As Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections, citizens must analyze the manifestos of the two main political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), using an ethically balanced perspective. Such political activity is critical for informing voters about rational options when voting.

This analysis adopts a neutral stance, aiming to benefit neither party but to critically assess their proposals per issues of paramount concern to the Ghanaian. An effective ethical framework for this evaluation is Rule Utilitarianism, which suggests that an action’s effect will determine its moral worth. Per this model, action x is good and relevant only if it produces good to the majority in the long-term.

By tying beneficial results to adherence to established rules, this model evaluates governance through the utility that results from its policies. This line of thought suggests that national policies should promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number when consistently applied over a given time frame.

The baseline query in this evaluation is “Which governmental policies will offer the greatest good to majority of Ghanaians over time?” This query emphasizes the long-term effects of policies over immediate promises or very short-term benefits political parties often provide a few people during elections.

Stated in another way, the application of rule utilitarianism to assess political manifestos in Ghana helps the Ghanaian to: (1) reflect on the future when voting (How will the party I'm about voting for develop Ghana for my children and grandchildren?); and (2) consider the sustainability of governmental policies over time (Will the policies of the party I'm voting for stand the test of time and continue to provide post-election positive benefits to majority of Ghanaians over time?).

Ponder over the prevalent practice of paying money to people to 'buy their votes' during elections. Rule utilitarianism leads voters to reflect on the long-term benefits of this seemingly kind act. The informed voter will now inquire: How long will this free money last? Will it help everyone, or just me? Would it cause future inflation of the economy?

This article analyzes these manifestos through an 11-point evaluation model within the context of rule utilitarianism. The 11-point evaluation model probes how the contents of each manifesto address pressing national concerns and their potential to improve long-term national welfare.

The 11-point criteria reflect Ghana’s numerous challenges, including economic instability, unemployment, healthcare deficiencies, environmental degradation, and governance issues like corruption. The ongoing threat of galamsey escalates the damage to the environmental damage and the public outcry over the wanton undermining of livelihoods. Additionally, the global rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation necessitates forward-thinking policies that position Ghana as a competitive player in the 21st century.

Further, various global dynamics such as the US-China tussle, the role of BRICS countries, Russia-Ukraine war and global pandemics, all determine the economic and security circumstances in Ghana as well. In this regard, it is important to understand how exactly the NPP and NDC are going to navigate the nation through such challenges. The11-point assessment model is used in this article to ascertain whose policies meet the needs and aspirations of Ghanaians now and in the future given unpredictable global trends.

1. Economic Stability and Job Creation

Ghana's development depends critically on a stable economy and job creation as the nation works through issues including inflation, devaluation of the currency, debt, and high unemployment—especially among young people. These problems add to social and economic instability; thus policies must thoroughly handle these economic problems. Good policies should support local businesses, aim at economic diversification, and have strong job creating strategies. Furthermore, strengthening small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), encouraging entrepreneurship, and rewarding sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and technology are vital for sustainable development. Policies that support sustainable economic development, lower unemployment, and guarantee fair employment access over the long-term are good.

Emphasizing job creation as a top goal, the NDC promises "revolutionary and transformational policies to create sustainable, decent, and well-paying jobs" through the Adwumwura program and the 24-hour shift economy initiative (NDC Manifesto, p. 19) This strategy covers a wide spectrum of job generating activities, including social and industrial projects meant to lower unemployment and assist underprivileged areas.

The NPP manifesto (p. 18) states "Invest in the growth of Ghanaian businesses, create millions of safe jobs for the youth, and ensure individual and collective prosperity." Their emphasis is on using the digital economy, helping SMEs, investing in technology and innovation to boost employment through the private sector, Tax Amnesty Programme, revived and resourced PWD, and the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program (p. 19).

It could be seen that the creation of jobs is obviously quite important for both sides. Though it lacks particular measures for employment numbers and economic impact, the NPP's emphasis on SMEs and digital skills training provides pragmatic, targeted solutions. The NDC's more ambitious job creation strategy is equally commendable, implementation and funding could prove difficult over the four-year term of governance.

2. Infrastructure Development

Inadequate infrastructure, including inadequate water and sanitation systems, bad road networks, and unreliable energy supply that causes Dumsor, is a major obstacle to Ghana's economic development and quality of life. National growth depends on addressing these problems, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure shortages are more noticeable. Policies should give sustainable and inclusive infrastructure top priority in order to improve quality of life and create more economic possibilities, especially in underprivileged areas. With an eye toward sustainable solutions like renewable energy and smart infrastructure that solve funding issues and reduce corruption in project execution, strategies for modernizing and expanding infrastructure will be quite helpful to Ghanaians in the long-term.

