RESTORING GOOD GOVERNANCE AND FIGHTING CORRUPTION

reduce the size of government by appointing no more than sixty (60) Ministers

address the disparities between Article 71 office holders and the wider Public Service

scrap the payment of ex gratia; 4. establish an Independent Emoluments Commission by merging the Presidential Commission on Emoluments and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission as recommended by the Constitutional Review Commission

realign and merge MDAs to eliminate duplication and waste

reduce the number of political appointees at the Office of Government Machinery

establish a Constitution Review Implementation Committee to implement the recommendations of the Constitution Review Commission.

align donor-funded projects with government priorities to ensure the efficient use of resources

create and enforce a culture of national discipline, patriotism, punctuality, and result-oriented leadership in the Public and Civil Services; and

engage stakeholders to review the regulatory framework for political party financing; and

review the policy on providing official housing for political appointees.

launch “Operation-Recover-All-Loot” to investigate, prosecute, and recover proceeds of corruption

initiate legislation to prohibit political appointees, politically exposed persons and all serving public officials from purchasing state assets

establish a State Assets Registry to effectively protect state assets, usher in an era of transparency and accountability in the management of state assets and address the detrimental phenomenon of state capture

set up an inquiry into the matter of looted state lands and the implementation of the Accra Redevelopment Policy and make recommendations as appropriate

conduct a forensic audit and an inquiry into the National Cathedral scandal and make recommendations on the future of the project

launch inquiries into the numerous scandals that have rocked the nation under the corrupt NPP government.

implement the recommendations of the Justice Yaw Appau Commission of Inquiry into Judgement Debts as approved in the Government White Paper

enact a conflict-of-interest legislation for all government and public officials

set up an Independent Value for Money office to scrutinize government procurements above $5 million or as Parliament may decide

review the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) (as amended) to ensure value for money and transparency in the public procurement process and pursue procurement reforms to prevent conflict of interest and insider dealing by politically exposed persons in the award of contracts

implement measures to curtail abuse of single-sourced and restricted tendering procurement

collaborate with the Judiciary to establish a special court for persons whom adverse findings have been made against by the Auditor-General and Parliament

support the Auditor-General to enforce the surcharge powers of his/her office to retrieve embezzled funds with interest

increase financial, logistical, and technical support for EOCO, NACOC, the Financial Intelligence Centre, and other anti-corruption institutions

review and enforce the Assets Declaration regime in Chapter 24 of the Constitution and the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act 1998, (Act 550) to promote transparency and check corruption.

review all codes of conduct to develop a consolidated code of conduct for all public office holders to promote ethical work, professionalism, and efficiency

pass and implement the revised Internal Audit Agency Bill to address financial irregularities in public institutions

establish a Governance Advisory Council comprising representatives from Civil Society Organisations, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and ordinary Ghanaians to improve political governance, curb corruption, and ensure respect for human rights

restructure development authorities to promote efficiency, job creation, and community development.

ensure adequate and timely release of funds to independent constitutional bodies

provide the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice with the necessary tools and resources to enhance its capacity to deliver on its mandate of safeguarding human rights and functioning as the country’s Ombudsman

enhance the capacity of the National Commission for Civic Education to better educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities

ensure the Electoral Commission has the resources to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections and implement reforms to insulate the Commission from political interference; and

strengthen the Audit Service to ensure it can effectively oversee and audit public accounts.

create a conducive environment that promotes checks and balances in governance

enhance the independence and oversight function of Parliament

ensure timely release of MPs share of the District Assemblies Common Fund for community development

promote an open and accessible Parliament to citizens, CSOs, and other stakeholders

address funding gaps to Parliament to enhance research, capacity building, and procurement of relevant technical expertise.

repealing all anti-press freedom laws and reversing the current climate of fear, intimidation, harassment, and safety as well as improving the frontiers of media freedoms and development by: a. fully implementing and operationalising the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989); b. re-open investigation into the murder of Ahmed Hussein-Suale and ensure prompt action on all cases involving violations of the rights and freedoms of media professionals; c. support the Ghana Journalists Association, National Media Commission, and other stakeholders to promote an enduring professional media environment; and d. improve education for media practitioners by providing equitable scholarship opportunities for continuous learning and professional development

collaborating with industry stakeholders to review and strengthen existing legal, regulatory and policy frameworks essential for the promotion and protection of media freedoms

passing the Broadcasting Bill into a law to define the parameters of broadcasting and enhances the role of community radio in national development

reactivating the Media Development Fund in consultation with the Ghana Journalist Association and other stakeholders

partnering with the private sector to strengthen and establish more community radio and information service centres across the country

providing opportunities for women in media under our Women’s Development Bank for entrepreneurship in media and other creative enterprises

promoting the financial viability of the media industry including new media

reviewing the spectrum allocation and licensing regime of the National Communications Authority to promote greater transparency and diversity in frequency allocation

supporting the growth and economic viability of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and other state-owned media to realise their public service mandate

resourcing the Information Services Department to execute their mandate of public education

empower the National Media Commission to exercise its oversight responsibility devoid of political interference; and

leverage new media to promote and strengthen citizen journalism.

