NDC Outlines Bold Plans Ahead of 2024 Elections
The Coastal and Inland Campaign Project Team Leader for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Bernadette Naa Hoffman has reiterated the party’s dedication to tackling poverty, empowering vulnerable communities, and boosting economic opportunities if it wins the 2024 general elections.
Speaking to fisherfolk in Cape Coast, Dr. Hoffman outlined a comprehensive set of policies aimed at reducing inequality and supporting underprivileged groups. She highlighted the NDC’s commitment to expanding the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program, a rebranded “Big LEAP” initiative designed to significantly broaden the reach of the social intervention scheme.
Dr. Hoffman criticized the current government’s handling of social safety nets, which she said have been undermined by inefficiency and politicization.
She pledged a more inclusive and structured approach, emphasizing the NDC’s focus on addressing the needs of Ghana’s most marginalized citizens through targeted interventions.
Focusing on the plight of fisherfolk, she decried the political interference in the distribution of essential fishing supplies, such as outboard motors and premix fuel. Dr. Hoffman argued that this politicization has disrupted livelihoods and created widespread inequity in Ghana’s coastal communities.
She assured fisherfolk that an NDC administration would subsidize outboard motors and guarantee equitable access to premix fuel to sustain their industry.
Vocational Training and Economic Empowerment
Expanding her remarks, Dr. Hoffman spotlighted the NDC’s plans for a National Apprenticeship Scheme, aimed at addressing youth unemployment. She underscored the importance of vocational training, particularly for students unable to advance through traditional educational pathways. According to her, the program will equip young people with practical skills to secure sustainable employment, bridging the gap between formal education and market demands.
The NDC also envisions the
creation of a Women’s Bank, which Dr. Hoffman described as a specialized financial institution dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs. She highlighted the vital contributions of women to the economy and outlined the bank’s role in addressing gender-specific challenges in accessing capital.
Additionally, she introduced the concept of a 24-hour economy, which she characterized as a transformative strategy to drive accelerated national growth by optimizing productivity and resource utilization across all sectors.
Commitment to Fisheries and Premix Fuel Distribution
Dr. Hoffman reaffirmed the NDC’s pledge to revive the Anomabo Fisheries College project in the Central Region, a long-abandoned initiative launched under the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
She explained that the college’s completion would revolutionize fisheries education, providing specialized training and fostering sustainable practices in the fishing industry.
On the issue of premix fuel distribution, Dr. Hoffman accused New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of replicating the NDC’s proposed automated system.
She described the NPP’s handling of premix fuel as deeply flawed, citing shortages caused by hoarding and diversion. Dr. Hoffman argued that the NPP’s politicization of distribution networks, including sales at non-designated outlets such as party offices and hair salons, has compounded the struggles of fisherfolk.
“The NDC proposed the automation of premix fuel distribution to curb these shortages and ensure transparency,” Dr. Hoffman stated. “Dr. Bawumia rushed to replicate it, making him a copycat flagbearer. But the NDC will do it better because the idea originated with us.”
She assured fisherfolk that an NDC administration would streamline the distribution process, eliminate bottlenecks, and ensure fair access.
“The ongoing challenges with premix fuel distribution have crippled coastal businesses, causing untold suffering in communities that depend on fishing for survival,” she said. “The NDC’s vision offers real solutions to these longstanding problems.”
Dr. Hoffman emphasized the urgency of voting for the NDC in the December 7 general elections to bring meaningful reforms to Ghana’s economy and social systems. She urged fisherfolk to choose number 8 on the ballot, asserting that only an NDC government could deliver on these commitments effectively.
Story by: Portia Cudjoe
