POWERING GROWTH THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

fixed the legacy power crisis by increasing power generation by 240 percent from 1,810 MW to 4,292 MW

adequate and reliable fuel supplies for power generation by establishing the one-billion-dollar Atuabo Gas processing plant and the Ghana Gas Company

a modernized and expanded distribution and transmission infrastructure, giving Ghana the strongest and best-connected grid system in the sub-region.

increased oil production through significant upstream exploration and development investments, leading to three producing oil and gas fields

value addition and product access by revamping and modernising BOST, GOIL, and TOR; The failed NPP government has supervised the near collapse of the energy sector through the mismanagement of critical funds, ineptitude, uncontrolled corruption, nepotism, and state capture. As a result, the energy sector is presently engulfed with suffocating debt, declining oil production, increasing transmission and distribution inefficiencies. These challenges threaten Ghana’s economy and have the potential to plunge the nation back into the dreaded “dumsor crisis” if not addressed.

restructure and realign both operative and regulatory agencies to enhance sector efficiency, transparency, accountability, and governance where necessary

develop an Energy Sector Strategic Framework to integrate the energy and power subsectors

review, and enforce the cash waterfall mechanism ensuring Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) promptly passes on the appropriate share of revenue to upstream providers

ring-fence ESLA funds for their intended purposes; and

improve professionalism across the sector.

implement an energy transition strategy that will augment thermal and hydro power production with nuclear and other renewable energy sources like solar, wind, biogas, waste-to-energy, and other off-grid energy systems such as mini-hydropower production (e.g. Juale, Pwalugu and Pra), optimizing the flexibility and adaptability of our power system and supporting planned special production zones while reducing our carbon footprint

optimize the economic and environmental sustainability of our thermal sector by investing in the right gas-fired technologies and phasing out inappropriate technologies; and

eliminate power wastage through public education and revised building codes. 4.1.2.2 Transmission We will commence a programme to upgrade, modernize, and expand the National Inter-Connected Transmission System at a measured pace in line with the national transmission plan through the following actions:

upgrade, modernize and expand the 161kV and the 330 kV transmission networks to optimize transmission efficiency and reduce losses

construct additional bulk supply points to enhance supply quality, reliability, and flexibility

strengthen market oversight capacity for the West Africa Power Pool System which coordinates cross-border sales of electricity

build transmission sub-stations in Juale in the Oti Region to enhance transmission; and Source: https://hasmangh.com/portfolio/ameri-power-plant-250mw-2/

modernise the Yendi substation and link the transmission line from Yendi to the Bolgatanga substation to complete the western corridor loop. 4.1.2.3 Distribution To work towards achieving sustainable and affordable universal access by 2028, starting with designated special production zones, we will

initiate the LIGHT UP GHANA Project to support the 24-hour Economy by: a. resuming the universal street lighting programme to extend daily productive and social activities and enhance public safety; b. using indigenous engineering firms to develop street lighting infrastructure; c. ring-fencing Energy Sector Levies, national budget allocations and financial and technical resources to fund LIGHT UP GHANA; and d. protecting street lighting infrastructure by engaging MMDAs and local entrepreneurs and developing appropriate insurance schemes

ensure massive investments in the distribution sector to enhance the capacity and also improve the technical and operational efficiency of the utilities

create opportunities and empower local entrepreneurs to participate in the retail of electricity by installing smart boundary meters to ensure accountability and transparency

eliminate bottlenecks associated with electricity connectivity and the acquisition of meters particularly for new customers easier

reduce aggregate technical, commercial and collection losses

review the electricity tariff structure to ensure affordable and cost-effective outcomes

standardize smart metering and lighting systems and eliminate procurement system chaos; and

review the electricity tariff structure to promote domestic and industrial use.

cheap power to drive productivity, especially in the growth and job-creating priority sectors - Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Culture-Arts-Tourism

appropriate industrial fuels for the transportation sector; and

foreign exchange through the export of increasingly value-added products. The Oil and Gas sector is in decline because exploration, appraisal, and development have nearly collapsed. Private interests have dislodged the national interest through unprofessional, transactional, greed-driven, arbitrary, and opaque policymaking, regulation, and management. This has collapsed investor confidence and demoralized and weakened sector institutions. The task of the next four years is to reverse these trends. The NDC Government will

reinstate the long-term national interest rather than private transactional profitability as the organizing principle of the sector

increase targeted exploration activities to establish new reserves by rebuilding investor confidence through policy and regulatory clarity, consistency, predictability, transparency, and governance and attract world-class investors

innovate multi-field development systems that optimise development infrastructure and allow profitable production of otherwise marginal fields; and

fully domesticate the non-revenue benefits of the industry for Ghanaians (e.g. transfer of technologies, development of fleets of Ghanaian oil and gas businesses, and increased “local content” in sector procurement) by re-instating the role of the National Oil Company as a national centre of excellence and by reviewing relevant laws and policies to align with our objectives.

