By Ashiadey Dotse
Alan Kwadjo Kyerematen, the flagbearer of the Movement for Change, has presented his plans for Ghana’s development if elected president in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Speaking on GBC’s Presidential Encounter on Friday, November 22, 2024, he addressed pressing issues facing Ghanaians and introduced his transformational policy framework, the Ghana Transformation Plan (GTP).
Mr. Kyerematen began by praising the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for providing a platform for candidates to share their visions with the public.
He highlighted the frustration many Ghanaians feel towards the two dominant political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), citing their failure to address key challenges after 32 years in power.
Challenges Facing Ghana
He identified several issues driving voter apathy, including:
Economic Crisis: Persistent struggles with inflation, debt, and unemployment.
Corruption: Both major parties have been ineffective in curbing corruption.
Lack of Unity:
Political divisions have created a polarized nation.
Discontinuity in Projects: Successive governments abandon projects started by their predecessors.
Weak Governance: Governance is often controlled by career politicians, sidelining experienced professionals.
Constitutional Challenges:
Existing systems favor excessive executive power and fail to implement reforms.
Cultural Issues: Lack of discipline, rule of law, and focus on national development.
The Ghana Transformation Plan (GTP)
Kyerematen’s GTP proposes solutions under six main areas: economic policies, governance reforms, infrastructure development, social services, natural resource management, and attitudinal change.
Economic Policies
He outlined plans to stabilize the economy through:
Currency stabilization, reduced inflation, and lower taxes.
Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Financing industrialization and an agricultural revolution to create jobs.
Governance Reforms
The GTP will introduce:
Zero tolerance for corruption through independent anti-corruption bodies.
Constitutional reforms to reduce presidential powers and introduce a second parliamentary chamber representing key stakeholders, such as traditional leaders, labor unions, and youth.
A review of Article 71 provisions to address unfair retirement benefits for public officials.
Infrastructure Development
Kyerematen emphasized private sector involvement in infrastructure, including roads, airports, and energy projects. He promised 100,000 hotspots nationwide to provide free satellite internet access and a transition to greener energy sources like solar, wind, and small nuclear reactors.
Social Services
He plans to improve Free Senior High School (Free SHS) by:
Ensuring financial sustainability and curriculum relevance.
Preparing students for the job market.
Investing in basic education and healthcare infrastructure.
A Call for Change
Kyerematen concluded by urging Ghanaians to move beyond party loyalty and embrace a new vision for inclusive governance and national progress. “The time has come for Ghanaians to choose policies that will address our collective frustrations and set a new course for the future,” he said.
With bold reforms and a focus on uniting the country, Kyerematen’s GTP aims to address Ghana’s pressing challenges and transform the nation into a prosperous and inclusive society.