By Seraphine Nyuiemedi
Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC), flagbearer John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his commitment to peace and national development as Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections.
Speaking through his campaign manager, Professor Joshua Alabi, at the 40th anniversary of the Norvisi Development Union (NorDU) at Tanyigbe in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, Mahama called for peaceful elections and outlined bold plans for the nation’s progress.
Addressing the chiefs and people gathered, Mahama emphasised the critical role of peace in fostering development. “As we move closer to the elections, peace becomes essential for the progress of our communities and the nation,” he noted. Reflecting on the violent events in Techiman South during the 2020 elections, he urged all stakeholders to prioritise peace, warning against any attempt to disrupt the democratic process.
A Call for Accountability and National Unity
Mahama decried the lack of justice for victims of past electoral violence and emphasised the need for accountability. “We signed the peace accord to give law enforcement agencies and the people of Ghana another opportunity to ensure such incidents never occur again,” he said. He added that democracy thrives on free choice, allowing citizens to decide the nation’s leadership without coercion or fear.
The former president also expressed confidence in the democratic process, highlighting the peaceful transition of power by the NDC in the past. “We handed over power eight years ago, and we trust our brothers will do the same when the time comes,” Professor Alabi stated on his behalf.
Driving Economic Growth and Tackling Unemployment
Mahama outlined transformative economic plans aimed at addressing unemployment and fostering development. He spoke about the NDC’s 24-hour economy with a three-shift work system to maximise productivity. “One job can employ three people across three shifts. This is a proven model in developed nations, and we can implement it here,” he explained.
Additionally, Mahama unveiled an apprenticeship program to train young Ghanaians in practical skills, providing them with startup capital and tools upon completion. He also proposed the establishment of a Women’s Bank to support female traders and boost local economies.
Revamping Education Through Free SHS
Mahama reassured Ghanaians of his commitment to improving the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy rather than abolishing it. He pledged to complete the abandoned E-blocks and involve private schools to ease overcrowding. Funds would be sent directly to schools, empowering them to source supplies locally and enhance the program’s quality.
To ensure sustainable funding, Mahama proposed allocating a portion of Ghana’s oil revenue to support education. “Education is the foundation of national development, and we will invest in it to secure the future of our youth,” he emphasised.
A Vision for a Better Future
Mahama urged Ghanaians to ensure peaceful elections and unite for the country’s progress. “Democracy allows us to hold our leaders accountable and decide the direction of our nation. Let’s safeguard this process for the benefit of all,” he appealed.
The event, marking NorDU’s four decades of contributions to community development, provided an ideal platform for Mahama to share his vision of hope, peace, and prosperity. With a confident tone, he added, “We are optimistic that John Dramani Mahama will be sworn in as the next President of Ghana, and together, we will build a brighter future for all.”
The NDC capped off the celebration with a donation of 20,000 cedis to support NorDU’s initiatives. Professor Alabi was accompanied by some party executives and members from both the national and constituency levels.
