THE People’s National Convention (PNC) has unveiled its manifesto in Tamale with the slogan, ‘‘Real Change, Real Hope.’’
The party, by this electoral obligation has become the first political party in the country to unveil its manifesto to explain its plans and development agenda to the electorate.
The launch of the 83-page document was on the theme; ‘‘Economic Prosperity Now, Youth Empowerment and Economic Independence Soonest’’.
The occasion on Saturday was witnessed by the national and regional executive members and supporters of the party from far and wide. Also present was a representative of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), co-sponsors of the preparation of the document.
The Presidential candidate of the PNC, Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama, who read an abridged version of the manifesto, outlined the vision of the party that included economic, health, agriculture, youth development, foreign policy and security matters.
According to the flag bearer, ‘‘the manifesto reflects the consistent posture of the PNC as a party committed to the Nkrumaist agenda of offering selfless, honest and dedicated leadership to save the country from the socio-political and economic abyss that the nation is experiencing today’’.
He explained that the party drew its inspiration and strength from the country’s first president Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah not merely by his personality but what he represented.
Dr Mahama therefore said the party, when offered the mandate to govern the country, would harness talents both within and outside to rebuild the nation where no Ghanaian citizen would be left out.
‘‘We would purge our nation of corruption in all its forms, drastically cut down waste in our public sector whiles at the same time empower our people economically and socially with deserved emphasis on the vulnerable to become more productive at the individual and household levels,’’ he stated.
The flagbearer pledged to rationalise and improve the capacities and effectiveness of the Auditor Generals Department, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice and all such agencies charged with eliminating fraud and injustice in the system.
‘‘More importantly the office of the Attorney-General and the DPP shall be separated from the Ministry of Justice and given an independent status and equipped with resources to prosecute every one including government functionaries against whom corruption and financial impropriety have been established,’’ he said.
He announced what he called ‘‘the Golden Age of Productivity’’ under which his government would create the necessary support for industry and the agriculture sectors to grow.
Dr Mahama also said under his leadership, a Ministry of Science and Technology would be the focal point for the policies and operational plans of his government that would incorporate, coordinate and monitor all national policies for accelerated development.
The presidential aspirant indicated that his government would also allocate part of the national budget for the establishment of a Research and Development Fund to translate indigenous scientific research findings into commercial ventures.
On his Foreign Policy, Dr Mahama said it would be in consonance with accepted principles of public international law and diplomacy but crafted in a manner that would not compromise the national interest.
‘‘In order not to subordinate the dignity and independence of the country to foreign interests, all international agreements, contracts, treaties and conventions shall be subjected to scrutiny and ratification by parliament,’’ he stated.
Dr Mahama further stated that a PNC government would put more emphasis on irrigation schemes and mechanisation with appropriate technology in order that farmers would no more depend solely on the rains.
Touching on national security, the presidential hopeful said the Ghana Armed Forces shall play its statutory role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation against external aggression and that in special emergencies, the military shall play subordinate role with law enforcement agencies playing the leading role.
He said even though the nation’s army has commendably distinguished themselves in peacekeeping operations abroad, Ghanaian contingents were least equipped in such exercises.
‘‘A PNC government will reverse this deplorable state of affairs that seems already to have become a trend under the NPP regime by adequately equipping all Ghanaian Peacekeeping contingents, Dr Mahama assured.
The flag bearer, however, conceded that ‘‘we do not have the magical wand for all the nation’s problems; the onus lies on each and every one of us to contribute our quota to the accelerated development of this great nation of ours’’.
The coordinator incharge of policy analysis unit of the IEA, Papa Kow Acquaye, commended the PNC for being the first party to launch its manifesto and indicated that the initiative demonstrated the seriousness of the party to claim victory in the December elections.
He explained that its political parties programme had succeeded in building the capacities of the parties to make this year’s campaign centre on issues instead of personalities.
There were also solidarity messages from representatives of other political parties. A rally was later held at the Aboabo Market in Tamale to climax the launch.
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