Ghana

2024 Ghanaian general election

Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen

GCPP

George Twum- Barimah-Adu

Kofi Koranteng

Nana Kwame Bediako

The proposition of around-the-clock production and services aims to tackle Ghana's high unemployment rate. Given the country's traditional eight-hour workday, many essential services adhere to this rigid schedule. To enhance productivity and create jobs, the proponents argue for a three-shift system for key government services and manufacturing businesses. Critics, however, countered that this approach is impractical and that certain services already operate around the clock. Nevertheless, the concept of around-the-clock production resonated with organized labour and a portion of the population.

Job creation is the primary means of addressing Ghana's rising unemployment rate, driven by the country’s growing population. Global economic crises have hindered traditional job creation through formal means. Consequently, most political parties are seeking innovative solutions. One view is that granting tax amnesty to private sector businesses will encourage increased hiring. However, opponents argue that tax amnesty primarily benefits businesses and persons who have direct connections to the government and is prone to abuse, making it an ineffective tool.

The question of creating a newly dedicated Ministry of Employment to address manpower development and unemployment has been raised by some political candidates. This proposal suggests that a specific Ministry focused solely on labour issues could better coordinate policies to address unemployment, skills development, and job creation. Opponents, however, see it as an unnecessary expansion of government bureaucracy, which could lead to inefficiencies. They argue that current structures, such as the already existing Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, can handle these issues with enhanced funding and reforms, making a new ministry redundant.

The stability of the cedi is crucial for business predictability and planning. To stabilize the currency, one view proposes continuing the gold purchase programme, where the Bank of Ghana (BoG) augments its foreign reserves portfolio by increasing gold holdings. A portion of these holdings will be used for the gold-for-oil program, reducing pressure on the cedi and providing businesses and industries with greater planning predictability and input price stability. Critics argue that these policies may not be sustainable in the long term and could lead to unintended consequences such as distortions in the gold market or inefficiencies in oil procurement. They also point out that more structural reforms in the economy, such as diversification and industrialization, might provide a more lasting solution to the cedi's volatility.

Imported inflation, particularly through goods and their associated duties at the port, has impacted the local currency (the cedi). While some believe that the gold purchase program is the key to stabilizing the cedi, others advocate for a fixed exchange rate not exceeding six months to enable the calculation of import duties in local currency, thereby reducing imported inflation in the short term.

A National Sovereign Wealth Fund (NSWF) is a state-owned investment fund that collects revenues from national resources—such as oil, minerals, or other sources—and invests them for long-term economic stability. Ghana already has a Heritage Fund, which aims to save oil revenue for future generations. The proposal for a new or additional NSWF would build on this concept, creating a larger reserve of financial resources specifically designed to stabilize the economy during downturns or unexpected crises. Another school of thought argues that existing funds, like the Heritage Fund, could be restructured or better managed without the need to create new financial mechanisms.

The Ghanaian constitution currently categorizes certain workers under Article 71, entitling them to ex-gratia payments every four years. This practice has placed a burden on public finances. However, those who argue for it, claim it is an anti-corruption and effective measure to protect the public purse. Opponents argue that most public sector workers under similar conditions do not receive such benefits, making it unfair. They advocate for abolishing ex-gratia payments due to the financial burden on the public purse every four years.

In 2017, the Office of the Special Prosecutor was established to combat corruption. However, its constitutional limitations have hindered its ability to effectively prosecute corrupt individuals. Opponents argue that replacing the Special Prosecutor with an independent prosecutorial authority, with full powers separate from the Attorney General, is necessary to effectively address corruption.

The 2024 Afrobarometer findings indicate that 77% of Ghanaians perceive an increase in corruption. This perception is largely driven by entrenched political patronage and the widespread use of sole-sourcing in government procurement—where contracts are awarded without competitive bidding. Critics argue that eliminating sole-sourced contracts could be essential to reducing corruption, as this method is seen as an avenue for favoritism and misuse of public funds. However, others caution that abolishing sole-sourcing entirely could hinder the timely procurement of essential goods and services, particularly in emergency situations.

The implementation of a comprehensive national infrastructure program, with strategic plans to complete unfinished and abandoned projects, has become a recurring topic of discussion. This aims to ensure project continuity and prevent abandonment for political reasons. Critics argue that each government has its own priorities and may not prioritize projects, initiated by previous governments, deemed unnecessary

The debate on private sector involvement in Ghana’s infrastructure offers incentives for local and international players to finance and build public infrastructure, such as schools, roads, and water systems. While proponents argue this accelerates project delivery and reduces government financial strain, critics raise concerns about transparency, cost overruns, and the risk of corruption. Additionally, there are fears that private interests may prioritise profit over service quality and accessibility, and reduce government control over key public assets

Current port charges for imported goods in Ghana are relatively higher compared to other West African ports. Tax advocates argue that harmonizing port charges with those of neighbouring countries would attract more traffic and increase government revenue. However, critics contend that the exchange rate, rather than port charges, is the primary driver of higher costs at the Ports. Therefore, lowering port charges may not significantly impact overall costs, as they would still be influenced by exchange rate fluctuations and inflation.

Introducing a flat tax rate in Ghana could simplify the tax system by applying a single rate for all incomes, making it easier for citizens to understand and potentially increasing compliance. Proponents argue that this approach could reduce administrative costs, attract investment, and encourage the informal sector to participate in the formal economy. However, critics contend that a flat tax might be unfair, as it imposes the same rate on both high- and low-income earners, potentially exacerbating income inequality. Additionally, the shift away from a progressive tax structure could lead to a reduction in government revenue, limiting funds for essential services like healthcare, education, and poverty-reduction programs. While a flat tax may streamline tax processes, it may not fully address the underlying complexities of Ghana's tax system or the potential social impacts. Balancing simplicity and equity would be key if Ghana considers this approach.

