Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has outlined several significant pledges in the party’s manifesto ahead of the 2024 general elections.

These commitments, unveiled during the manifesto launch at Winneba in the Central Region, on August 24, 2024, focus on education reform, anti-corruption measures, and land management.

Here are some key highlights of the manifesto:

1.Cancellation of the double-track system:

One of Mahama's major promises is the abolition of the double-track system in senior high schools, a policy introduced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government in 2018.

The system was implemented to manage overcrowding in schools due to increased enrollment under the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy.

Mahama has vowed to expand secondary school infrastructure and improve the implementation of the FSHS policy to eliminate the need for the double-track system.

2.Ban on family and appointees from acquiring state assets:

Mahama has also committed to barring his family, including extended relatives, from purchasing state assets if elected.

This restriction will extend to politically-exposed persons, appointees, and other public officials as part of a broader effort to combat corruption.

Mahama emphasized that his administration will launch a rigorous campaign against corruption and ensure that state assets are not improperly acquired by those in power.

3. Overhaul of the scholarship scheme:

The NDC flagbearer has pledged to reform the government scholarship programme, which he claims has been compromised by state officials applying for benefits intended for the underprivileged.

According to him, under his administration, no government official or political appointee will be allowed to apply for scholarships.

4. Reopening of unresolved electoral cases:

Mahama has promised to reopen investigations into unresolved cases of electoral violence and related incidents, including the 2020 election killings, the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, and the murder of journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale.

He criticised the NPP government for its failure to address these cases and provide compensation to affected individuals.

Mahama vowed to pursue justice for victims and ensure accountability.

5. Commission of inquiry on State Lands

In response to allegations of misappropriation of state lands by the current administration, Mahama has committed to establishing a Commission of Enquiry.

According to him, this body would investigate the alleged looting of state lands, particularly focusing on expropriated Ga-Dangbe lands.

The commission would be tasked with uncovering the truth behind these claims and making recommendations to resolve the longstanding issues surrounding public land management.

AM/AE