regularly engage with Organised Labour and Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) on national development issues to ensure transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance; and

enhance the enabling environment for CSOs to operate freely and independently; and

Develop a National Corporate Social Responsivity Policy to harness partnerships for national development.

revamp and restore prudent management of state-owned enterprises to deliver on their mandates

strengthen SOEs and parastatals to undertake strategic self-financing development projects on the strength of their own balance sheets

mitigate government’s exposure to fiscal risks by listing State-Owned Enterprises on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE); and

review the role of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) in relation to State-Owned Enterprises.

develop a strategic plan towards the creation of an administrative city to expand economic activities within the country

develop the Volta Basin Economic Development Enclave to facilitate private investment in the following sectors; a. Small-scale hydropower generation b. Large-scale agriculture c. Ecotourism

develop the Afram Plains Economic Development Enclave to facilitate private investment in; a. Agriculture development b. Ecotourism

develop the Western Economic Development Enclave to facilitate private investment in; a. Mining b. Fisheries c. Ecotourism

Develop the Northern Economic Development Enclave to facilitate private investment in; a. agricultural development b. eco-tourism

depoliticise the administration of justice and respect the independence of the Judiciary

ensure the expeditious determination of cases through automation and a shift system under the 24 – Hour Economy

continue the implementation of the e-Justice Project initiated by the NDC Government, including the use of virtual hearings for certain categories of cases, and the use of AI and automation for effective justice delivery

establish courts within the precincts of other prisons similar to the High Court established within the precincts of the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons

continue to support efforts to restore, strengthen and enhance the institutional integrity of the courts

collaborate with the justice sector institutions particularly the Judicial Council, Law Reform Commission, the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice to conduct a comprehensive review of our criminal statutes to attain efficient, speedy and effective delivery of justice

review the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act 2010, (Act 798), to establish community/district level structures (ADR Clinics) to deliver justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution

improve public education of and promote public access to ADR

enhance international cooperation and partnerships in the fight against corruption

support the Chief Justice to establish Regional Tribunals provided for under Article 142 of the Constitution and pass a law to re-introduce the Community and Circuit Tribunals first established under the Courts Act, 1993, Act 459 but abolished under the Courts (Amendment) Act, 2002, Act 620

conduct a comprehensive review of legal education to build a modern legal and institutional framework to expand access to legal education in Ghana and serve national development goals.

reopen investigations into major unresolved cases including the Ayawaso West Wuogon election violence, 2020 election killings, unresolved murder of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, and Silas Wulochamey.

expand the court infrastructure and scale up the technical and human resources of justice sector institutions

conduct a comprehensive review of our criminal justice system and, in particular, introduce non-custodial sentences and other alternative forms of punishment for certain criminal offences

promote the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including aggressive public education and sensitization on available ADR mechanisms to decongest the courts

support the judiciary to establish High Courts in the six (6) newly created regions where these do not exist

support the Judiciary to establish Courts of Appeal in the Western, Northern, and Volta regions

build digital and physical Law Libraries to enhance legal research, and resource the Council for Law Reporting to regularly and expeditiously produce the Ghana Law Reports; 8. enhance the implementation of the e-Justice Project initiated by the NDC Government; 9. integrate digital solutions to enhance the administration and delivery of justice; 10. extend judicial services including courts and e-justice solutions to prisons to enhance justice delivery; 11. decentralize the Legal Aid Commission to the District level and resource it to effectively serve the poor, indigent, and victims of domestic violence; 12. expand the child-friendly courts programme to all regional capitals to include child-sensitive training for judges, court staff and DOVVSU staff, among other institutions in handling children’s cases; 13. modernize Borstal Homes/Youth Custody Centres and Juvenile Correction Centres to foster effective rehabilitation and reintegration for young offenders; 14. expand youth correctional programmes to include comprehensive education and skills development.

work with the Judicial Council to rebuild public confidence and improve the image of the Judiciary as a truly independent, transparent, and unbiased public service

improve the conditions of service of the Judicial Service

support the Judicial Council to require Judges and Magistrates to implement the E-judgment project, publishing their judgments electronically not less than seventy-two hours after the delivery of each judgment

support the Judicial Council to operationalise Article 158(2) of the Constitution by passing a Constitutional Instrument to make regulations prescribing the terms and conditions of service of officers and employees of the courts; and

support the Judiciary to accelerate the automation of judicial and administrative functions of the Judiciary.