review the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Act 2005 (as amended by act 691) to ensure that Petroleum Service Providers (PSPs) are appropriately regulated

establish stringent governance and managerial competence guidelines to enhance decision-making and operational efficacy within the sector

develop and implement a Premix Fuel Management policy involving the landing beach committees to ensure equitable and transparent distribution; and

leverage private investments to revitalise Tema Oil Refinery and expand its operations. 4.1.4.2 Enhancement of security of petroleum product installations We will

ensure security of petroleum products installations across the country and implement comprehensive 24-hour security measures for improved integrity and safety; and

establish a guaranteed and structured foreign exchange allocation policy for the petroleum downstream sector and review the opaque ‘gold-for-oil’ scheme to ensure sufficient and predictable supply of foreign exchange. 4.1.4.3 Infrastructure and Supply Chain Enhancements We will, through the Petroleum Infrastructure Master Plan:

aggressively develop, modernise and expand petroleum products delivery infrastructure to enhance security of fuel supply, consistency and timely distribution of products supply at stable prices

initiate the development of an alternative mooring facility in collaboration with the private sector to address the current operational and supply security vulnerabilities associated with the SPM facility’s monopolistic status

bring on board multiple CBMs and provide additional attack boats to make Ghana a petroleum hub in Africa

upgrade the road infrastructure within and surrounding petroleum storage facilities and Tema Industrial Area to facilitate smoother operations and minimize supply disruptions

expand and develop new Inland Jetties at Akosombo/Debre and Buipe, new pipelines, LNG import and export terminals, and rail transportation of fuel to Kumasi and beyond; and

establish the Keta Port (that has seen only a signpost since the appointment of a director five years ago) as a complementary petroleum products delivery hub. 4.1.4.4 LPG Promotion We will:

actively boost domestic LPG use by relaunching the Rural LPG Promotion Programme and ensuring a sustainable supply of LPG to Ghanaian homes

review the Cylinder Recirculation Model through extensive stakeholder consultations for equitable access to market opportunities by all stakeholders

augment local manufacturing capacities for LPG cylinders including retooling the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company; and

reduce tariffs on domestic LPG to make it more affordable.

embark on a US$10 billion accelerated infrastructural plan to drive job creation

undertake an inventory and review of all uncompleted and abandoned government infrastructure projects across all sectors and complete and equip critical uncompleted structures in order of priority and feasibility

promote comprehensive reforms for equitable, efficient, and transparent land management and use by; a. reviewing the 1999 National Land Policy and establish a Presidential Commission to develop policies for affordable access to land and resources for infrastructure projects; b. establishing related Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) for use by all land-related, spatial, and geographic information decision-makers, service providers, and other users; c. develop a comprehensive National Land Information Database of customary landowners; d. establish viable, self-financing, and electronic system-based Customary Land Secretariats under the administration of trained professionals and competent staff; e. facilitate the compulsory survey and registration of all unregistered customary lands; f. resolve the vexed issue of expropriated Ga-Dangme lands by setting up a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate conflicting judgments of our Superior Courts of coordinate jurisdiction over Ga-Dangme lands that have resulted in overlapping land boundaries plotted at the Lands Commission; g. ensure the effective implementation of Citizens’ Service Delivery Charter for registration of title to land within 30 working days and registration of transfer/assignment and mortgage within 20 working days in the Greater Accra Region; h. review the policy of allocation of state and vested lands at below-market prices; i. consider new management arrangements with original landowners and unauthorized occupants on state-acquired and vested lands on a case-by-case basis; j. promote the establishment of licenced and unarmed Land Security Firms; k. safeguard the land right of women and youth and promote their access to land; l. monitor and curb corruption in land acquisition for both domestic and commercial purposes and large-scale land transactions; THE PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO, 2024 m. encourage the MMDAs and the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) to partner the Ghana Institute of Planners, Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LISAG), and the Ghana Institution of Surveyors in the preparation of planning schemes and surveying services at negotiated concessionary rates; and n. mandate all government institutions and organisations to survey, register and secure state-acquired and occupied lands under them to prevent encroachment

restructure the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) and consolidate the administration of additional infrastructure development Funds; and

mobilise and train young people to participate in labour-intensive infrastructure development projects to facilitate job creation.

