Resetting Ghana: What the NDC Must Do to Fulfill Their Promises

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has campaigned on the promise of resetting Ghana, a commitment that resonates with many citizens eager to see meaningful reforms. To deliver on this ambitious agenda, the NDC must prioritise certain key actions to restore public trust and steer the nation toward sustainable development:

One of the glaring challenges in Ghana's governance has been the alleged corruption and misuse of public resources by political appointees. The NDC must lead efforts to retrieve all illegally acquired assets from individuals linked to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. This includes individuals, who, despite holding no official office, allegedly engaged in activities described as political thievery.

Establishing an independent investigative body to recover stolen assets will not only send a strong message about accountability but also restore confidence in public institutions. However, while doing this, the party officials should be mindful of facing the same fate should they engage in those same acts while in office. Corruption has become too pervasive as it seems to be accepted by many in society.

Ghanaians' trust in the judiciary is waning, with many perceiving the courts as corrupt and unjust. The worse of all is the conviction that the courts have, to the puzzlement of the citizens, demontrated enough political inclination in some very sensitive cases. This erodes the rule of law and emboldens criminals while leaving the vulnerable at risk of injustice. The NDC must prioritise reforming the justice system by ensuring the independence of the judiciary, improving transparency in legal proceedings, and holding corrupt judges accountable. Strengthening institutions like the Judicial Service and Legal Aid Commission will make justice more accessible to all citizens. These reforms will restore faith in the judiciary, reduce vigilante and mob actions, and promote a fair legal system where no one is above the law as truly contained in our Constitution as a people.

The integrity of Ghana’s security services has been undermined by recruitment processes influenced by favoritism, nepotism, high selling of recruitment, and protocol arrangements. The NDC must implement a merit-based recruitment system to ensure that only qualified and competent individuals serve in these critical roles. Such reforms will enhance professionalism and public trust in the security sector, creating a force that serves the nation rather than political interests.

It is imperative to know that to allow this weird method of recruitment to go on is like setting a time bomb and sitting close to it till it explodes. Our security services are becoming too politically which must be a concern all. Aside from the fact that most of those who gain employment through the backdoor are not fit for the jobs, they are those who also cause a lot of mess because they are trigger happy during national assignments.They mishandle weapons, engage in gross insubordination among others traits and any professionally trained officer fears to engage in.

Ghana’s progress has been hindered by a culture of self-service among some leaders. The NDC must take a strong stand against this practice by ensuring that their governance prioritises the welfare of Ghanaians over personal gain. Transparent governance, accountability, and a commitment to serving in the best interest of the country are non-negotiable if the NDC is to succeed in resetting Ghana.

Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has become a severe threat to Ghana’s environment, economy, and public health. It has led to the destruction of vast lands, polluted water bodies, and endangered food security. The NDC must take decisive action to eradicate galamsey by holding individuals, including influential figures, accountable for their involvement.

Furthermore, strengthening the capacity of regulatory bodies like the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and restoring degraded lands and water bodies through reforestation and clean-up programmes will also demonstrate the NDC’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural heritage for future generations. This particular issue needs a strong political will to combat it since the two major political parties have something to say about it during their campaigns. The NDC must know that the majority of Ghanaians are seriously against illegal mining in this country.

The Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy has been a cornerstone of education in Ghana, but its implementation has faced significant challenges. The NDC must review this policy, focusing on quality over quantity. Introducing a cut-off point for student enrollment will ensure that resources are effectively utilized to provide quality education to deserving students. This approach will enhance quality academic outcomes and better prepare students for future opportunities.

The mass enrollment causes a lot of problems such as infrastructural, logistics, and resources for quality teaching and learning in schools. Therefore, a review is a must to address these problems associated with the policy.

Governance should be a continuum, and the NDC must continue beneficial policies and projects initiated by the NPP while discarding the ones designed to benefit a select few. This pragmatic approach will ensure that the nation’s resources are utilized for the collective good, fostering development across all sectors. The practice of abandoning past governments' projects or good policies affects our quest for development and a waste of the taxpayers money. The NDC must show political maturity and continue these policies and protects to earn the trust of Ghanaians which will go a long way to confirm their commitment to reset the country.

Agriculture remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy, yet it has been neglected in recent years. The NDC must prioritise revitalizing the sector to ensure food security and reduce the country’s dependence on imports. By investing in modern farming techniques, providing support to farmers, and enhancing the value chain, the NDC can boost food production and create jobs in rural areas. Sustainable farming practices must play a role to ensure good yields and protect the environment.

The fight against corruption must be central to the NDC’s agenda. Cutting down on unnecessary and corrupt-related expenditures will free up resources for developmental projects. The NDC must strengthen anti-corruption institutions, enforce laws against corrupt practices, and promote transparency in all government transactions.

In the nutshell, If the NDC is serious about resetting Ghana, these actions must form the foundation of their governance strategy. By addressing corruption, prioritizing meritocracy, reforming key policies, and investing in critical sectors like agriculture, the NDC can position Ghana for a brighter future.

However, these reforms require genuine commitment and bold leadership, as the journey toward resetting Ghana will undoubtedly face resistance from entrenched interests. The NDC must rise to the occasion and deliver on their promise to restore hope and prosperity to the nation. It must noted that one key factor of Ghanaians kicking out the NPP is their empty promises. The citizens are therefore watching with open eyes, what the NDC will do about some of the promises they made during their campaigns.