By Kafui Dey
Alan Kyerematen, independent presidential candidate, sharply criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration in a media engagement on Tuesday, spotlighting economic policies and governance issues while unveiling his Great Transformation Plan (GTP).
Kyerematen Criticises NPP’s Tax Policies:
Kyerematen targeted the NPP’s tax strategies, particularly the COVID-19 levy. “You are charging COVID levy and disinfection levy. What are you disinfecting? Maybe they are disinfecting the country!” he said. He criticised the high tax burden, claiming it stifles business growth and competitiveness. His GTP proposes cutting taxes significantly, aiming to make Ghana’s tax regime the lowest in West Africa. “We have no choice but to bring taxes down,” he added, highlighting his plan to ease the financial pressure on businesses.
Youth Employment and Economic Growth:
Kyerematen emphasised his focus on creating job opportunities for Ghana’s youth, pledging to generate 3 million jobs within 18 months. “Youth jobs are my top priority,” he stated. His approach aims to foster an enterprise economy by encouraging private sector investment to drive job creation and economic development. Reflecting on his experience, Kyerematen noted, “When Mandela decided to build black businesses in the ’90s, I was one of the seven experts invited to help.”
Public Housing Reforms:
Addressing the public housing crisis, Kyerematen criticised current policies, saying, “Unless there is a dedicated mortgage company, there’s no chance for a young person to buy a house.” He advocates for incentivizing private sector companies to offer mortgage financing, stressing the need for clear priorities in housing versus other investments like hotels.
Sports Development Strategy:
Kyerematen challenged the government’s approach to sports funding, asserting, “Government funding everything is not feasible.” He proposes empowering private sector investments in sports infrastructure to drive development. “You need divine intervention to take someone from the hinterlands to the Olympics without proper infrastructure,” he explained.
Combating Corruption:
On corruption, Kyerematen called for stronger measures, declaring, “I have never been corrupt, I am not corrupt, and I will never be corrupt.” He criticised the ineffective anti-corruption framework and proposed a single anti-corruption law and an independent czar with prosecutorial powers separate from the Attorney General.
Kyerematen’s remarks reflect his broader vision for reform, focusing on tax reduction, youth employment, and effective governance. His GTP aims to address the shortcomings he sees in the current NPP administration and to create a more transparent and competitive environment for Ghana’s growth.
