PNC launches 55-page manifesto
The flag bearer of the People's National Convention (PNC), Dr Edward Mahama, yesterday launched the party's manifesto for Election 2016 in Bplgatanga in the Upper East Region, with a pledge to fight corruption in the system if elected President on December 7, 2016.
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Dubbed: “New Beginning, New Deal and New Force", the 55-page document provides a three-pronged approach for the PNC to deal with the crisis confronting the nation and restore its dignity for it to compete socio-economically among sovereign nations.
Under its slogan of "New Beginning", the party intends to focus on restructuring the public sector as a vehicle to deliver sustainable development, while, under "New Deal", the PNC commits itself to pursue investment in productive areas of the national economy to accelerate growth.
Under "New Force", it intends to target and empower the youth to become a socio-economic force to drive change and economic transformation.
Event
The function, which was also used to introduce the party's parliamentary candidates to its teeming supporters, was attended by party bigwigs, regional and constituency executives, parliamentary candidates and party faithful from across the country.
Corruption
Launching the manifesto, the PNC flag bearer said the issue of corruption was dear to the heart of the party because corruption was denying Ghanaians the opportunity to lead prosperous lives.
He said a substantial reduction in the level of corruption could ultimately make available more resources for the government to accelerate development in the health, educational and transport sectors.
"I am going to be the David of Ghana to fight the Goliath of corruption," he said.
Dr Mahama explained that excessive government borrowing had contributed to huge public debts, with serious economic consequences, adding: "We are, therefore, going to grow the economy at the rate of 10 per cent per annum on the back of agriculture".
Mr Bernard Monah, the National Chairman of the PNC
Highlights
Giving highlights of the manifesto, the running mate to the PNC flag bearer, Mr Emmanuel Anyidoho, said the manifesto touched on areas such as environment and sustainable development, unemployment, with focus on the youth and vulnerable groups, social and public services, the national economy, with focus on stability and growth, vulnerable social groups and social welfare, governance and security, international relations and corruption.
He said the three regions of the north would play an important role in growing the economy, saying a shea nut marketing board would be established to help rake in more revenue.
The General Secretary of the PNC, Mr Atik Mohammed, mentioned the establishment of growth poles to boost cottage industrialisation in the country, with the ultimate aim of creating more jobs for the youth and earning foreign exchange for the country.
"I must say that Ghanaians have alternated power between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the past 24 years but the country is still plagued with poverty, hardships and hunger. The electorate deserve better living conditions through the provision of quality health care, educational and quality infrastructure," he said.
The National Chairman of the PNC, Mr Bernard Mornah, used the occasion to advise the rank and file of the party against "pettiness and wranglings within the party”.
"I am convinced that this manifesto which highlights so many issues confronting Ghanaians is the answer to the perennial deception imposed on us by both the NDC and the NPP and Dr Mahama is coming like ‘Kakai’ to unseat both the NDC and the NPP," he said.
