reduced the rather unprecedented popularity the party enjoyed prior to winning political power in 2016. Fortunately for them however, there remains some very solid reasons why it is very possible for the New Patriotic party to retain political power in 2024 and become the first political party to stay in power beyond the traditional two (2) terms since the beginning of Ghana’s 4th republic. I have therefore painstakingly put together 4 of the most solid reasons why the New Patriotic Party will retain power in 2024 and “break the 8.”
1) Work Rate.
The erstwhile John Dramani Mahama administration was supposedly nicknamed by a section of the Ghanaian people as the most “workaholic” administration the country ever had since Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. According to these group, the Mahama administration was “gradually converting Ghana to Dubai” with massive investments in infrastructure. Unfortunately, the Ghanaian people till this day are still trying to figure out the very monuments the former president and his administration invested the taxpayers’ money into. Till today, it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact infrastructure that the erstwhile administration invested in. This hurts the National Democratic Congress’ chances of recapturing political power in the foreseeable future considering the New Patriotic Party’s work rate. Despite being a known capitalist party, the NPP have continuously beaten the socialist NDC at the implementation of Social interventions. Aside the current administration’s Free Senior High School policy which is aimed at alleviating the pain of parents and guardians, policies such as the Nation Builders’ Corps, the reintroduction of the teacher and nursing trainee allowances which was canceled by the NDC among other things, makes a very strong case for the New Patriotic Party. The party’s increasing investment in infrastructure which is evident in the provision of hospitals for districts without immediate access to healthcare, School buildings and the development of Ghana’s road and railway networks, speak volumes for the NPP towards election 2024.
2) Leadership.
While the NDC is stuck with former president John Dramani Mahama who may have been tainted by all the scandals from his first stint, the NPP has a wide range of well marketed “flag bearer materials” to chose from to lead the party in 2024. The Party is at liberty to go with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who has been instrumental in steering the country’s economic affairs until the rather unfortunate visit of the corona virus and the subsequent invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The NPP may also decide to go with honorable Alan Kyeremanteng, a well marketed leader and a veteran political stalwart. They may even decide to spice things up by going for younger yet more widely accepted politicians like honorable Oppong Nkrumah. While the NDC therefore brood over whether to keep His Excellency John Mahama or change things up a bit and go for honorable Kwabena Duffuor, the NPP has a Brazil-esque line up ready.
3) Economic Management.
As mentioned in the earlier part of this article, Ghana’s economy at the moment has seen a major decline with the Cedi taking a major nosedive against major international currencies. However, the NPP remains the better managers of the economy if statistics are anything to go by. The NDC under the late president Atta Mills, implemented former president Kuffuor’s single spine ideology without “proper” consultation and the blow-back nearly took Ghana back to HIPC. With the sudden major increments in the salaries of a good majority of government employees, inflation had no other choice but to climb the roof along with the prices of goods and services. That my friends, is shooting oneself in the foot. The NPP however, met an economy that was crucified by the unreliable power supply at the time but turned thing around by first ensuring the uninterrupted supply of electric power to the Ghanaian populace and restoring confidence in the Ghanaian economy. The administration went a step further to revive the confidence of both foreign investors and indigenous Ghanaian startups who expanded rapidly since the NPP assumed power in 2017 hence outclassing the NDC in this regard.
General acceptance by the masses.
While Ghana’s main opposition political party; the National Democratic Congress may seem to be enjoying the spotlight anytime the ruling New Patriotic Party makes a wrong turn, the NPP without any doubt whatsoever, remains the most accepted political party in Ghana today. The NDC’s stints at the helm of affairs since 1992, are arguably successful partly due to the fear the party’s founder; Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings stroke into the masses as a result of his military background. The NDC therefore has been on a gradual decline with regards to their popularity and the general acceptance by the Ghanaian voting community since Rawlings. The NPP on the other hand continues to win souls since the famous “Kumi Preko” demonstration and can be said to have currently surpassed the NDC in terms of popularity.
With two (2) years before the political frenzy which normally turns into a festival of madness, the New Patriotic Party seem to have the strongest points to retain political power come 2024. It is therefore up to the National Democratic Congress to up their game and turn the tide before the whistle blows. Kindly share your thoughts and insight with us in the comments section below.
Content created and supplied by: TsaliG (via Opera
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