INVESTING IN PEOPLE FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH

the double-track system 2. spatial constraints and massive overcrowding

inadequate and irregular funding 4. high extra cost to parents

a declining quality of education 6. erratic academic calendar and insufficient contact hours

poor quantity and quality of food for school children occasioned by the centralisation of food procurement riddled with corruption and undue delays in food supply and 8. the harassment of dissenting teachers and school heads. The next NDC government will comprehensively reset our educational system in collaboration with all stakeholders. Our goal is to aggressively expand infrastructure, enhance teacher welfare and professional development, and increase investments in the sector for quality outcomes.

initiate a policy to integrate early childhood education into basic education supported by appropriate infrastructure

establish a Department for Early Childhood Development under the Ministry of Education with a special mandate to promote early childhood education

initiate a National Edu-Care Programme (NEP) to establish early child learning facilities in workspaces to support working parents

establish Ghana Pre-schools Online (GPO) to enhance literacy and numeracy education for nursery, and kindergarten children using multimedia tools

review early childhood curricula to develop a national value-based curriculum that enhances the psychomotor skills of children and equips children with basic life skills

significantly improve the pupil -to-textbook ratio

invest in comprehensive professional development programmes for early childhood educators

institutionalise and promote the use of first languages (L1) as the medium of teaching and learning in early years’ education and care

incorporate indigenous knowledge, traditions, and stories into teaching and learning materials to make learning more meaningful for children

promote the creation of digital content of supplementary early childhood learning materials; and

facilitate the introduction of courses in tertiary institutions to train early childhood facilitators.

initiate a ‘SmartStart Curriculum" for greater integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), coding and Digital Literacy and TVET into the basic education curricula

launch a ‘Furniture for All Initiative’ to address the acute deficit at the basic level in partnership with the local carpentry and furniture industry

significantly improve the pupil-to-textbook ratio through the provision of curriculum-based text books

embark on an aggressive infrastructure drive to address the increasing phenomenon of schools under trees and rehabilitate dilapidated school buildings

increase and ensure regular payment of capitation and feeding grants

promote digital literacy at the basic level by: a. providing computer facilities installed with digitized learning materials and upgrade ICT laboratories; b. promoting solar energy as the primary energy source for school facilities; and c. partner with industry and digital experts to provide voluntary service as visiting teachers to impart practical ICT knowledge and skills in schools

review curricula and assessment systems to prioritize skills acquisition and value-based education for the holistic development of each child

review the capitation grant to address existing challenges in low-cost-private schools in rural and inner-city communities

reinstate and promote the continuous teaching of indigenous languages at the basic school level to support cognitive development, foster cultural sensitivity, social cohesion, and the transfer of cultural heritage

enhance the implementation of First Language lessons policy by: a. providing scholarships to incentivise the training of more Ghanaian language teachers, especially in languages that have insufficient teachers; b. restructuring and mandating the Bureau of Ghanaian Languages (BGL) to standardise the development of Ghanaian Languages in collaboration with Ghanaian Language faculties of tertiary institutions; c. promoting scholarship and research in Ghanaian language development; d. encouraging the speaking of the Ghanaian Languages e. promoting digital content creation of first language curricula, including animations, to provide auxiliary learning materials and enhance comprehension of lessons.

abolish the double-track system to restore a stable academic calendar

extend Free SHS to cover students in private Senior High Schools.

provide a dedicated and sustainable funding source for quality secondary education by ring-fencing a percentage of our oil proceeds

embark on an emergency infrastructure drive to complete abandoned E-blocks and expand infrastructure in existing SHSs and TVET institutions

decentralise the procurement of food and other basic supplies, ensure timely food supply, and improve the quantity and quality of food for students

integrate the operations of the Free SHS Secretariat into the Ghana Education Service (GES) to efficiently implement the policy

reform secondary education curricula to integrate STEM, agriculture, vocational skills, digital literacy, civic education, design thinking, and life skills into secondary educational outcomes

introduce specialized Artificial Intelligence labs in selected secondary schools across the sixteen regions

continue our policy of provision of free laptops/tablets for SHS students

forge partnerships for the efficient delivery of secondary education, including restoring the role of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and old student associations

strengthen government partnerships with religious bodies in managing mission schools

uncap and stop the collateralisation of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to free up resources to pursue its core purpose of funding education

upgrade existing ICT laboratories and establish new ICT laboratories in Schools without same to promote digital literacy

expand digital libraries to enhance access to global teaching and learning materials for both teachers and learners

expand Science Resource Centres (SRC) across the regions to support STEM/TVET education; and

review the Computerised School Selection & Placement System (CSSPS) to address corruption in school placement, and make it merit-based.

implement a policy to upgrade selected SHSs across the sixteen regions into Grade A schools

conduct an infrastructural audit to identify gaps and invest in targeted infrastructure to enhance access and quality of education.

implement a ‘National Apprenticeship Programme’ to generate self-employment through the provision of free technical and vocational training for young people in various crafts. Trained apprentices will be issued with appropriate certification and supported with start-up capital and equipment to set up businesses. This program will be expanded to: a. include a Business Growth Apprenticeship Module, a structured mentorship/ apprenticeship links between established industries and business individuals, and TVET graduates with business ideas; and b. provide vocational training and start-up support for trainees in the informal TVET sector/artisans.

