Independent Presidential Candidate Alan Kyerematen has stated that his message to Ghanaians is stronger and more actionable than those offered by the NDC and NPP.
During a press conference in Accra, marking the conclusion of his Greater Accra Regional Caravan tour, Alan Kyerematen detailed the unique focus of his “Movement for Change” campaign, contrasting it with what he described as shallow and inadequate policy plans from his competitors.
Kyerematen criticized both the NDC and NPP for what he described as their reliance on an “artificial economy,” heavily weighted toward the services sector while neglecting the vital agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
He argued that without solid foundations in these sectors, Ghana’s economic stability and job market will continue to suffer.
“Digitization is important, but it cannot be our main strategy when we lack thriving agriculture and manufacturing sectors,” Kyerematen said. “Our economy needs robust foundations, not shortcuts.”
Kyerematen also pointedly critiqued the NDC’s campaign focus on a “24-hour economy,” dismissing it as a slogan without substance. According to him, an around-the-clock economy is an outcome of strong policies, not a standalone strategy. He called on the NDC to provide concrete steps for achieving this vision rather than merely promoting it as an end goal.
Further challenging his competitors, he questioned their understanding of Ghana’s developmental needs, accusing both the NPP and NDC of failing to address the underlying economic issues Ghana faces today. “If you’re not hearing how they plan to fix our economy, you should reject them,” he stated, adding that his own message offers Ghanaians real solutions rooted in economic fundamentals rather than temporary fixes.
Kyerematen outlined his campaign’s five core priorities for economic transformation, which he believes distinguish him from the competition:
- Economic Stabilization and Currency Control: Kyerematen emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable currency as a prerequisite for economic growth. He argued that Ghana’s economy cannot move forward without first securing fiscal stability, fiscal consolidation, and debt sustainability.
- Job Creation Through Industrial and Agricultural Transformation: Critiquing the major parties for their lack of detailed plans on job creation, Kyerematen highlighted his strategy for tackling unemployment through industrialization and a new agricultural revolution. He proposed that a focus on these sectors would establish Ghana as a sustainable, self-reliant economy.
- Tourism and Technology as Growth Drivers: While acknowledging the potential of tourism and technology to boost the economy, Kyerematen clarified that these sectors must complement, not replace, Ghana’s core industries. He envisions tourism as a source of income generation and IT as a job creator within a balanced economic strategy.
- Reducing Inflation and Improving Purchasing Power: With rising inflation affecting purchasing power, Kyerematen pointed out that high inflation stifles economic growth by reducing the public’s ability to buy goods, which in turn discourages production and job creation. He committed to policies aimed at curbing inflation to enhance the quality of life for Ghanaians.
- Tax Reforms to Build an Enterprise Economy: Kyerematen emphasized the need to support private sector growth by adjusting tax policies to favor businesses. “If taxes remain high, we cannot build an enterprise-driven economy,” he argued, calling for an environment that empowers entrepreneurs and attracts investment.
Kyerematen underscored the importance of national unity in his campaign vision, pledging to form an inclusive government representative of all Ghanaians. “Our political environment has become so divisive that it’s holding us back as a country,” he said. As President, Kyerematen promised to prioritize unity, proposing a government that works “for the people, by the people, and of the people” to bridge partisan divides.
As the 2024 election approaches, Kyerematen believes that his vision for a sustainable, unified, and enterprise-driven Ghana will resonate with voters seeking substantive change beyond the established party platforms.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Ebenezer Madugu