Through "the Big Push" campaign, which centers on major projects meant to drive economic growth and generate jobs, NDC seeks to carry on its legacy of infrastructure development (NDC Manifesto, p. 20). This covers expenditures in roads, utilities including energy, and other vital infrastructure.

Through creative financing models such as rent or lease-to-own arrangements (NPP Manifesto, p. 25), the NPP suggests collaborating with the private sector to finance and develop public infrastructure including schools, housing, water, and roads.

Both ideas stress the crucial role infrastructure plays in economic growth. While the NPP's reliance on private partnerships may limit government control, especially in rural areas where infrastructure needs are highest, the NDC's concentration on big projects could tax financial resources.

3. Education and Skills Development

Although national development depends mostly on education, its efficacy in Ghana is limited by problems including teacher shortages, inadequate infrastructure, out-of-date educational models and limited curricula. The development of a competitive workforce for future needs depends on reform of education including vocational training, STEM education, and digital literacy. Emphasizing technical and vocational education and training (TVET), reforms should improve the quality and accessibility of education. Policies should guarantee fair access and equip young people for local as well as international employment environments.

The NDC Manifesto, pp. 19, 34–35, 94, emphasizes vocational training and digital literacy and seeks to equip the young people with skills pertinent to the future employment market. The party wants to "implement a 'National Apprenticeship Program' to generate self-employment through the provision of free technical and vocational training for young people in various crafts" and the offer of a "start-up capital and equipment to set up businesses'" (pp. 19, 132). Increasing teacher training and widening access to high-quality education take front stage.

By means of its proposed "Free Tertiary Education Scholarship for PWDs," enlarged students' loan scheme, and affordable student housing program (NPP Manifesto, pp. 27, 28), the NPP intends to implement the Centralized Applications Processing Service (CAPS) for tertiary institutions, so simplifying the application process and reducing costs for students. The strategy also stresses ICT integration into the classroom and student support in related technological sectors.

Both sides stress the need of digital literacy and reform of education. While the NPP's approach to ICT integration may not totally solve issues in vocational education, the NDC presents a more comprehensive plan for vocational training.

4. Healthcare and Social Protection

Particularly in rural areas, the COVID-19 pandemic and other worldwide health concerns have exposed flaws in Ghana's healthcare system including poor infrastructure, understaffing, and limited access to quality care. Key areas of focus in governance should be strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), investing in healthcare facilities, and enhancing the conditions for healthcare workers to provide Ghanaians easily available, reasonably priced, and quality treatment.

Aimed at improving pandemic preparedness and healthcare resilience, the NDC intends to set a Ghana Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (NDC Manifesto, p. 106). The party wants to localize "healthcare delivery, health education, and health research" (NDC Manifesto, p. 106).

By means of the E-health project and improved telehealth services, the NPP seeks to complete all Agenda 111 hospitals, to ensure that "every district has a district hospital" (NPP Manifesto, p. 26). With an eye toward infrastructure, this aims to raise national healthcare access and quality.

The NDC's larger vision of building a new institution for disease control balances the NPP's pragmatic attitude to healthcare infrastructure. Plans of the NDC, however, could suffer funding difficulties and implementation delays over the four-year term of governance.

5. Corruption and Governance

Corruption compromises development, erodes confidence in government institutions, and causes public resource to be used poorly. Promoting openness, responsibility, and good government in Ghana depends on confronting corruption. Good governance should outline particular steps to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, like the Office of the Special Prosecutor, to promote transparency and accountability in government operations and restore public confidence with efficient and fair resource distribution at all levels in line with the collective Ghanaian interest.

The NDC Manifesto (p. 135) commits the party to lowering the cost of political governance, improving openness, and combating corruption by means of systematic reforms ranging from the local to the national level. The party intends to "reduce the size of government by appointing no more than sixty (60) Ministers" and "launch ‘Operation-Recover-All-Loot’ to investigate, prosecute, and recover proceeds of corruption" (NDC Manifesto, p. 135).

Aiming to deepen decentralization and local governance, the NPP Manifesto contains capping the "number of ministers at 50" and pursuing the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) "through universal adult suffrage" (NPP Manifesto, p. 29). In this sense, the party formalizes "the relationship between the State, Chiefs, FBOs, and CSOs, and redefine and elevate their place and role in the national governance structure," so seeking a "value-based leadership and responsible citizenship" (p. 29).

While the NDC's thorough reforms are void of specific implementation strategies, the NPP's decentralization efforts may lack the depth required for systemic change even if both parties suggest clear measures to fight corruption.

