By: Maltiti Sayida Sadick
In a compelling appearance on GTV Breakfast, presidential candidate Daniel Augustus Lartey Junior of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) emphasized the urgent need for unity and innovative solutions to address pressing national challenges, including illegal mining, known as galamsey.
Lartey Jr. passionately stated, “If we don’t come together to build this country, no one will build it for us.” He expressed his deep concern over the negative impact of galamsey on the environment and communities, stressing the necessity of finding viable alternatives. “We need an alternative to galamsey,” he asserted, advocating for a shift towards sustainable practices.
Central to his vision is a revitalization of the agricultural sector, which he believes is crucial for the country’s future. “We cannot survive if we do not grow what we eat and eat what we grow,” Lartey Jr. declared. He urged the youth to view farming as a fashionable and viable career option, reiterating, “The backbone of this country is agriculture, so the youth should be encouraged to engage in farming.”
Lartey Jr. also committed to reinvigorating the “Operation Feed Yourself” initiative, emphasizing its importance in fostering self-sufficiency and food security. “If they could do it so many years ago, we can as well do it now,” he remarked, inspiring hope for a return to local agricultural production.
In discussing social issues, Lartey Jr. highlighted the critical role of women in nation-building, stating, “I believe that if you educate a woman, you educate the nation.” He pledged that his government would prioritize the welfare of mothers, ensuring they receive the care and support they need, reason why in his manifesto women will be given a one year maternity leave and fathers will be given paid paternity leave as well..
Concluding his message, Lartey Jr. stressed that the political party in power is less significant than the well-being of the nation itself. “To me, which party is in power is not relevant; Ghana is important,” he declared, positioning himself as a candidate focused on the broader interests of the country.
As the election season approaches, Lartey Jr.’s vision for a united and agriculturally empowered Ghana resonates strongly, appealing to citizens who desire sustainable change.