prioritise, rebrand, and increase investments in TVET as a key anchor of economic transformation

commence the establishment of regional TVET Centres of Excellence integrated with fabrication and other state-of-the-art facilities to promote innovation and simulate real work environments

promote the recognition of Prior Learning Certification (PLC)/Step-Up Certification (SEC) programme to enable artisans in the informal sector to validate and improve their skills and knowledge for academic and career progression through: 1. formalizing and awarding certificates for existing skill sets of artisans through special programmes run by relevant TVET institutions; 2. assessment and evaluation of skills programmes based on industry standards.

facilitate the establishment of MakerSpaces to foster innovation and enterprise development and provide TVET graduates with the necessary equipment to be creative.

integrate digital proficiency, such as project management software, digital marketing, generative Artificial Intelligence, and industry-specific software, into TVET delivery

provide incentive packages and other affirmative action interventions to ensure equity and inclusive participation in TVET especially for women and persons with disability

promote linkages between industries and SMEs in the manufacturing, GRATIS, and construction sectors and TVET institutions to support the implementation of workplace experiential learning initiatives

resource relevant agencies to fully implement the National TVET Qualification to promote career progression in the sector

initiate the full implementation of Competency-Based-Training

promote scholarship, research, and innovation in TVET development in the Technical Universities

enhance the image of TVET, for example, by using multimedia tools and platforms, including the film industry

promote synergies among TVET management agencies such as TVET Services, and the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (C TVET) to enhance efficiency and improved training outcomes for both formal and informal TVET

harmonise the TVET Assessment system with clear mandates for the various agencies in assessment and certification; and

establish sustainable TVET funding sources in collaboration with stakeholders. 5.1.4.1 Enterprise Development and job creation for TVET graduates In the next NDC government, we will:

develop core entrepreneurship and business development programmes as part of the Workplace Experiential Learning Programme

align the Ghana Skills Development Fund in consultation with stakeholders to support product and innovation development within government priority sectors to drive national development

promote cooperation and partnership among TVET graduates to leverage multi-skills and diverse talents for innovative product development and the sustainable funding of enterprises

design structured mentorship for TVET graduates with business ideas through the Business Growth Apprenticeship module of the National Apprenticeship Programme

provide business incubation support for TVET graduates through the proposed TVET Centres of Excellence, the TVET Markers Spaces, GRATIS and others; and

promote the fabrication and assembling of power tools in Ghana. 5.1.4.2 TVET Instructor Development We shall:

introduce TVET pedagogy in partnership with relevant Technical Universities to encourage technically skilled professionals to acquire pedagogical skills to teach in TVET institutions

build industry partnerships for continuous professional development for TVET instructors; and

expand scholarship opportunities for TVET instructors' professional development and research, and academic scholarships in TVET.

implement a ‘No-Academic-Fees’ policy for all first-year students in all public tertiary institutions

provide continuing students with financial assistance through the reintroduction and redeployment of our Student Loan Trust Fund Plus ‘SLTFP’ and a reformed scholarship regime

provide free tertiary education for all persons with disabilities

revamp the Student Loan Trust Fund to increase loan amounts based on a needs assessment and ensure prompt disbursements

promote the establishment of Tertiary Endowment Funds (TEF) in partnership with alumni, philanthropists, corporate Ghana among others to support students in public tertiary universities; and

provide trainee allowances, student loans and other diverse funding options for teacher and nurses trainees. 5.1.5.2 ‘Bed for All’- Affordable Accommodation for Tertiary Education We will implement a bed for all programme by

investing in building students' hostels and facilitate the expansion of accommodation facilities for tertiary students through PPP Schemes; and

engaging private investors in student housing to regulate accommodation prices. 5.1.5.3 Creating a New Scholarship Regime The next NDC government will introduce legislation to usher in a new era of government scholarship administration which will: implement a ‘No-Academic- Fees’ policy for all first-year revamp the Student students in all public Loan Trust Fund tertiary institutions provide free tertiary education promote the establishment of for all individuals living with Tertiary Endowment Funds disabilities (TEF) provide continuing establish a College of students with financial Education in the Afram Plains assistance through North to address professional the SLTFP teacher deficit challenges invest in building students' operationalise the National hostels and the expansion of Research Fund to support accommodation facilities for indigenous academic tertiary students through PPP research; Schemes

prohibit the award of scholarships to government officials and politically-exposed persons

streamline and realign scholarships across multiple sectors to do away with the current uncoordinated regime

align scholarships with our national development priorities

eliminate political patronage, corruption, cronyism, and nepotism in the award of government scholarships

ensure that government scholarships are reserved for the vulnerable and marginalised, on the principle of meritocracy, equity and inclusivity. 5.1.5.4 Educational Governance and Institutional Development We will:

de-collateralise the GETFUND, and restore it to its original mandate of educational financing

continue with our policy to establish public universities in every region with a focus on the newly-created regions

establish the National Research Fund to support indigenous research and promote commercialised research

increase and ensure the timely release of subventions to public tertiary institutions

empower Governing Councils of public tertiary institutions to function without external interference

regularise the affiliation relationship between universities and colleges of education to make the colleges more effective in delivering quality education through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

improve subventions to public universities; and

promote the establishment of Tertiary Endowment Funds in partnership with alumni, philanthropists and corporate Ghana. 5.1.5.5 Teacher Professional Development, Licensing and Welfare The next NDC Government will place teachers at the heart of its educational reforms. We will prioritise enhanced conditions of service, professional development, and teacher welfare through the following initiatives:

abolish the teacher licensure examination and integrate the licensing process into the final year examination of trainees

scrap the NPP’s mandatory national service for teacher trainee graduates and restore the automatic employment of newly qualified teachers