provide potable water to communities near freshwater sources

expand and extend water distribution networks in urban centres to meet rising demand

equip the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Army to provide potable water to rural communities, first to those close to freshwater bodies

construct Water Retention and Detention Reservoirs in flood prone communities to reduce the perennial flooding and for irrigation and other purposes

construct and improve drainage systems in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Koforidua and other flood prone cities and towns areas

construct water storage facilities (reservoirs) to store rain and pipe borne water

upgrade existing water supply systems and replace overaged pipes to improve and ensure adequate water supply supported by solar powered energy in rural communities without electricity

upgrade existing systems with solar-powered technology in rural areas lacking electricity

implement borehole projects through public-private partnerships (PPPs) focusing on deep drilling for clean water sources

enhance urban water supply by transporting quality water from the Volta basin to treatment facilities, benefiting communities across catchment areas; and

construct, rehabilitate, and expand water supply systems to guarantee sustainable and equitable access to clean and safe water for all communities including: a. Ho and surrounding catchment areas, including the Sogakope Trans-Boundary system and Ho, Kpeve, and Hohoe systems b. Tamale and surrounding catchment regions. c. Yendi, Sang, and surrounding catchment regions. d. Savelugu, Pong Tamale, Diare, and surrounding areas 4.2.2.2 Rural Water Supply and Distribution To achieve universal rural water coverage by 2030, the NDC proposes to:

convert the Community Water and Sanitation Agency into Community Water Company Limited (CWCL) to enhance service delivery and sustainability

rehabilitate and convert rural groundwater systems to solar mechanized systems and construct new systems in underserved communities

utilize scientific data to implement groundwater, dam, rainwater, and floodwater harvesting systems appropriate for local conditions

reduce water costs through strategic investments in storage, transmission, and distribution infrastructure

strengthen regulatory bodies including EPA, WRC,CSIR,GWCL, and CSWA to provide regular updates on water, soil, and air quality

support sanitation and hygiene initiatives through public education and awareness programmes

build new piped schemes in deprived communities and small towns across the country; and

provide boreholes for areas without potable water with emphasis on deeper drilling to clean water tables especially in galamsey areas.

constructing dams in Northern Ghana to manage floodwaters from the Bagre Dam, safeguarding agriculture and infrastructure

ensuring coordinated water management to prevent flooding from Akosombo Dam spillage

developing the Nasia Nabogu and Pwalugu multi-purpose dam to support all-year-round agricultural needs

building water retention and detention ponds in flood-prone cities for flood control and irrigation

repairing and maintaining drainage systems such as those on the Odaw River to sustainably manage water resources

empowering local governments to desilt drains regularly, especially before the rainy season

constructing storm drainage systems in critical urban areas to mitigate flood risks

installing culverts on major roads to improve water flow during rainy seasons

supporting the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority to expand and upgrading irrigation systems nationwide; and

establishing solar-powered irrigation channels to support small, medium, and large-scale farming initiatives.

make Ghana the aviation hub of ECOWAS for passengers and freight by: a. developing the aviation refuelling depot for the region; b. establishing certified Maintenance Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) Stations at the Tamale and Ho airports; c. promoting the establishment of training and educational institutions for technical, administrative and service jobs in the industry; d. promoting the growth of businesses that provide ancillary services within the aviation industry; e. creating the most competitive environment for local and international airlines to expand their fleet and routes into other emerging markets within the ECOWAS region and beyond; and

carry out a non-aeronautical estate business development of the airport lands in Accra and at all the other regional airports with full participation of the private sector under an Airport City Precinct Development Scheme. 4.2.4.3 Rail Transportation We will:

revamp the Western Corridor rail line in partnership with the private sector to transport bulk cargo and passengers by rail to the major towns along the western corridor and to the port for shipment

progressively reconstruct and upgrade the Eastern Corridor rail line to the nodal town of Kumasi and extend the two corridors to the north for both freight and passenger services with the active participation of the private sector

provide inner-city light rail sub-urban services as an integral part of the western and eastern corridor lines in Kumasi and Takoradi; and

