NPP Manifesto: A blueprint for development

As party manifestos go, even the best has been rarely practical but looks perfect on paper. Ghana’s major opposition New Patriotic Party a couple of weeks ago introduced a manifesto many experts agree is commonsensical and applicable. We make this observation on the grounds of the past record of the NPP whose eight year tenure from 2001 to 2009 saw dramatic changes from leadership to development patterns.

According to Alhaji Dr. Mahammudu Bawumia, running mate to the party’s flag bearer, the NPP’s manifesto is essentially in- formed by the steady decline of the economy that has accumulated in seven years US$40 billion 60 percent out of which was borrowed in the last three years alone. Primary among the other indicators of decline include rabid youth unemployment, increase in capital gains tax, the questionable financial viability of the SSNIT, corruption, unstable energy supply and the failure of pro poor programs established by the bespoke Kufuor administration.
The manifesto also seeks to introduce some discipline in the economy by the adoption of the appropriate measures. In the area of devel- opment of the nation the manifesto seeks to divide the nation into sectors. Indeed no sector of the economy has been left unattended. The introduction of one factory per district as well as US$1 million per constituency will boost the economy in ways that could energize the economy. It would, for instance, ginger up specialization in raw material production that could create more jobs, increase exports and stem the tide of urban migration.
It is not a propaganda document aimed at securing votes. It could be a blueprint for any political party.
The NPP through its manifesto is one of the many firsts the party could achieve. It is inno- vative and doable. Ghana would be better for it as, Insha Allah, the NPP could once more embark on the road to repair a beleaguered economy.