prioritise the timely promotion of teachers and ensure the availability of funds for their remuneration

institute the “Teacher Dabr3” Project to provide accommodation facilities for teachers within new school buildings

introduce a special allowance of 20 percent of basic salary for teachers who accept postings to rural and underserved communities

partner with teacher unions to initiate the Government Assisted Mortgage Scheme (GAMOS) to support teachers to own homes

collaborate with teacher unions to institute guaranteed rent loans for newly-trained graduates of Colleges of Education

initiate a scheme to assist teachers own vehicles of their choice by offering flexible duty payments arrangements and government guarantees in partnership with teacher unions and the banking sector

expand continuous professional development opportunities through scholarships, teacher-mentorship, career development programmes, and digital learning platforms for teachers; and

establish a College of Education in the Afram Plains enclave to address the acute professional teacher deficit. 5.1.5.6 Inclusive and Special Education To fully implement the Inclusive Education Policy developed by the previous NDC government, the next NDC Government will:

renovate dilapidated special schools and increase subventions to them

progressively integrate persons with disabilities into the regular education system

upgrade the Inclusive Education Resource Centre to support learners with various forms of impairments with the required aids to facilitate their learning

provide opportunities for early visual and audio screening of pupils and support children with disabilities

establish dedicated district-based support systems and resources for educators to teach children with special needs

implement a Gender and Inclusion Education Integration Plan, to address the intersectional challenges of gender, disability, and child protection

incorporate accelerated learning programmes and teaching resources to better engage and teach gifted children

promote complementary and non-formal education to enhance functional literacy and lifelong learning

enhance and resource the Islamic Education Unit under the Ghana Education Service to enable the effective recruitment of more Islamic/Arabic tutors

establish STEM and TVET schools in historically underserved zongo and poor peri-urban communities to equip young persons with the technical and vocational skills necessary for jobs

provide scholarships to brilliant but needy Muslim students, especially to study law, medicine, and engineering

support Islamic Colleges of Education with additional infrastructure and logistics to enhance their capacity to deliver quality education; and

enrol youth in Zongo and deprived urban settlements into the National Apprenticeship Programme and offer free technical and vocational education and training.

collaborate with traditional public universities to establish satellite campuses in the newly-created regions without public universities. 5.1.5.7 Professional Legal Education The next NDC Government, will embark on the following legal reforms to enhance access to professional legal education. We will:

conduct a comprehensive review of professional legal education aimed at accrediting certified law faculties to run the Professional Law Course under the supervision of the General Legal Council

facilitate the establishment of a faculty of law in the Northern Region to serve the northern sector; and

review the Legal Profession Act in consultation with stakeholders to address current challenges and emerging frontiers occasioned by technology. 5.1.5.8 Creating a New Scholarship Regime The next NDC government will introduce legislation to usher in a new era of government scholarship administration which will:

prohibit the award of scholarships to political appointees and their families

streamline and realign scholarships across multiple sectors to do away with the current uncoordinated regime

align scholarships with our national development priorities

eliminate political patronage, corruption, cronyism and nepotism in the award of government scholarships; and

ensure that government scholarships are reserved for the vulnerable and marginalised, on the principle of meritocracy, equity and inclusivity.

Bringing quality primary and specialized health services closer to the people by fully localizing healthcare delivery, health education and health research.

Preventing diseases and promoting health and wellness by improving quality of and access to comprehensive healthcare and improving patients’ rights.

Prudent management of public health emergencies and epidemics.

Improving healthcare economic efficiency for sustainable funding of health services by diversifying the sources of health financing and efficiently allocating them to priority needs.

Promoting health tourism, efficiently managing human resources and health governance to increase employment, manage migration and professional exchange.

introduce the ‘Food for Health Initiative’ to educate the public on the health and nutritional benefits of indigenous Ghanaian foods

implement a National Vector Control Programme and promote sustainable sanitation practices in collaboration with assemblies, the private sector, and the Ghana Malaria Programme, towards eradicating malaria

collaborate with research institutions to increase surveillance and monitoring of health data and produce periodic public health alerts

collaborate with scientific and industrial research institutions to provide periodic data on water, soil, and air quality, for the safety of citizens

support the development of infrastructure and spaces such as community parks to facilitate physical activities and foster a fitness culture among citizens

scale up regular screening for cervical, prostate, and breast cancer and encourage self-screening

mandate the integration of Occupational Health and Safety practices in workplaces to enhance employee well-being and a safe work environment

mainstream climate change and environmental safety activities in all health policies and implementation plans; and

embark on public health education to promote a healthy lifestyle and regular screening to mitigate health risks, and provide education on the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

review and integrate mental health into Primary Health Care

commence the establishment of a mental health hospital in the Northern sector and refurbish existing mental health hospitals

resource the Accra and Pantang Psychiatric Hospitals to enhance their capacity to provide comprehensive mental healthcare services

review the Mental Health Authority Law to expand training, recruitment, and retention of more Community Mental Health Officers (CMHOs); and

establish hotlines under the NHIS framework for individuals to access mental healthcare and e-counselling services at the district level.

encourage more public universities to establish herbal medicine research departments to increase innovation and knowledge development in the sector

mainstream research-backed herbal, traditional, and alternative medicine and practice in patient management at the district hospitals

promote local and international partnerships among herbal medicinal research institutions, and pharmaceutical industries to improve diagnostics, medicine production, and treatment

review the Ghana Health Service and Teaching Hospitals Act 1996 (Act 525) to strengthen the regulation and quality control of plant medicinal products and clinical trials for licensing; and

promote investment in modern scientific methods, technological innovations, and equipment for identifying active plant ingredients and producing safe herbal medicinal products.