roll out the Inner-City Light Rail System in Accra using the Nkrumah Circle as Central Point as shown below: a. Circle to Dodowa b. Circle to Kasoa c. Circle - Koforidua -Nsawam THE PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO, 2024 d. Circle to Tema e. Circle to Aburi f. Circle to Korle Bu 4.2.4.4 Maritime & Inland Water Transportation The maritime sector in Ghana has significant potential for development and plays a crucial role in the economy. The sector contributes directly to economic growth by facilitating trade and commerce, boosting tourism and recreation, and providing other blue economy opportunities. To this end, the next NDC Government will:

partner the private sector to upgrade and modernise the port terminals in Tema and Takoradi as grain transhipment hubs for West Africa

re-structure the management of the seaports of Tema and Takoradi to embrace the land lock port concept

re-structure the Tema Shipyard and Dry Dock with private sector participation and partner with technical schools to develop skills in ship building and repair to equip Ghanaians with the needed skills for the industry

re-organize, develop and sustain transit trade with GPHA’s involvement in the provision of security in the corridor and the elimination of all forms of barriers and harassments

partner the private sector to upgrade and modernize the Tema Dry Bulk Terminal with conveyor systems and silos for the efficient handling of dry bulk cargo in the Tema port

partner the private sector to develop and operate the Port of Keta in the Volta Region to facilitate economic opportunities in Oti, Volta, Northern, and some parts of the Savannah regions

modernize, upgrade and develop the oil berth in the Port of Tema with the involvement of the private sector for efficient handling of liquid and petroleum products

establish a state-of-the-art training facility with up-to-date simulators to train marine craft pilots, crane operators and port machinery and equipment for the West African sub-region

partner with the private sector to build desalinated water plants for supply to ships

reduce the cost of doing business in the ports by reviewing the governing laws, duties, levies and taxes

liaise with the Ministry of Finance to fix the exchange rate periodically in respect of the calculation of customs duties to provide certainty to the business community

dredge the Volta Lake and other large rivers to introduce suitable vessels for freight and passenger river transport through a multimodal transport system along our rivers

recapitalize the VLTC as a subsidiary entity under the GPHA with a mandate to provide efficient, safe, reliable and sustainable River Transport Services in Ghana for the haulage of cargo and passengers along our rivers

develop and construct fishing landing sites and ports along the Volta Lake and other major fish landing sites along the coastline; and

review the operations of the maritime sector to reduce the cost of doing business through our seaports as a ship-owner, shipper, and port operator to keep our seaports competitive and efficient within the sub-region.

Eastern Corridor: Tema-Asikuma-Hohoe-Damanko-Bimbilla-Yendi-Nakpanduri Kulungugu

Western Corridor: Elubo- Enchi-Sunyani- Wa- Hamile

Upper Corridor: a. Pulmakom-Bawku- Bolga- Tumu – Wa; b. Tamale -Yendi; c. Tamale - Daboya - Busunu – Sawla – Chache; d. Sakoo- Nakpanduru -Bunkpurugu; e. Yendi, Saboba, Waapuli, Cheriponi; f. Nkwanta-Kpaasaa; g. facilitate the construction of trauma centres, clinics, rest stops and other social amenities along the corridors of a) Accra–Kumasi, (b) Accra-Takoradi–Elubo, (c) Accra-Aflao, (d) Kumasi-Techiman-Bolgatanga, (e) Tema-Afienya-Ho, (f) Kumasi-Anwiankwanta

carry out a non-aeronautical estate business development of the airport lands in Accra and at all the other regional airports with full participation of the private sector under an Airport City Precinct Development Scheme.

re-design and construct the outer ring roads in the following cities to ease traffic flow: Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Sunyani, and Techiman

re-design and progressively construct the inner ring roads in all regional capitals to ease traffic flow

reduce the cost of transport services as well as eliminate speed ramps on trunk roads which are a major cause of road damage and loss of lives

re-design and construct the following Inter-Regional Roads (IRR): a. Aburi-Nsawam – Adeiso – Bawjiase - Agona Swedru – Mankessim; b. unkpurugu – Nakpanduri – Walewale – Wiasi – Wa; c. Berekum - Sampa-Banda Ahenkro-New Longoro-Kintampo-Prang; d. Agogo – Dukusen – Anyinofi – Seneso – Atebubu; e. Busunu-Daboya -Yagaba -Fumbisi -Sandema- Chuchuliga; f. Keta - Denu - Ho – Have – Kpando – Worawora – Dambai; g. Sefwi Wiawso – Yametwa – Nkrankwanta – Dormaaa Ahenkro; h. Charibouri – Bunbunu; i. Kumasi – Anwiankwanta – Cape Coast; and j. Asikuma – Anum – Dzemeni. 4.2.5.1 Road Bypasses We will conduct feasibility studies to explore the provision of bypasses at Mankessim, Tarkwa, Yendi, Walewale, Hohoe, and Kpando to facilitate long-haul traffic and encourage transit trade. 4.2.5.2 Critical Bridges The following bridges will be systematically constructed on the various links:

