A policy showdown for Ghana’s future: A Comparative Look at NPP and NDC's 2024 Manifestos

As Ghana prepares for its 2024 elections, the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have both unveiled their manifestos, each offering a distinct vision for the country’s future. With voters eager to understand what each party proposes, the manifestos highlight key policy differences and similarities that will shape the nation’s trajectory over the coming years.

Job creation is a central theme for both the NPP and the NDC, though their approaches differ. The NPP has outlined a plan to generate one million jobs through a combination of initiatives, including boosting digital skills, expanding the construction industry, and growing the agribusiness sector. In contrast, the NDC’s focus is on industrialization and agriculture. The party aims to transform the country’s industrial sector, while also emphasizing the need to modernize and expand the agricultural industry to create employment opportunities.

Education is another area of focus in both manifestos. The NPP seeks to continue its expansion of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, a key initiative that has been a hallmark of its previous administrations. The party aims to further enhance this program to ensure more access to secondary education. The NDC, however, also supports the Free SHS initiative but calls for a review to address perceived inefficiencies. The NDC argues that while the program has increased access to education, its implementation needs improvement to ensure quality and sustainability.

Healthcare remains a priority for both parties, as each seeks to address Ghana’s healthcare needs in different ways. The NPP has committed to completing the Agenda 111 hospital project, which aims to build 111 new hospitals across the country. In addition, the party intends to expand the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to increase healthcare access for all citizens. Meanwhile, the NDC proposes universal healthcare coverage, with a renewed focus on improving the NHIS. The NDC aims to provide broader and more equitable access to healthcare services, ensuring that every Ghanaian can receive medical attention when needed.

Infrastructure development is another shared goal, although both parties have different strategies for achieving it. The NPP’s focus is on completing the infrastructure projects that are already underway. These include roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure that is expected to drive national development. On the other hand, the NDC has introduced a bold new initiative known as the “Big Push.” This $10 billion plan is designed to accelerate infrastructure development across the country, with a particular focus on building roads, energy infrastructure, and housing, which the party believes are key to fostering economic growth.

In terms of economic strategy, the two parties offer contrasting visions. The NPP is focused on building a digital economy, hoping to leverage technology and innovation to transform Ghana into a world-class digital hub. This includes investments in technology infrastructure, digital skills training, and fostering a thriving tech ecosystem. The NDC, in contrast, advocates for a 24-hour economy driven by manufacturing and agriculture. The party aims to enhance the industrial and agricultural sectors, which it sees as critical to long-term economic growth and job creation.

Taxation policies are another point of divergence. The NPP proposes a flat tax system, which it believes will simplify the tax code and encourage more investment in the economy. By reducing the complexity of the tax system, the NPP aims to stimulate growth and create a more business-friendly environment. The NDC, however, is in favor of a progressive taxation system, which it argues will promote fairness and reduce income inequality. The party believes that a progressive tax structure will better support public services and social welfare programs.

As the elections draw closer, Ghanaians are faced with an important decision between two distinct policy approaches. The NPP’s manifesto focuses on advancing a digital economy, infrastructure completion, and job creation through digital and construction sectors, while the NDC emphasizes industrialization, agriculture, and the expansion of public services like healthcare and education. Both parties aim to improve the lives of Ghanaians, but the paths they propose differ significantly.

In the end, the choice between these two visions for Ghana’s future will be shaped by the priorities of the electorate. Whether voters prioritize technological innovation, industrial growth, or the expansion of public services, the policies put forward by both the NPP and NDC will have a lasting impact on the country’s economic, social, and infrastructural development.