develop an integrated emergency and pandemic preparedness plan that draws resources and technical expertise from relevant institutions to manage pandemics efficiently

establish robust international partnerships and research for epidemiological surveillance and strategic coordination to enhance pandemic preparedness and response.

prioritize the completion of remaining CHPS compounds under construction and build additional CHPS to ensure quality delivery of Primary Health Care (PHC) services to all rural and urban poor dwellers

make Primary Healthcare free and universally accessible to all Ghanaians in CHPS compounds, health centres, clinics, and polyclinics in the short to medium term

commence the establishment of market and transport station clinics to provide basic healthcare services for traders, passengers, drivers, and the general public

strengthen the healthcare delivery system at the sub-district level (health centres and CHPS) and scale up the network of practice and the social accountability measures at the PHC level

upgrade school sickbays into satellite clinics managed by health professionals in all boarding schools for quality 24-hour healthcare and prompt referral services to students and teachers

re-introduce the “Onuador” and the “Onipa Nua” mobile medical and dental services to serve rural areas, islands, and disadvantaged communities to bring specialist care closer to the people

partner with the private sector to establish licensed medical bureau in the district to be linked to medical facilities to improve swift access to medical information for healthcare delivery

provide information on available medical services to clients (patients) upon request and link them to specialist facilities including palliative care; and Source:Source: https://alke-ee.de/project-detay.aspx?pid=49

develop a regulatory framework to allow interested pharmaceutical outlets to attach licensed clinics (managed by healthcare professionals) to their practice for increased access to primary healthcare services in communities.

develop a health-worker migration policy framework to facilitate ethical migration of health workers, promote knowledge exchange, and regulate the impact of ‘brain drain’ on our health system

introduce ‘Risk Exposure Insurance’ for health workers to provide financial protection and support in the event of injuries, illnesses, or other risks encountered on the job

re-introduce and regulate the vehicle tax waiver scheme for health professionals

provide scholarship opportunities to at least 200 nursing tutors to pursue PhD-level education and advance their qualifications

expand access to nursing training institutions

introduce performance and evidence-based health worker and facility awards to motivate health workers and promote quality standards in health care delivery

reward healthcare workers who accept postings to rural communities and underserved areas

ensure early recruitment and deployment of health workers

develop regulatory frameworks to: a. redefine the role of Physician Assistant Health Care Professionals (Clinical Officers) in the healthcare delivery continuum; b. provide a clear career development pathway to address health personnel gaps to achieve UHC

introduce degree and specialist nursing programmes in colleges of nursing to support career advancement, and skills upgrade of nurses to meet global standards; and

maintain the payment of allowances to trainee nurses and provide them with additional funding options including student loans.

introduce a fund retention system at the CHPS level to ensure uninterrupted 24-hour service delivery at the sub-district level; 4. remove taxes and tariffs on vaccine and medical donations to public health facilities; 5. introduce a franchising policy for private health services such as laboratory, dental, eye, and pharmaceutical services to operate within public hospitals, based on best practice models; 6. increase allocation of the total government health budget to primary healthcare including the deprived districts and sub-district levels

establish an equipment-leasing framework, and review the current system of procurement of medical consumables for efficiency; 8. establish an equipment-leasing policy, and review the current system of procurement of medical consumables; 9. legislate for and assign a percentage of national revenue from established and new extractive fields to the national health insurance fund; and 10. legislate for and assign a percentage of the National Insurance Commission motor insurance premium to the national health insurance fund to cater for road traffic accident victims and for accident vehicle recovery. 5.2.7.1 Franchising policy for health service delivery in public facilities We shall introduce a franchising policy to allow private health businesses to provide services including laboratory, dental, eye, and pharmaceutical services within public hospitals, based on best practice models. 5.2.7.2 Strengthening Health Service Delivery Systems We will:

provide incentives and encourage investment in local production of medical equipment such as thermometers, BP apparatuses, hospital beds, and drip stands

establish Central Bed and Emergencies Management Bureaus in all three geographical belts (Southern, Middle, and Northern) to respond to health emergency needs and address referral challenges such as ‘no-bed-syndrome’

enact a law to govern biomedical transplantation such as kidney transplants to protect the rights of patients, ensure affordability, and local provision of such services

develop a centralised health information management system to share patient data across hospitals in compliance with the Data Protection Act

license and regulate the private sector to build and operate facilities for home care, chronically ill persons, and end-of-life care services

scale up the telehealth and existing telemedicine projects, including tele-consultation and tele-education to all regions to better connect patients at all levels to health advisory consultation services for timely and effective referrals

establish a Patient (Client) Protection Council (PPC) that regulates standards and norms for health service delivery, and research to protect patients' and practitioners' rights

support the formation of a Medical Laboratory Council to promote the welfare and professional development of practitioners

support the local production of laboratory diagnostics

establish a National Laboratory Proficiency Testing Centre

establish one zonal Public Laboratory in the Volta region and upgrade the four existing zonal laboratories

upgrade selected district, regional, and other certified private hospitals to specialist teaching institutions to enhance the clinical training of health professionals; and

establish a College of Allied Health Sciences as a post-graduate professional institute to promote specialist training and continuous professional development for allied health workers.

set up a Council for Allied Health Sciences

initiate plans to set up a School of Biomedical Sciences and Post Graduate Biomedical Research Institute to provide full professional development programmes for all the healthcare areas.

collaborate with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana to implement the Ghana