Pra River on Sekyere Debiso - Sekyere Obuasi Road, Ashanti Region

White Volta at Daboya on Busunu - Mankarigu -Yagaba road

Koukombou River at Yawgu on Chereponi - Ghana/Togo Border

White Volta River on Juanayili - Pusiga Road, Northern Region

Oti River at Saboba on Saboba - Ghana/Togo Border

White Volta River on Bimbilla - Nakpali Road, Northern Region

White Volta River at Nawuni on Tamale - Mankarigu - Yagaba road

Black Volta River at Dikpe on Lawra-Ghana/Burkina Border, Upper West Region

Pra River at Awisam in the Central Region

Volta River at Dambai in the Oti Region

Volta River on Adawso - Ekyiamanfrom Road, Eastern Region

Volta River on Yeji - Makango Road, Bono East/Northern Regions; and

Volta River at Kwadwokrom on Kete Krachi - Atebubu Road, Bono East/Oti. 4.2.5.3 Road Safety We will:

plan, develop and implement road safety policies and programmes within the broad framework of road safety management encompassing pre-crash interventions, crash interventions and post-crash interventions

partner with the private sector to construct Trucking/Driver Centres along major Road Traffic Crash (RTC) prone corridors, such as Kintampo and Winneba to provide decent overnight accommodation

promote intelligent transport systems infrastructure as a tool for enhancing road safety and efficiency in transportation planning and management

license mechanical workshops to install speed limiters on long-distance commercial vehicles

enhance DVLA’s technical and infrastructure capacity and equip them accordingly for professional driver testing and certification

make road safety audits mandatory for urban and trunk roads during rehabilitation and development

initiate plans to revamp the Neoplan Assembly Plant for the production of both intercity and urban buses with at least 50 percent of all annual state-owned transport operator’s fleet replacement being allocated to Neoplan Assembly Plant

upgrade existing Bus/Trotro/Taxi Terminals & Construct Functional Terminals

upgrade major existing transport terminals in the capital including Madina, Achimota, Kaneshie, Korle Bu, Circle, Pokuase, Dansoman, and Dodowa; and

construct bus terminals especially in cities to include options for park and ride to encourage commuters to patronize bus services. RESETTING GHANA MANIFESTO, 2024 THE PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO, 2024 4.2.5.4 Regularisation of “Okada” We will regularise the transport of passengers and goods by commercial motorcycles known as Okada and tricycles for improved safety, job security, and welfare for riders.

partner with private property developers including GREDA to promote the construction of low-cost and mid-market housing targeting public sector workers; 2. partner both local and international actors to provide affordable and decent homes for the vulnerable in both rural and urban communities

review the Rent Act, 1962, Act 220 to introduce standardization in residential housing and enforce quality control in the built environment; 4. enforce provisions of the Rent Act on payment of rent advances of not more than six months to protect the rights of tenants

establish a low-interest Rent Advance Scheme in partnership with financial institutions/banks for both formal and informal sector workers with regular incomes; 6. engage landlords, real estate investors, and tenants to review the Rent Act to provide tax incentives to landlords and real estate investors to reduce the cost of rent advance for residential and commercial purposes; and

restructure the Rent Control Unit into a Ghana Rent Authority to effectively implement the new Rent Act in the interest of tenants and landlords. 8. operationalise the LI (2016) of the Disability Act, on disability access to public places in the built environment.

introduce a ‘RESTORE GHANA INITIATIVE’ to: a. deal with the issue of galamsey-impacted lands and water bodies through a comprehensive land and water-based rehabilitation and pollution control programme; and b. reclaim and convert impacted land into viable agricultural farmlands.

