The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at its headquarters in Accra, presented its roadmap to revitalize Ghana’s economy and drive sustainable growth.

During the press conference, NPP Director of Communication Richard Ahiagbah highlighted the party's manifesto's focus on economic stability, job creation, and the advantages of digital transformation.

Mr Ahiagbah stressed that the manifesto, titled Bold Solutions for Jobs and Business, is designed to stabilize and stimulate Ghana’s economy by leveraging digital advancements to make the country more competitive. He noted that the party’s approach aligns with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, aiming to enhance national development through innovation and technology.

“Our manifesto offers forward-looking solutions intended to stabilize and grow the economy,” Mr Ahiagbah said, emphasizing the role of digital transformation in creating a resilient and competitive economy.

He added that economic experts have reviewed the NPP’s policy proposals and found them to be “relevant, workable, and effective” for achieving immediate stability and sustained growth.

In calling for public support, Mr Ahiagbah urged Ghanaians to consider the economic advantages that the NPP, under the leadership of Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, could bring to the nation.

He emphasized that the December 7 elections present a critical choice, with the NPP providing the “best policy options to drive growth and improve living standards” across the country.

Mr Ahiagbah also contrasted the NPP’s policy-driven approach with that of the opposition, led by former President John Mahama.

According to Mr Ahiagbah, the NDC’s campaign has largely relied on slogans and critiques, with little substance regarding economic plans.

He questioned the practicality of the NDC’s “24-hour economy” concept, asserting that it lacks a concrete implementation strategy.

Key aspects of Dr. Bawumia’s economic plan include boosting growth to 6% through strategic investments in sectors like agriculture, mining, digital services, and tourism.

The NPP also aims to strengthen Public-Private Partnerships for infrastructure development, establish a Fiscal Responsibility Council, and introduce fiscal rules to manage government spending.

Dr Bawumia’s tax reforms are a central element of the NPP’s manifesto, with initiatives such as a one-time tax amnesty to clear past liabilities, a simplified flat-rate tax system inspired by Estonia, and VAT restructuring to prevent cascading taxes.

Additional proposals include reducing withholding tax on small-scale gold exports to 1%, eliminating the betting tax, providing tax credits for startups, digitizing tax processes, and adjusting port duties to match regional standards.

According to Mr Ahiagbah, these policies aim to broaden the tax base, ease the burden on existing taxpayers, and support a vibrant economic landscape.

The manifesto's digitalization agenda aims to enhance competitiveness and create sustainable job opportunities, positioning Ghana as a formidable player on the global economic stage.

Mr Ahiagbah also acknowledged the contributions of the NPP’s parliamentary caucus, led by Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in upholding democratic values and defending the 1992 Constitution.

He praised the recent Supreme Court ruling as a “triumph for democracy and the rule of law,” urging the nation to focus on the future.

In closing, Mr Ahiagbah underscored that the NPP’s “Bold Solutions for Jobs and Business” offer a clear and viable path for economic recovery and progress.

He reiterated the importance of voting for Dr. Bawumia and the NPP in the December elections to implement these solutions and improve the economic well-being of Ghanaians.