Pharmaceutical Sector Strategic Plan

initiate the establishment of a National Bio-Equivalence Centre and a Pharmaceutical Research Institute

provide support to local pharmaceutical companies to expand the production of pharmaceuticals, including essential medicines and vaccines, as part of the 24-hour economy initiatives to reduce dependence on imports

promote the integration of pharmaceutical manufacturing programmes into relevant tertiary education curricula

provide support to local pharmaceutical companies as was initiated in 2015 to expand production of pharmaceuticals including vaccines within the 24-hour economy programme; and

Support the Pharmaceuticals Society of Ghana with incentives to make Ghana a Pharma Hub in Africa. 5.2.8.1 Repositioning Ghana as a Medical Tourism Hub The next NDC government will maximize the nation’s tourism gains by diversifying our tourism to include health tourism to expand employment opportunities and increase foreign exchange earnings. We will achieve this through improved inter-sectoral partnerships, expanded health infrastructure and systems, strategic branding, and enhanced service delivery. We will:

select, equip, and retool health tourism facilities to meet international standards and attract clients/patients

improve the country’s tertiary and quaternary-level hospitals to boost health tourism

rebrand health professionals and facilities to market Ghana in the medical tourism space within the West Africa sub-region

train health professionals in specialists and sub-specialist skills for selected tertiary and quaternary facilities to manage critical conditions such as cancers, orthopaedic, neurology, cardiovascular, organ harvesting and transplant, beauty plastic surgery, etc.

motivate investors to develop attractive and competitive hospitality facilities near medical facilities

strengthen partnerships with health facilities in the sub-region and promote linkages in the referral system for increased utilization of specialist services in medical facilities; and

transform the Volta region into a medical tourism hub by upgrading health infrastructure and building linkages between auxiliary infrastructure such as hospitality facilities and the Ho airport for transporting patients. 5.2.8.2 Expanding Healthcare Delivery Infrastructure The next NDC government will complete abandoned ongoing health infrastructure projects, upgrade selected specialist hospitals, and focus on the following health delivery infrastructure:

complete prioritised abandoned and ongoing health infrastructure projects

upgrade key specialist hospitals including the Afari Hospital (Military Hospital in Kumasi) and the Police Hospital expansion project in Accra

commence plans towards the rebuilding of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital as an additional ultra-modern quaternary specialist hospital to reduce medical care and training abroad

upgrade the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) into a full Teaching Hospital and link it to the College of Physicians and Surgeons for specialist training

refurbish the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to meet the standards of an ultra-modern teaching Hospital

expand Ho Teaching Hospital into a specialist hospital

commence the building of Specialist and Trauma Hospital in the Oti Region to respond to emergencies on the eastern corridor road

establish a modern dialysis centre in the northern sector of the country

upgrade the Navrongo War Memorial Hospital to facilitate the training of doctors

commence plans for the establishment of a medical school in Bono Region and operationalise the Sunyani Regional Hospital as a teaching site

reconstruct the La General Hospital

expand the capacity of the National Ambulance Training School to produce more paramedical staff

commence the establishment of a Post-Graduate College for Biomedical Sciences and other allied professions in health in the Western part of the country

construct a state- of-the -art 500-bed Specialist Children’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Accra

build an ultra-modern hospital in Bawku, Yendi and other towns based on a needs assessment

establish a medical school school withinthe former Brong Ahafo region(Bono,Bono East and Ahafo) and operationalise the Sunyani Regional hospital as one of the teaching sites;and

complete the establishment od additional campuses for the University of health and Allied Sciences in keta ad Battor.

strengthen the legal and policy framework for the political inclusion of women and other underrepresented groups

implement the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 passed by Parliament; a. pass a Legislative Instrument to the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024; b. support institutions such as Parliament, Judiciary, Security Agencies, Political Parties, public office appointments and recruitments, trade unions and the private sector to achieve gender parity in accordance with Schedule A of the Act. c. support the establishment the Gender Equality Committee and resource it to ensure effective exercise of its mandate and accountability.

mandate a minimum 30 percent quota for women in all political appointments; and

pass the Property Rights of Spouses Bill, the Intestate Succession (Amendment) Bill, and the Domestic Workers Bill. 5.3.1.2 Economic Empowerment and Inclusion The next NDC government will:

establish a Women’s Development Bank a special-purpose bank, to support women-owned and women-led businesses with low-interest loans and other tailored financial services on very flexible terms. This is aimed at the economic empowerment of millions of Ghanaian women. 113

launch the "Women in Agriculture" initiative to promote young women’s participation in agriculture by expanding access to land in agricultural zones, along with financial and business support

reserve a portion of available land within government-owned business enclaves and other designated areas for women-owned businesses

facilitate primary ownership of market stalls by market women to enhance their financial independence

resume the “Market Enhancement Programme” as a comprehensive initiative aimed at uplifting markets and improving market communities’ overall conditions and well-being, especially for women

renovate existing markets and build modern markets in selected communities to enhance market traders’ working conditions, especially for women

establish an Entrepreneurship Development Programme for young women and women living with disabilities to foster economic empowerment, skills development, and inclusive participation in the business sector

establish cottage industries by utilising locally competitive raw materials in rural areas; and

launch an Expanded Financial Inclusion Programme with relevant institutions to encourage saving, investment and pension uptake responding to the peculiar needs of women and vulnerable groups.