increase the National Forest Plantation cover through creative measures, including mandating timber concessionaires to rehabilitate degraded forest lands as part of their corporate social responsibilities and actively promote the engagement of women and youth from the fringe communities to rehabilitate degraded forest land

undertake a comprehensive review of the state of the forest reserves of Ghana, including the Achimota forest, and implement measures to reduce the unsustainable exploitation of forests

promote community-based ecotourism to increase nature conservation, environmental awareness, job creation, income generation, poverty alleviation and domestic tourism

offer stimulus packages and incentives to companies along the timber value chain to add value and improve the quality of production for add value for both export and domestic markets

set up a technical Timber Product Development team with the requisite expertise to develop new products and product diversification

maintain our forest reserves as healthy and resilient ecosystems to support habitat for wildlife, carbon sequestration and opportunity for outdoor recreation

increase forest reserve patrolling and enforcement measures in critical forest areas, supported by improved staffing, staff training, transportation and communications

establish a new Plantation Division within the Forestry Commission to focus on forest plantations development

promote agriculture co-operatives at the district level for seedlings production

establish Zonal Timber Markets in partnership with private investors for wood processing, marketing and sales for both the domestic markets and for export; and

implement comprehensive climate action policies by promoting renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation for a green future.

re-categorize mining in Ghana into small-scale (SSM), medium scale (MSM), and large-scale (LSM), each with tailored regulatory, operational, environmental, and safety requirements

promote sustainable SSM as a profitable and responsible business especially for young people by enforcing regulations and applying state-of-the-art technology, including AI, to track all excavators and geo-fence all SSM concessions in Ghana

ensure that mining operations are not conducted in unapproved areas, such as water bodies, and that the concession holders rehabilitate impacted areas

facilitate the setting up of mining equipment pools in each small-scale mining district, to ensure easy and affordable access to necessary mining equipment

enhance the capacity of the Minerals Commission to facilitate gold trade, provide mining support services, and ensure efficiency and sustainability in mining operations and to regulate the sector

facilitate equipment financing and mining input, research and standardization, gold recovery optimization, and post-mining land reclamation services

strengthen the capacity of mining regulatory institutions to ensure efficient and effective regulatory operations with quick turnaround times and to engage with stakeholders effectively

amend and strengthen the laws and regulations governing the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) to include clear guidelines and strict transparency measures for investing mineral revenue

provide a predictable regulatory regime and build confidence for local and foreign investors

collaborate with local and foreign partners to invest in National Minerals Mapping, particularly for mapping and developing lithium and other critical mineral deposits in Ghana

decentralise regulatory and licensing processes for artisanal miners and implement a ‘Tree for Life’ reforestation policy (with cocoa, palm and rubber) and a Blue Water Initiative to heal and harness the environment by turning areas degraded by illegal mining into hubs of economic and ecological recovery.

introduce a system of offset programmes that sets aside part of the royalties due to the government for direct leverage on infrastructure development in mining areas

work with industry stakeholders to revamp the local goldsmithing and jewellery subsector to increase value addition and global competitiveness

promote the production of branded coins and other artefacts; and build the capacity of goldsmiths and jewellery makers to effectively participate in the process.

set up a Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) to regulate the small-scale mining sector. This board will restructure the small-scale mining sector

abolish the Community Mining system which is highly partisan, exclusive and defeatist of its own purpose, and establish Artisanal Small-scale mining Cooperatives (ASMCs) for community members interested artisanal small-scale mining

abolish VAT on mineral exploration; and

develop special regulatory policies for the development of our critical minerals to ensure improved benefit for our country. 4.3.2.2 Salt Mining The next NDC government will:

establish the Ghana Salt Development Authority (GSDA) with the mandate to regulate the development, mining and export of salt from our entire coastline

facilitate investment by the Minerals Commission to reinvest in the natural Salt Basins at Ada, Keta, Saltpond and Elmina to expand capacity

create vibrant local community cooperatives in the salt industry through the provision of technology, ponds, pumps etc. to create the needed jobs for the youth

provide the needed infrastructure including roads and utilities to serve as an attraction for big enterprise exploration along the coast, develop virgin locations and expand existing ones to increase production; and

create market access for Ghana’s salt through the facilitation of bilateral level agreements with neighbouring countries such as Nigeria and Mali. 4.3.2.3 Industrial Minerals Development We will:

promote the exploitation of and value addition to mineral deposits, such as limestone, kaolin, iron ore, clay, salt, lithium, aluminium sulphate, oil, and natural gas, in ways that respect the environment while ensuring sustainable development; and

attract investments into the non-agricultural raw materials sector to create jobs and stimulate economic development. 4.3.2.4 Climate Change The NDC party is mindful of the threat of climate change to Ghana’s development gains. The country’s vulnerability to climate change is marked by unpredictable rainfall patterns, droughts, perennial flooding, disasters, and deteriorating health conditions and is exacerbated by the country's reliance on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, forestry, and energy. Climate change worsens environmental degradation, increases migration, and reduces food production, thereby threatening our food security. To prevent derailment, the next NDC government will:

