The National Democratic Congress (NDC) ignited the flames of change last Saturday, launching its campaign for the 2024 elections. In a vibrant display of political fervor, speaker after speaker called on Ghanaians to join their quest to “reset” the country and its economy.
A Call to Action
With a resounding call to action, the NDC set the stage for an electrifying electoral season. The party promised to revitalize the nation’s fortunes and restore hope to a populace yearning for a better tomorrow. The launch event at Jubilee Park in Tamale, Northern Region, saw a sea of enthusiastic supporters clad in the party’s signature black, red, white, and green colors. The atmosphere was electrifying, with rhythmic drumbeats, soul-stirring chants, and an unbridled sense of optimism.
Tamale and the Northern, North East, and Savannah regions have historically been NDC strongholds. However, the presence of Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a native of the area, now leading the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has complicated the dynamics.
The campaign launch marked another stage in former President John Dramani Mahama’s bid to return to power. When he took the stage, he criticized the current government, stating, “It is not how long you serve, but how well you serve. Four years of a good leader is better than eight years of a dishonest leader.”
Highlighting Shortcomings
Mahama touted the NDC’s achievements in infrastructure, economic management, and living standards during his tenure. He pointed out that these indicators had deteriorated under the NPP. Citing the latest Afrobarometer report, he noted growing discontent with democracy in Ghana and the Ghana Living Standards Survey, which reported 1.9 million people as unskilled and jobless. Mahama argued that the coming elections were an opportunity to steer the country back on track.
Acknowledging his administration’s shortcomings, Mahama emphasized that his government never condoned wrongdoing and promised that the next one would not tolerate it either. He stressed that the country had been run down and that change was non-negotiable if Ghanaians wanted a sustainable society with equal opportunities for all.
“Change needs Ghana because the Afrobarometer survey showed that 80 percent of Ghanaians think the country is going in the wrong direction,” Mahama said to cheers from the crowd.
He urged supporters to stay vigilant for 48 hours after voting to protect their votes. He stressed that the December elections were about truth versus lies, honesty versus deception, and competence versus arrogance. Mahama branded the NPP as outright failures and emphasized that trust was essential for turning the country’s fortunes around.
Empowering Women
The event also saw the presence of key party stalwarts, including running mate Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary Fifi Kwetey, Minority Leader in Parliament Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and about 80 other NDC Members of Parliament (MPs). Former government appointees and leaders of the 2024 campaign, including Professor Joshua Alabi and Richard Quashigah, also attended.
Opoku-Agyemang, the first female running mate of a major political party in Ghana, highlighted initiatives to empower women economically. She announced plans for a Women Development Bank to provide interest-free loans to one million women across the country. She stressed that empowering women would improve their families’ lives and bring stability and peace at home.
Party Chairman Asiedu Nketia called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to commit to a peaceful handover of power. General Secretary Fifi Kwetey urged party faithful not to rest until victory was achieved.
Solidarity Messages
Various groups, including Creative Arts for Mahama, Concerned Drivers Associations, and the National Okada Riders Association, illustrated how fuel prices had soared under the NPP government, increasing the cost of transportation and living standards.
Celebrated musicians Rex Omar and King Ayisoba, and media personalities Shemima Muslim and Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), also urged the youth to vote the NDC back into power, stressing that the current government had failed.
Source: Graphic Online
