As
Ghana
prepares
for
the
upcoming
election,
the
stakes
have
never
been
higher.
Citizens
are
yearning
for
leaders
who
can
address
their
immediate
concerns
while
laying
the
foundation
for
sustainable
development.
Former
President
John
Dramani
Mahama
and
the
National
Democratic
Congress
(NDC)present
a
strong
case
for
change,
offering
Ghanaians
a
renewed
vision
for
growth,
fairness,
and
accountability.
This
article
explores
their
achievements,
acknowledges
their
challenges,
and
highlightswhy
the
NDC
is
a
credible
alternative
for
Ghana’s
future.
Achievements
of
the
NDC
Under
John
Dramani
Mahama
John
Dramani
Mahama,
who
served
as
Ghana’s
President
from
2012
to
2017,
left
a
legacy
of
infrastructure
development
and
social
interventions
that
continue
to
impact
the
nation.
His
administration
focused
on
laying
the
groundwork
for
national
progress,
particularly
in
areas
like
energy,
education,
and
healthcare.
Infrastructure
Development
Energy
Sector
Improvements:
President
Mahama
made
bold
decisions
to
address
the
infamous
“dumsor”
(power
outages)
crisis.
His
government
invested
in
power
generation
projects
like
the
Karpowership,
the
Atuabo
Gas
Plant,
and
the
expansion
of
the
Akosombo
Dam,
which
significantly
improved
electricity
supply.
Road
and
Transport
Infrastructure:
Mahama’s
administration
was
responsible
for
key
roadprojects,
including
the
Kwame
Nkrumah
Circle
Interchange
(dubbed
the
“Dubai
of
West
Africa”)
and
the
Kasoa
Interchange.
These
projects
improved
transportation
efficiency
and
urban
connectivity.
Health
Infrastructure:
Under
his
leadership,
the
NDC
constructed
major
healthcare
facilities,
such
as
the
University
of
Ghana
Medical
Centre
and
the
Ridge
Hospital
expansion,
increasing
access
to
quality
healthcare.
Social
Interventions
Community
Day
Senior
High
Schools:
The
Mahama-led
administration
built
severalcommunity
day
SHSs
to
improve
access
to
education
in
underserved
areas.
National
Health
Insurance
Support:
The
NDC
strengthened
the
NHIS
during
Mahama’s
tenure
ensuring
more
Ghanaians
could
access
healthcare
services.
Agricultural
and
Industrial
Development
Savannah
Accelerated
Development
Authority
(SADA):
While
not
without
controversy,
SADA
aimed
to
address
the
developmental
disparities
in
northern
Ghana
through
agricultural
and
industrial
projects.
Acknowledging
the
Challenges
The
Mahama
administration,
like
any
other,
faced
difficulties:
Economic
Management:
Ghana
experienced
economic
turbulence
during
Mahama’s
presidency
with
rising
debt
levels
and
a
currency
crisis.
These
challenges
led
to
the
country
seeking
an
IMF
bailout.
Perceptions
of
Corruption:
Critics
accused
the
NDC
government
of
corruption
andmismanagement,
which
weakened
public
confidence
in
some
of
its
initiatives.
Incomplete
Projects:
Some
infrastructure
projects
were
left
unfinished
due
to
fundingconstraints,
leading
to
criticism
about
prioritization
and
resource
allocation.
Despite
these
challenges,
Mahama’s
leadership
demonstrated
resilience,
and
he
has
since
acknowledged
lessons
learned,
vowing
to
address
these
issues
with
greater
focus
and
transparency.
Why
Ghanaians
Should
Consider
John
Dramani
Mahama
and
the
NDC
A
Leader
with
Experience
and
Reflection
John
Dramani
Mahama
brings
a
wealth
of
experience
to
the
table.
Having
already
served
as
President,
he
understands
the
complexities
of
governance
and
has
had
the
opportunity
to
reflect
on
past
challenges.
This
humility
and
willingness
to
learn
make
him
a
stronger
and
more
accountable
leader.
A
Focus
on
Inclusion
and
Equity
The
NDC
has
consistently
championed
inclusive
policies
aimed
at
reducing
inequality
across
Ghana.
Mahama’s
vision
for
the
future
prioritizes
underserved
communities,
with
promises
to
bridge
regional
disparities
in
education,
healthcare,
and
infrastructure.
Tackling
Corruption
with
Renewed
Commitment
The
NDC
has
pledged
to
tackle
corruption
more
aggressively.
Mahama
has
outlined
plans
to
strengthen
institutions
like
the
Office
of
the
Special
Prosecutor
and
increase
transparency
in
public
procurement
processes.
Infrastructure
with
a
Purpose
Mahama
and
the
NDC
plan
to
complete
the
projects
initiated
during
their
previous
administration
while
launching
new
initiatives
to
address
pressing
needs
in
housing,
education,
and
transport.
Their
commitment
to
practical,
people-centred
development
remains
strong.
Jobs
and
Economic
Recovery
The
NDC’s
economic
recovery
plan
prioritizes
job
creation,
particularly
for
the
youth.
Mahama’s
team
has
emphasized
the
need
to
revive
industries
and
promote
entrepreneurship,
creating
sustainable
opportunities
for
Ghana’s
growing
population.
Hope
for
the
Future
The
NDC
offers
a
vision
of
Ghana
where
fairness,
opportunity,
and
progress
are
shared
by
all.
Key
highlights
of
their
2024
manifesto
include:
The
Big
Push
for
Infrastructure:
A
bold
initiative
to
invest
in
large-scale
infrastructure
projects
that
create
jobs
and
stimulate
economic
growth.
Universal
Health
Coverage:
Expanding
the
NHIS
to
ensure
every
Ghanaian
has
access
toaffordable
and
quality
healthcare.
Education
for
All:
Completing
abandoned
educational
projects
and
improving
access
to
higher
education
for
students
from
disadvantaged
backgrounds.
Agriculture
and
Industrialization:
Supporting
farmers
with
modern
tools
and
technologieswhile
boosting
industrial
output
to
reduce
reliance
on
imports.
A
Call
to
Action
This
election
is
not
just
a
leadership
decision;
it’s
a
choice
about
the
direction
Ghana
takes
in
the
years
to
come.
John
Dramani
Mahama
and
the
NDC
offer
a
vision
of
progress
that
acknowledges
the
pastlessons
build
on
current
opportunities
and
seek
to
uplift
every
Ghanaian.
As
you
approach
the
ballot
box,
reflect
on
the
leadership
qualities
and
policies
that
will
address
your
needs
and
aspirations.
The
NDC
has
demonstrated
a
commitment
to
inclusion,
infrastructure,
andeconomic
recovery
that
makes
them
a
formidable
choice
for
Ghana’s
future.
A
vote
for
John
Dramani
Mahama
and
the
NDC
is
a
vote
for
experience,
equity,
and
renewal.
Together,
let
us
build
a
Ghana
that
works
for
everyone.