The debate on revenue mobilization through taxation is complex. Some argue that relying on indirect taxes from import duties and levies is the most effective approach. However, critics warn that this strategy is not optimal and that revenue should be optimized through direct taxes such as personal and corporate taxes.

Providing free primary healthcare across Ghana, especially in rural areas, is a challenging but impactful goal. Advocates argue that free primary healthcare would ensure accessible, affordable, and responsive services for all. This approach, however, requires substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure, staff, and supplies to meet community needs effectively. Opponents caution that fully subsidising primary healthcare may overburden government resources, risking service quality and long-term sustainability. They propose alternatives, such as targeted subsidies or enhancements to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which could improve access while managing costs. Balancing accessibility with quality and financial viability remains key in this debate.

Proponents argue that subsidizing privately owned healthcare facilities, based on specific criteria, could enhance health financing by improving service quality and expanding access to care. Such subsidies could help these facilities operate more efficiently, potentially creating jobs and relieving pressure on public healthcare. However, critics worry that supporting private businesses with public funds might primarily benefit individual private owners rather than the public. They question whether subsidies might encourage profit-driven motives that conflict with equitable healthcare provision. Ultimately, the decision depends on balancing the potential health system benefits of this policy against concerns about the private profit orientation of these facilities.

Ghana's flagship Free Senior High School (SHS) policy has been widely accepted for increasing access to secondary education. However, its implementation has faced several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of textbooks, insufficient teacher training, and the reliance on shift systems, which critics argue have turned secondary education into "examination factories" rather than fostering holistic learning. These issues suggest that a review of the policy could be necessary to enhance its quality and sustainability. However, proponents caution that any review could potentially lead to the cancellation or reduction of the program, which they believe would undermine its success in improving access to education. The debate centers on finding a balance between expanding access to education and ensuring that the quality of education is not compromised.

In Ghana, first-year tertiary students traditionally pay admission fees. One argument in favor of making admission free for Level 100 students is that it would ease the financial burden on families, especially in light of the country’s economic challenges. However, critics warn that this could put significant burden on public finances, which are already under pressure. They suggest that instead of a blanket approach, the government should focus on strengthening existing mechanisms, such as the Student Loan Trust Fund and the Scholarship Secretariat, to better support students in need of financial assistance. This would allow for targeted support without overburdening the national budget.

Illegal small-scale mining has surged in recent times. Heavy metal pollution from mining has contaminated water bodies, making them unusable. This has led to health issues, including birth deformities in mining communities, and the potential need for imported drinking water in the future. However, the government's reluctance to ban illegal mining may be due to its role as a source of livelihood, revenue to the country and the involvement of influential figures. Proponents of a temporary ban argue that it would help curb illegal mining activities that destroy water bodies, farmlands, and forests, allowing for environmental recovery and also give the government time to re-strategise and regulate the sector more effectively. Opponents believe a blanket ban would hurt the local economy, displace workers, and reduce gold production. They advocate for stricter enforcement and better regulation rather than a complete ban.

Reducing electricity tariffs by 50% could help alleviate poverty, especially for small businesses and vulnerable groups, by allowing them to save money for other basic needs. However, critics argue that this could strain the power sector's financial stability, leading to potential increases in the national budget or compromising power generation leading to “dumsor”. Balancing affordability with sustainability remains a key challenge.

In Ghana, electricity tariffs are divided into domestic and commercial rates, with commercial users paying higher rates per unit. Proponents of equal or lower tariffs for commercial users argue that reducing their electricity costs would help lower operational expenses for businesses, promote economic growth, encourage job creation, and potentially reduce prices for goods and services. However, opponents warn that implementing this change could lead to higher tariffs for domestic consumers, increasing the financial burden on ordinary households. The debate centers on balancing support for businesses with the financial well-being of the broader population.

Proponents believe that nuclear power, as alternative and zero-carbon energy source, could help Ghana meet its growing energy demands while addressing climate change. Nuclear power provides a stable and reliable alternative to fossil fuels, which are major contributors to air pollution and global warming. However, critics highlight the hidden costs associated with the technology, including the expensive construction, long-term waste management, and decommissioning of plants. There are also concerns about safety risks and potential public opposition due to the "not-in-my-backyard" (NIMBY) effect. The debate largely centers on balancing the benefits of zero-carbon emissions with the financial, safety, and environmental challenges.

The issue of "protocol recruitments" into Ghana's security services, where individuals are selected based on political connections rather than merit, has sparked significant debate. Proponents argue that such recruits may lack allegiance to the state, often prioritizing loyalty to the political entities that facilitated their entry. This undermines the professionalism and integrity of the security forces, potentially compromising national security. On the other hand, supporters of the practice argue that recruiting party loyalists is a means to maintain political support and is sometimes seen by politicians as a tool to demonstrate influence. The debate centers on whether political loyalty should outweigh merit and professionalism in recruitment processes within the security services.

In Ghana, the appointment of heads of security services is primarily vested in the President, as outlined in the constitution. Proponents argue that this system allows the president to appoint individuals he trusts to lead the security forces. However, opponents advocate for a merit-based approach, where a dedicated commission would conduct interviews and select qualified candidates, rather than appointments being influenced by political loyalty. They argue that this could ensure greater professionalism, transparency, and independence in the leadership of the security services, ultimately strengthening national security. The debate centers on balancing political accountability with institutional integrity.