By Ashiadey Dotse
Mr. Daniel Augustus Lartey, the flagbearer of the Ghana Consolidated People’s Party (GCPP), has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Ghana’s economy and restore hope among its citizens if elected President in the upcoming 2024 general election.
Speaking passionately at the Presidential Encounter organised by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation with support from the STAR Ghana Foundation on November 26, 2024, Mr. Lartey emphasised agriculture, technology, and youth empowerment as the cornerstones of his leadership agenda.
Mr. Lartey criticised, “Ghanaians are not happy, and that is a problem we must solve. My goal is to bring a new style of politics—one of inclusivity, collaboration, and solutions.”
Agriculture as the Backbone of Ghana’s Economy
Central to his vision is a robust agricultural reform policy aimed at achieving self-reliance and reducing the country’s dependence on imports. Mr. Lartey lamented Ghana’s reliance on imported tomatoes, onions, and other staples despite its arable land and agricultural potential. He pledged to make farming a national priority by encouraging households to grow their food and incentivising those who produce surplus to sell their goods to the government.
“We will provide farmers with tools, resources, and access to credit.”
Mr. Lartey also promised to revive state farms and encourage institutions like the military and police to take up farming once again. “Agriculture is the backbone of our country. Without it, our independence is meaningless,” he added, echoing the vision of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Domestication: A Path to Prosperity
At the heart of Mr. Lartey’s campaign is the concept of domestication—producing and consuming what is grown in Ghana. He explained that this approach would not only reduce imports but also create jobs, strengthen the economy, and ensure food security. “Grow Ghana, eat Ghana. Without self-reliance, we cannot call ourselves truly independent,” he stressed.
The GCPP flagbearer also vowed to establish “domestication farms” across the country, creating employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. “Farming must become fashionable again. We will give it a new swag and restore the dignity of farmers,” he declared.
Youth Empowerment and Technology
Recognising the critical role of the youth in nation-building, Mr. Lartey promised to harness their energy and creativity. He criticised the current education system for sidelining practical skills like farming and pledged to reintroduce school farms and vocational training. “The youth are the engine of any economy. We will mentor and empower them to lead Ghana’s agricultural revolution,” he said.
Technology will also play a pivotal role in Mr. Lartey’s administration. He highlighted its potential to enhance farming efficiency and boost productivity, drawing inspiration from Ghana’s achievements in the 1970s.
A Call for Unity
Mr. Lartey called on all Ghanaians to put aside partisan differences and unite for the country’s progress. “We all love Ghana. Let’s work together to build a better nation for ourselves and future generations,” he urged.
With a promise to bring inclusive and solution-driven leadership, Mr. Lartey concluded his address with a call for support, asserting that the GCPP is ready to lead Ghana into a new era of prosperity. “It won’t be easy, but with hard work and determination, we can achieve a self-reliant and prosperous Ghana,” he said.
Ghanaians will head to the polls in December 2024, and Mr. Lartey hopes his vision for a domesticated and self-sufficient Ghana will resonate with voters seeking real change.