6. Agriculture and Food Security

With so many people working in it, agriculture is a major industry of Ghana's economy. However, issues including climate change, limited market access, and antiquated farming methods compromise food security and output. Policies should encourage sustainable agricultural practices, improve market access, give farmers financial support, use technology and innovation in agriculture to greatly increase output and guarantee food security.

The NDC intends to present a "Feed Ghana Program," comprising "aggressive initiatives to boost food production, guarantee food security, and supply raw materials to industries" (NDC Manifesto, p. 19). Under the Rapid Industrialization for Jobs program, the party will also start revitalizing non-functional businesses and launching new industries (NDC Manifesto, p. 19).

The NPP keeps running its current initiatives, "Planting for Food and Jobs" and "One Village, One Dam," to help farmers and "achieve, and sustain an average 6% growth" (NPP Manifesto, pp. 18, 179, 201). With its suggested Ghana's Climate Prosperity Plan (G-CPP), the party hopes to "explore innovative climate financing and carbon trading to finance investments in agriculture and fisheries" (p. 43).

Both parties give agriculture top priority; the NPP emphasizes continuity while the NDC brings creative ideas. While the NDC's broad plans may run across resource and implementation challenges, the NPP's projects might require more creativity.

7. Environmental Sustainability and Illegal Mining

Preserving natural resources depends critically on environmental sustainability as well as effective measures to protect the ‘commons’ against illegal mining. Good policies should encourage environmental preservation and apply rules against damage of the environment. Ghana's natural resources and sustainability are seriously threatened by environmental deterioration including pollution, illegal mining (galamsey), and deforestation. Affecting public health, water supplies, and agriculture, climate change intensifies these difficulties. Policies aiming at environmental preservation, tighter rules on galamsey, climate adaption strategies, investments in renewable energy and disaster preparedness will be welcome by the Ghanaian.

The NDC Manifesto, p. 80, calls for tight rules on galamsey and intends to restore damaged areas. The party intends implementing the "National Climate Change Law" and "facilitate implementation of energy efficiency technologies and practices to reduce household consumption of electricity which will eventually reduce the energy budget of households" (NDC Manifesto, p. 80).

The NPP Manifesto, p. 30, advocates responsible small-scale mining and offers proven reserves data to small-scale miners to lower illegal activity. The party pledges to "enhance the protection of our forests and biodiversity hotspots, protect and preserve our water resources,” and "restore our forests through reforestation programs" (p. 30.).

While the NDC stresses more enforcement and land restoration, the NPP concentrates on data provision and regulation of environmental issues. While the NDC's plans could be difficult to execute successfully, the NPP's approach may lack enforcement tools.

8. Geopolitical Positioning and Global Trade Relations

Particularly in view of global dynamics like the USA-China rivalry, BRICS impact, and changing trade relations, Ghana's position in world trade and strategic alliances are absolutely vital for economic stability. Much thought should be given to the effect of the US dollar on Ghana's economy, especially considering the devaluation of the cedi. Strategic partnerships, economic resilience and stability in the face of competitive global power dynamics depend on exploring possible ways to diversify trade alliances and use regional alliances to reduce external pressures. To maximize benefits for Ghanaians, the next government must properly handle issues of global geopolitics, improve trade relations, and create economic resilience over the long-term.

Aiming to improve Ghana's trade position, the NDC seeks to re-align its international trade relations to benefit from global economic changes (NDC Manifesto, p. 161). Seeking to "reappraise the geographical representation and economic significance of our diplomatic and consular missions and establish new missions strategic," the party aims to advance Ghana's national interest (NDC Manifesto, p. 161).

With an eye toward developing Ghana's digital economy into a world-class one, the NPP intends placing the nation as "the digital hub of Africa" (p. 22). Under a Matchmaking Program, it promises to train "1,000,000 young people" in various digital skills, "venture funding and grant support for commercially viable tech projects by Ghanaian start-ups," and "live lab" opportunities to Ghanaian tech start-ups (p. 22).

Both sides have ideas for raising Ghana's world trade posture. While the NDC works on strategic trade realignment, the NPP stresses digital leadership. While the NDC's approach could have difficulties being executed, the NPP might ignore more general geopolitical issues.

9. Response to Global Security Challenges

Global conflicts including the Russia-Ukraine war have wide-ranging consequences including disturbances in food security, energy supplies, and trade on the Ghanaian economy. Ghana has to create plans to guarantee national security and lessen these effects. To lower reliance on erratic world markets, a competent government will have policies for improving national security, diversifying energy sources, and ensuring food supplies.