enact and pass a National Climate Change Law

enhance climate resilience of sensitive economy sectors, including agriculture, water resources, forestry, energy, fisheries and aquaculture, infrastructure, and tourism through targeted adaptation and resilience measures

align national efforts and policies with international efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C and collaborate with global partners to implement the same for sustainable development

facilitate the just transition to renewable energy sources

facilitate implementation of energy efficiency technologies and practices to reduce household consumption of electricity which will eventually reduce the energy budget of households

enhance Ghana’s participation in climate diplomacy for Ghana to shape global decisions in line with national interests and positions to help reduce climate change’s impact on its people's peace, security, and prosperity. 4.3.2.5 Biodiversity Conservation Healthy, biodiverse ecosystems sustain life on earth and businesses. Businesses, including pharmaceutical companies, food and agribusinesses, forestry industries, and construction and packaging sectors, use genes, species, and ecosystem services as critical inputs into their production processes. Despite nature’s value, it is deteriorating worldwide, including in Ghana. Excessive timber harvesting, slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal surface mining, uncontrolled hunting, wildfires, and wood fuel production are the most significant threats, with a decline projected to worsen under business-as-usual scenarios. The NDC government will:

protect, restore, and conserve natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, and wildlife reserves

develop a National Biodiversity Policy, aligning it with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to address biological diversity loss, restore ecosystems, and protect community rights

enact and pass a National Biodiversity Protection Law

enact a legal instrument for Access and Benefit-sharing of genetic resources and develop a digital sequence information for genetic resources

enhance Ghana’s participation in global biodiversity negotiations for Ghana to shape global decisions in line with national interests and positions to help protect and conserve its biological diversity; and

support Ghana Statistical Services, NDCP, the Ministry of Finance, and the Environmental Protection Agency to integrate Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) into national wealth accounting systems to shift policies toward sustainable growth and reflect the actual state of Ghana’s GDP. 4.3.2.6 Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) diplomacy To have an ambitious and progressive position and for Ghana to assert itself as a proactive player with key influence in the MEA negotiations, the NDC government will:

enhance the role of MEA National Focal Points to ensure high-level political coordination of activities before, during, and after negotiations; and

establish clear negotiation teams for the environmental conventions, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Convention to Combat Drought and Desertification, the Plastic Convention etc. The team shall include, civil society, youth, and women.

promote investments in nanotechnology to enhance the advancement of medical imaging and treatment, radiation therapy, food irradiation, and environmental monitoring

promote the application of remote sensing to monitor changes in forest cover and detect illegal exploitation of natural resources using artificial intelligence and machine learning

ensure efficient and cost-effective waste management using AI-powered systems to reduce environmental impact and effective waste collection

promote the use technology in waste management whenever feasible, including developing alternative uses of waste plastics and e-waste management; and

support efficient waste management using AI-powered systems.

facilitate the expansion of broadband infrastructure to make high-speed broadband internet services affordable and widely available, especially in underserved areas

commence the building of National Information Highway (Ghana Broadband Network) which utilises 5G and fibre optic technologies to promote the use of the internet through public-private partnerships

enact and implement a Critical National Infrastructure Act to regulate the laying of fibre, water pipes and electricity lines alongside road construction

develop a Digital Ghana Master Plan (DGMP) to cover all aspects of ICT development

develop a National Digital Policy to regulate the deployment and usage of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence

provide license-exempt spectrum to cover communities that will otherwise not enjoy access to broadband services

establish ICT centres in underserved areas to provide shared access to computers, the internet, digital resources, and training and support services

deploy a broadband policy and strategy aimed at enhancing digital skills and facilitating online education

partner with private sector players to make internet access more affordable for low-income households through targeted subsidies, discounted data packages, or device financing schemes

collaborate with the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA) and the Ghana Internet Exchange Association to improve internet connectivity and traffic efficiency in Ghana

facilitate the development of local content and hosting services to reduce reliance on international connectivity

promote the use of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) to keep local traffic within the country to reduce latency and costs; and

implement efficient traffic management and peering arrangements to optimize network performance and reduce congestion. 4.4.2.2 Digital Innovation Funds The next NDC government shall:

establish a 50 million dollars FinTech Growth Fund to promote the growth of digital entrepreneurs and support indigenous FinTech companies

transform the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications into the Digital Economy and Innovation Development Fund to among others: a. provide financial support for innovative projects in the digital economy; b. support the entrepreneurial skills of millennials and Gen-Zs, and stimulate growth; and