facilitate the establishment of 16 regional shelters with comprehensive support services for victims of gender-based violence

develop a “Survivors Care Kit” for victims of gender-based violence, including free legal services, medical examinations, emergency contraception, HIV prophylaxis, mental healthcare services, counselling and necessary medications

build a community of virtual volunteers to provide online confidential support services to victims of gender-based violence

ratify the International Labour Organization Convention 190 on Elimination of Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in the Workplace

launch the “Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment in Ghana” Campaign to raise awareness, mobilise community support, and enforce stringent measures aimed at eradicating domestic violence and sexual harassment

strengthen support systems for survivors of domestic violence by resourcing and operationalising the Victim Support Fund under the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732)

elevate the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) to the status of a Directorate for more effective coordination and implementation of policies and services to address gender based violence in Ghana

establish DOVVSU units in all police districts across the country to ensure easier accessibility and comprehensive support for victims of domestic violence and speedy investigation and prosecution of GBV cases

identify geographical domestic violence hotspots for increased surveillance and operations; and

enhance and upgrade the forensic laboratory of the CID of the Ghana Police Service with modern technology to assist in speedy investigations of gender-based violence crimes. 5.3.2.1 Anti-Harassment and Safeguarding Framework The NDC will:

review and harmonise laws on sexual harassment to strengthen legal protection and enforcement mechanisms for victims

initiate a National School-Related Gender-Based Safety Programme to prevent and address gender-based violence and provide comprehensive support and protection for all pupils, students and all those working in the school enironment

implement a robust referral system to provide at-risk individuals and victims with access to domestic and GBV support services, including social welfare and legal aid

partner with religious, traditional and community organisations to embark on community education on gender-based violence, harmful cultural practises, and develop safeguards and other essential services for survivors, including shelter, counselling, and social support; and

develop and adopt a National Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy for Ghana to provide comprehensive guidelines for identifying, reporting, and addressing incidents of sexual harassment.

develop a Legislative Instrument and implementation protocols for the protection of individuals accused of witchcraft and other harmful traditional practises

transform alleged witch camps into community-owned wellness centres offering comprehensive geriatric care and social support

work with traditional authorities, the youth and civil society organisations to intensify public education on anti-witchcraft practices and law; and

provide free sanitary pads for female students in basic and secondary schools and ensure access to menstrual hygiene products, especially sanitary pads for adolescent girls especially in rural and inner-cities; and

establish menstrual WASH facilities in schools.

review the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) to mandate four months of paid maternity leave for mothers, in addition to other existing legal maternity provisions

amend the law to provide maternity leave and mental health support for mothers coping with stillbirths or infant loss post-childbirth

develop a regulatory policy and legal framework for Assisted Reproductive Technology to ensure the protection and well-being of all parties involved, including patients, donors, and medical professionals, while maintaining ethical standards and safeguarding the rights and interests of each party; and

introduce paternity leave to promote parental engagement and work-life balance.

pass the Social Protection and Aged Persons Bill to cater for vulnerable and marginalized groups

strengthen institutions coordinating social protection at all levels to ensure efficiency and sustained financing

complete the Ghana Household Registry to enhance the targeting of vulnerable groups in social protection

build the capacity of social workers and offer enhanced employment opportunities for graduates from the School of Social Work

provide educational scholarship and develop special skills training and social assistance Programme for Kayayei

offer comprehensive support services including school enrolment opportunities, skills training, and micro-entrepreneurship support for children, and out-of-school adolescents to address streetism and rural urban migration among others

review the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852) to extend Free NHIS coverage to all extremely poor households

enhance accessibility to essential primary healthcare services for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly by providing among others sign language; and

implement an iron supplementation project, especially in rural areas, to reduce and subsequently eliminate anaemia in under 5-year-olds. 5.3.5.1 Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) The next NDC government will:

initiate the ‘Big LEAP’ to pursue an economic inclusion programme for LEAP beneficiaries and the urban poor with complementary funding support from state and non-state sources

introduce Livelihood Enhancement programmes for households with productive capacity

improve access to essential services for LEAP households by implementing multiple complementary initiatives

develop specialised projects for indigent persons within coastal and urban-poor communities

establish an Emergency Response LEAP Grant Programme to collaborate with relevant disaster management organizations to deploy emergency LEAP to provide respite to disaster victims; and

provide educational scholarships for children of LEAP households. 5.3.5.2 Capitation Grant and School Feeding Programmes We will:

extend the Capitation Grant to private schools located in deprived and underserved communities to support the goal of 100 per cent enrolment at the basic level of education

resolve outstanding payments of capitation grants to public basic schools and ensure consistent and timely disbursements moving forward

assign nutritionists to district education offices to provide expert nutrition advice to inform menus to address long-standing anaemia among children

introduce menu frameworks in collaboration with relevant research institutions to ensure the provision of community and geographic zone-based balanced diets

enhance efficiency and equity in school feeding programmes through, nutrition frameworks, targeted expansion, and decentralized management

decentralise the management of the Ghana School Feeding Programmes (GSFP) to the district level and ensure timely payments to caterers; and

utilise geographical targeting data to broaden the reach of the GSFP to deprived communities.

establish an Orphan and Vulnerable Child Support Scheme as a special vehicle to create a safe environment for street, trafficked and other internally displaced children

develop a Protective Framework for Children to ensure safety, support family reintegration, prevent trafficking, address the issue of missing children, and enforce parental financial responsibility

support family reintegration and school re-entry for street, trafficked and other internally displaced children

sustain public education on child trafficking to create awareness and prevent child trafficking

establish a Child Support System/Directorate to ensure the provision of financial support from both parents for child maintenance; and

Establish Child Maintenance Service Bureau to ensure that parents who live apart from their children contribute to the care of the child.