The NDC intends to strengthen national security to lessen the effects of world events including the Russia-Ukraine war on Ghana's economy and security (NDC Manifesto, p. 148). Particularly safeguarding its proposed "24- Hour Economy Policy," the NDC aims to equip all security agencies to effectively execute their mandate towards ensuring the well-being, personal safety and security in Ghana (NDC Manifesto, pp. 148, 149).

The NPP emphasizes economic resilience, noting that despite world problems, they have been able to keep a reasonable rate of growth (NPP Manifesto, p. 4.). The party argues that their ability to withstand global security threat positions them as "problem-solving and selfless with bold solutions for jobs and businesses (p. 14)." Through "Flat Rate for all importers, expanded Gold-For-Oil Program (G4O), and the use of Electric Vehicles (EV) for public transportation," the NPP intends to increase "the production" and preservation "of staple foods," provide affordable housing, and reduce public transportation cost (p. 24).

Both sides admit issues of world security. While the NDC suggests improving the security machinery, the NPP emphasizes economic resilience. While the NDC's plans may suffer with quick deployment difficulties, the NPP's approach could lack thorough security measures.

10. Youth Engagement and Empowerment

Ghana's future mostly depends on the involvement and empowerment of its young population. Many young people, however, lack opportunities for meaningful participation and feel cut-off from the political process. A forward-looking government should emphasize youth empowerment by means of political inclusion, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.

With an eye toward youth employment and empowerment, the NDC intends to carry out the "Adwumawura Program," which would help "the creation, tracking, and mentoring of at least 10,000 businesses annually" (NDC Manifesto, pp. 19, 123). Through the "Youth in Seafaring, Professional Services Hub, Jobs Abroad Program, and Jobs in Agribusiness initiatives," the NPP seeks to train 1,000,000 young people in digital skills and generate jobs in sectors including construction, industrialization, and agribusiness (NPP Manifesto, pp. 19, 53, 64, 66). Both sides suggest strong youth involvement plans. While the NDC is on entrepreneurship, the NPP stresses digital skills training. While the NDC's programs could be challenging to track and maintain, the NPP's approach may be too limited in scope.

11. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Awareness and Advancement

Artificial intelligence is fast changing all aspects of life. If the next government sets Ghana to use these developments to raise output, quality of service, and employment creation, it will be beneficial. Policies stressing investment in artificial intelligence research and development, build local capacity in AI technologies (by means of adaptation and reskilling), and create ethical frameworks for its application will help Ghanaians most definitely.

The NDC Manifesto, pp. 3, 16, states, "leverage AI and other technologies to create more robust, transparent, and responsive fiscal management systems." By training a million people to offer various services in the digital eco-system and to establish and re-develop regional digital centers and zonal ICT parks, coupled with the Digital Jobs Initiative, the NDC intends to turn Ghana into a "hub for innovation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity in Africa" (NDC Manifesto, p. 19). By means of its "GHForms," which will present a "digital solution to automate all government forms and streamline public services, enhance efficiency, reduce paperwork, and improve citizens' experience," the party also intends to promote e-government services (p. 83).

For research and training of young Ghanaians, the NPP plans to build a National Robotics, Engineering, and AI Lab (NPP Manifesto, p. 22). The party intends to offer "Digital Residency (e-Residency)," "a 5-Year Digital Nomad Visa and Work Permit," "for businesses and individuals in tech firms, to register and operate from within Ghana, and increase internet penetration to over 90%," and "a Digital Ambassador whose role will be to develop new external markets for Ghanaian digital talent and products, and facilitate the export of same" (p. 23).

Both sides see artificial intelligence's value. While the NDC stresses on including artificial intelligence into government, the NPP stresses on education and training. While the NDC's integration into governance could be complicated and demand major investment, the NPP's educational emphasis may have less general relevance. Conclusion The NPP and NDC manifestos offer all-encompassing plans tackling important Ghanaian challenges. Particularly in the digital economy and infrastructure, the NPP's approach is distinguished by continuity and sector-focused solutions. But it frequently depends on private-sector alliances, which could restrict direct government control and might not adequately solve more general systemic issues.

With creative programs across many sectors, the NDC presents a wide, aspirational set of reforms addressing structural challenges. Although the NDC's recommendations cover a larger spectrum of issues and are inclusive, they might run across major challenges with funding, resource allocation, and pragmatic implementation.

The capacity of each party to carry out these ideas within the political and financial reality of Ghana spanning a four-year term will ultimately determine their degree of effectiveness. Voters have to balance these elements and choose which party's policies best fit their vision for Ghana's future and offer the most benefit for them over the four-year political term.