leverage crypto and blockchain opportunities to advance the digital currency market. 4.4.2.3 Digital Jobs Initiative We will:

launch a ‘Digital Jobs Initiative’ in partnership with local tech start-ups and businesses to create 300,000 job employment opportunities for the youth

work with the private sector to mainstream ICT in all sectors of our national life; and

establish tech labs with the private sector to facilitate innovation and digital jobs creation. 4.4.2.4 Promoting ICT and Skills Inclusion The NDC will develop a National Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology Strategy to guide ethical deployment of digital tools such as AI and emerging technologies for development. 4.4.2.5 E-Government Services We will:

introduce ‘GHForms’; a digital solution to automate all government forms and streamline public services, enhance efficiency, reduce paperwork, and improve citizens' experience

coordinate a comprehensive ICT digitalization strategy across Ministries to enable seamless data flow, promote synergies, and knowledge-sharing, and eliminate duplications to facilitate real-time monitoring and informed decision-making

support the Ghana India - Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence to implement its indigenous open-source operating system and office suite to reduce government expenditure on software licenses and foster local innovation and technology self-reliance

streamline government e-services and payment platforms to ensure financial transparency and boost e-commerce and digital trade in line with AfCFTA Protocols; and

ensure universal coverage of the Ghana Card as the national identification system for services and financial inclusion. 4.4.2.6 ICT Parks for the Zonal Belts We shall:

establish ICT parks in all zonal belts to make Ghana the African hub for innovation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity; and

partner with stakeholders to transform ICT parks such as the Dawa ICT Park into world-class centres of excellence to create jobs for the youth. 4.4.2.7 Cybersecurity To protect our national security, we will:

invest in advanced cyber security infrastructure including enhanced firewalls and encryption methods for rapid threat detection and response capabilities

build the human resource capacity for advanced cyber security threat detection, risk assessment, incidence response, and penetration detection

enhance cyber security regulations to effectively address cybercrime, data protection and digital privacy

mandate cyber security standards and compliance for critical sectors

set up ultramodern Regional Cyber Crime Units (under the Ghana Police Service); and

strengthen existing interagency coordination to combat cyberterrorism. 4.4.2.8 Supporting the FinTech Ecosystem We will undertake the following to support the growth of the FinTech ecosystem:

foster active Ghanaian participation in key sectors such as telecommunications, FinTech solutions, data governance, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, by creating capacity-building programmes, promoting local talent, and facilitating public-private collaborations

review the capital integrity requirements for non-deposit-taking Financial Technology Firms (FinTechs) and promote the role of FinTech in poverty reduction

establish a robust legal and institutional framework to facilitate the effective regulation of FinTechs; and

FinTechs and other financial institutions to opt for shared infrastructure to facilitate digitalization of operations, especially for those that lack the resources to implement digital transformation projects on their own. 4.4.2.9 Coding for Employment Programme We shall:

launch the One Million Coders Programme (‘Code Up Ghana’) Initiative to train one million young Ghanaians in digital skills, empowering them to thrive in the rapidly growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors; and

identify and support the youth to develop e-applications to support the delivery of public services. 4.4.2.10 Open Education System – (E-School) In the next NDC government, we will:

commence the Next Generation Education Initiative to enable Ghana Education Service provide basic and senior high school students access to interactive remote learning and web-based education

enhance the availability of digital learning resources for schools

provide universal internet access to facilitate digital teaching and learning

provide students and teachers access to devices that can keep them connected

develop culturally and linguistically relevant learning applications and content; and

upgrade teachers’ ICT skills through teacher training programmes. KEY EXTRACTS - POWERING GROWTH THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT 2 ensure security of petroleum products 1 review the electricity tariff installations across the country and structure to ensure implement comprehensive 24-hour affordable and security measures for improved cost-effective outcomes integrity and safety establish a low-interest Rent Advance Scheme in 3 launch a ‘Digital Jobs partnership with financial Initiative’ in partnership institutions/banks for with local tech start-ups both formal and informal and businesses to create sector workers with 300,000 job employment regular incomes opportunities for the youth. partner with the private 4 sector to develop and establish the Keta Port (that operate cruise terminals in has seen only a signpost since Tema Port, Keta, Elmina, Cape the appointment of a Coast and Takoradi to Director five years ago) as a facilitate cruise business in complementary petroleum 6 5 Ghana products delivery hub upgrade the existing urban embark on a US$10 billion water supply system and accelerated infrastructural increase urban access to plan to drive job creation piped water from 44.6 percent to 80 percent.