Re-introduce the Eban Elderly Welfare System to enable Ghanaians above sixty (60) years have priority and free access to social and health services, public transport and public places

partner with the private sector to establish Day Centres and Residential Homes for the Elderly; and

propose an amendment to the National Health Insurance Scheme Act 2012, (Act 852) to grant exemption from premium payments for individuals aged sixty and above.

exempt persons seventy (70) years and above from the payment of property rates in respect of their owner-occupied properties;and

support the Ghana Health Service to increase access to geriatric care and train more geriatric care specialists.

strengthen the legal framework on disability rights by passing the Person’s with Disability (Amendment) Bill and introducing a Legislative Instrument to augment the provisions of the Persons with Disability Act 2006, Act 715; 2. mandate a minimum of 5 percent hiring of persons living with disabilities in public and private sector

enforce the Ghana Accessibility Standards on Built Environment adopted in 2016 to facilitate access to public places for Persons with Disability; 4. increase the percentage of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) reserved for Persons with Disability

establish a Disability Fund in the districts to be managed by relevant stakeholders and review the Guidelines for disbursement and management of the Fund to ensure strict compliance with the aims of the DACF; 6. implement Guidelines for the disbursement and management of the DACF for PWDs to effectively deliver the objectives of poverty reduction and dignified labour for PWDs

modernise education facilities for Persons with Disability and the use of customized ICT learning, including the creation of an information hub/portal; 8. strengthen and resource the National Council on Persons with Disability; 9. create disability desks at all MMDAs to facilitate mainstreaming of disability issues into local governance; 10. establish a Centre of Excellence for Special Education to enhance special and inclusive education; 11. establish rehabilitation centres in the six newly created regions and in regions lacking such facilities; 12. prioritise the renovation of existing rehabilitation centres to ensure they meet modern standards and adequately cater to the needs of individuals requiring rehabilitation services; 13. provide targeted support for women with disabilities to promote their welfare and empowerment; 14. support para-sports and recreation by enhancing technical programmes across various disciplines, ensuring adequate resource allocation, and fostering accessibility; 15. establish a National Para Sports Festival to celebrate and promote inclusivity in sports for individuals with disabilities; 16. promote road safety for persons with disabilities by creating barrier-free environments that prioritize independence, convenience, and overall safety; 17. provide incentives for teachers working in special needs educational institutions to enhance the quality of education and support provided to students with disabilities; 18. appoint persons with disabilities to MMDCE positions to ensure diverse representation and inclusivity in local governance; 19. direct the Local Government Service to prioritize the employment of at least 5 percent of its total staff from persons living with disabilities;and 20. Increase availability of sign language interpreters at health care facilities.

initiate an educational infrastructure programme to expand educational infrastructure in Zongo communities.

enhance and resource the Islamic Education Unit under GES to enable effective monitoring and recruitment of more Arabic teachers.

commence an infrastructure upgrade of the AL-Faruq College of Education.

facilitate accreditation of Islamic schools such as the Institute of Islamic Research to support the training of more Arabic teachers.

provide scholarships to Muslim students, particularly in the fields of Law, Medicine, Engineering, and ICT.

facilitate partnerships to establish Islamic tertiary institutions.

Establish the Soyaaya Fund to provide working capital for SMEs in Zongo communities.

Ensure the National Women’s Bank provides tailored support for Muslim women to support their business growth.

Extend the LEAP support to some poor, aged, widows, and orphans in deprived Muslim communities.

implement measures to ensure transparency in the Hajj management by among others reviewing and reducing hajj fares

support pilgrims within the middle belt to fly directly from Kumasi to Saudi Arabia and review the regulation that governs the Hajj board

grant an additional holiday for Eid celebrations

address all forms of discrimination against Muslims, especially discrimination against women who are prevented from wearing the Hijab in school, at work, and other public places

review the marriage of Mohammedans Ordinance, 1951 Cap 129 and streamline the legal framework for the recognition and certification of Muslim marriages in Ghana; and

establish Islamic morgues at some major hospitals for the early retrieval and burial of corpses according to Islamic customs.

Equip health facilities in Muslim communities with relevant health infrastructure; and

Partner with the private sector to build new abattoirs in communities such as Turaku and rehabilitate existing abattoirs to conform with WHO standards.

promote and mainstream youth-friendly local content policies in the energy, mining, telecommunication, and manufacturing sectors

establish a strong framework for interagency partnership to address critical youth related socio-economic issues such as unemployment, skills development, education, health, entrepreneurship, and substance abuse

fully implement the National Youth Authority Act, 2016, Act 939 by enacting a Legislative Instrument, facilitating the establishment of District and Regional Youth Committees as well as the Ghana Youth Federation as mechanisms for promoting active youth participation in decision making from the district to national levels

develop and implement youth work professionalization programmes

foster the creation of Neighbourhood Development Brigades - Volunteers to mobilize the energies and initiatives of the youth in developing their communities

promote active participation of Ghanaian youth in international programmes and support them to take up leadership positions for their leadership development; and

promote job creation and youth entrepreneurship in the 24-Hour Economy.

initiate the “Adwumawura Programme” – a special start-up policy aimed at facilitating the creation, tracking and mentoring of a minimum of 10,000 youth-led businesses every year under the 24-Hour economy policy;.

develop a comprehensive credit system specifically for youth entrepreneurs and develop a database of businesses run by young individuals to guarantee advisory services, create marketplaces, provide managerial support, offer partial credit guarantees, soft loans, grants, and tax incentives

establish a Young Entrepreneurs Microcredit institution with a seed fund of Seven Hundred and fifty (750) million Cedis to disburse affordable loans to young entrepreneurs

develop and implement a programme to support graduates of tertiary institutions to form cooperatives to bid for public and private contracts by dedicating specific contracts to such cooperatives; and

facilitate skills training programmes and provide start-up kits for artisans.

scale up small to medium enterprises created by young people tailored to district-level economies

create co-working spaces and one-stop business start-up services at district levels to help young people with the services of the Registrar General’s Department, the office of the Registrar of Companies, and other start-up related services; and

stimulate market development in districts for products created by young entrepreneurs.

ensure sustainable livelihoods, economic empowerment, social stability, and community development for young people in rural areas; and

leverage global funding for climate action to secure financing for sustainable alternative livelihoods support strategies and affordable housing in rural Ghana.

elevate the Ghana Digital Centre to propel the nation into the forefront of the global digital and gig economy

establish digital innovation hubs

facilitate the creation of unicorns developed by young development technology entrepreneurs

introduce annual robotic competition, track winners of robotic competitions and encourage investors to invest in their innovations; and

host the annual digital marketplace festival for the exhibition of innovations created especially by young people.

establish a National Employment Bureau which will be responsible for the creation of an employment database for young people and host data for all unemployed persons

develop more programmes to employ more young people; and

grant incentives to employers who employ through the YEA.

review allowances for national service personnel

pass a Legislative Instrument to implement the National Service Authority Act 2024

develop a structured National Orientation Programme as an on-boarding tool to advance civil responsibilities, national identity and cohesion

enhance the school-to-work transition value by introducing mandatory and voluntary programme to promote the acquisition of practical work tools, skills and values; and

promote the development of social enterprises by young people to create solutions for national challenges such as sanitation, food security, climate change etc.

undertake emergency refurbishment of pitches at our national stadia in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast and Sekondi to meet FIFA standards

pursue our long-standing policy of establishing international-standard stadia in all regions

provide for an equitable geographic spread of infrastructure for the development of sporting talents in all districts

build more multi-purpose sports facilities to promote regional sporting events and inter-school competitions as part of our talent development policy

upgrade the UEW Sports College into a modern Sports University offering training programmes in sports, related medicine, science, and sports management/administration with campuses around Ghana

establish Sports Centres of Excellence in the northern, middle and southern zones in collaboration with existing universities and the private sector

develop a strategy in partnership with the private sector to provide community sporting facilities to stimulate talent development.

support the development of colts, division one and two and the Ghana Premier League by augmenting the salaries of all registered footballers with allowances.

diversify interests and investments into other sports disciplines beyond football and boxing by injecting adequate resources into other competitive sporting activities including beach soccer, volleyball and regatta

ensure equitable investments in other national teams such as the women’s football teams, disability sports, football teams, juvenile teams and other lesser-known sports

establish a School Sport Development Agency to focus on developing young talents and promoting physical fitness among young people

hold biennial capacity-building programmes and sporting clinics for technical teams, especially women and persons with disabilities to pursue careers in sports administration and management

offer scholarships to promising sports talents

encourage sporting personalities to invest in pension schemes while in active service

revive Schools and Colleges Sports at all levels, including Primary and Junior High schools, in consultation with relevant stakeholders

support retired sports personalities to pursue other sports-related careers after an active sporting life; and

promote community teams and competitions in various sports.

deepen transparency and accountability in sports administration and across all stakeholders in the industry

strengthen and enforce financial management practices and transactions to reduce corruption in the sector

review governance practices of all publicly funded sporting associations, authorities, and other organisations in conformity with national and international standards

take measures to improve professional standards and practices in sports, including anti-doping; and

review governance of all sporting institutions to ensure that by their own example of transparency and accountability, they can instil the character development benefits that sports offer young people.

promote greater lifelong sports participation, especially for women, to address historical gender imbalances in national sports development and the development of lesser-known and indigenous sports; and

promote the branding and marketing of sporting activities for inclusive participation by Ghanaians.

develop a framework with the National Sports Associations and sponsors for promoting and marketing our domestic sports

support national athletes more consistently to compete internationally and develop schemes such as post-competition careers and pension schemes to cater for the economic security of national athletes

engage stakeholders to prioritize sports as a business and create an enabling environment for the private sector to support sports development; and

review and enforce the Gaming Act 2006, (Act 721) to support national sports development.

engage stakeholders to prioritise sports as a business and create an enabling environment for the private sector to support sports development; and

establish a National Sports Development Fund to support sports development and related activities. KEY EXTRACTS - INVESTING IN PEOPLE FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH 2 initiate a ‘SmartStart Curriculum" for 1 establish a Department for Early greater integration of Science, Childhood Development under Technology, Engineering, and the Ministry of Education with a Mathematics (STEM), coding and special mandate to promote Digital Literacy and TVET into the basic early childhood education education curricula support Islamic Colleges of Education with 3 promote digital additional infrastructure literacy at the basic and logistics to enhance level their capacity to deliver quality education abolish the teacher licensure examination and abolish the double-track integrate the licensing system to restore a stable process into the final year academic calendar examination of trainees establish a College of implement a ‘National Apprenticeship Education in the Afram Plains Programme’ to generate self-employment enclave to address the acute through the provision of free technical and professional teacher deficit vocational training for young people in various crafts. Trained apprentices will be issued with appropriate certification and supported with start-up capital and equipment to set up businesses.