upgrade selected Municipalities such as Ho, Kasoa, Ashiaman, Techiman, Koforidua, Sunyani, Bolgatanga, Hohoe, and Wa into Metropolises within the first year of coming into office

pay monthly consolidated allowances to all Assembly members to enhance their capacities and to equip them with resources to monitor the implementation of all government projects and programmes within their electoral areas

assess and upgrade eligible Districts into Municipalities

strengthen local level participation and political accountability through the election of MMDCEs on a non-partisan basis by amending articles 243 and 246 (2) of the 1992 Constitution

ncrease the share of the DACF of total national revenue from 5 percent to 7.5 percent and implore Parliament to review the disbursement formula to ensure fairness and equity

increase the representation of traditional authorities in the decentralized structures

accelerate the decentralization of departments to the District Assemblies through engagement of the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and enhance the capacity of MMDAs for effective, efficient & quality service delivery by bringing the decentralized departments fully under the District Assemblies as prescribed by L.I 1961 of 2009

revive the Fiscal Decentralization Unit of the Ministry of Finance to ensure full implementation of the Composite Budget system to enhance resources flow to the MMDAs

ensure that MMDAs draw up Revenue Improvement Action Plans (RIAPs) to be approved by the Ministry of Local Government

abolish the centralized collection of property rates and provide technical support to MMDAs to enhance their revenue mobilization capacities, including the collection of property rates

introduce Municipal Bonds to raise revenue and promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) linked to specific development projects of MMDAs

review the existing Sanitation and Waste Policy of the NDC to provide policy direction, including a policy on waste segregation and the application of appropriate technology for waste management in Ghana

develop and implement a waste segregation policy in institutions and communities in partnership with MMDAs

revive the Rural Department Directorate of the Ministry of Local Government to lead rural industrialization in collaboration with relevant MDAs, development partners, the private sector, and CSOs

stimulate local economic growth and diversification for job creation by providing incentives for local-level investment and processing

promote networking among MMDAs to facilitate intra-district/community trade by developing local-level infrastructure such as roads, markets, electricity, and water

encourage MMDAs to revive volunteerism, social mobilization, and community self-help in collaboration with Assembly Members, traditional authorities, and NGOs through an Electoral Area Support Programme

reactivate the bilateral agreement between MMDAs in Ghana (NALAG) and the cities of developed countries to facilitate good governance practices and infrastructural development

build modern waste recycling facilities for both solid and liquid waste in all regions

enact and implement the Local Government (District Assemblies Borrowing) Act to allow MMDAs to access resources from the capital market and the private sector for development and municipal services delivery

promote local economic development through the development of a LED policy framework that empowers local entrepreneurs for job creation; and

design a resourcing package for the newly created regions to enable them to perform to expectation.

restore sanitation and waste management (environmental sanitation) functions to local government to provide policy coherence and alignment to ministerial oversight

review and implement the NDC’s National Environmental Sanitation Policy and District Environmental Sanitation Strategy and Action Plan

facilitate MMDAs in implementing waste segregation by supporting the provision of garbage bags/bins and providing guidelines

strengthen the sanitation and waste management departments of MMDAs to deliver on their mandate

make sanitation and waste management a key performance indicator for MMDCEs

review existing and encourage more public-private partnership in sanitation and waste management

re-introduce National Sanitation Days and Cleanest City Award to inject competitive spirit among MMDAs

improve the capacities of MMDAs to identify relevant and appropriate technologies for solid waste collection

build durable and inclusive toilet facilities and WASH-compliant infrastructure

promote waste-to-energy projects to harness renewable energy sources and manage waste sustainably

establish legal frameworks for integrated solid waste management and implement a "Camp-Size Model" for targeted waste management in high waste generation areas

upgrade Environmental Health units of all Municipal and District Assemblies into Environment Sanitation and Hygiene Departments and empower them for effective waste management at the local level

provide policy coherence and alignment for ministerial oversight and functions in relation to sanitation and solid waste functions of the Ministry of Local Government; and

formulate a National Sanitation Policy and empower MMDAs in sanitation enforcement.

reintroduce National Sanitation Day and Cleanest City Award Schemes to facilitate the cleansing of the backlog of waste in the system and inject a competitive spirit among MMDAs

comprehensively review the Environmental Sanitation Policy to re-focus the policy on material recovery and streamline overlapping ministerial roles and functions. The current policy unduly prioritises public health and does not align with international best practices

task MMDCEs to prioritise Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) based on the principles of waste prevention, separation, reduction, recycling, and safe disposal of unavoidable waste

implement a "Camp-Size Model in SWM" that makes local authorities responsible and accountable for managing waste in areas with high waste generation

promote the provision of waste bins to households to support waste recycling and management

enact the legal instruments for using a percentage of the excise tax collected to establish the Plastic Waste Recycling Fund under the Customs and Excise (Duties and Other Taxes) (Amendment) Act, 2003, Act 863

recognise, integrate and support the informal sector in Ghana’s current SWM architecture; and

embark on practical, implementable social and behavioural change communication campaigns to re-orient the general populace towards proper environmental sanitation practices.

develop a comprehensive security and safety programme to support the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Policy

disband all militias and vigilante groups to ensure public safety and security

purge our security agencies of all militia and vigilante elements

expand the implementation of community-based crime prevention programmes focusing on high-crime areas by enhancing police presence and patrols in neighbourhoods and public spaces

strengthen coordination between law enforcement agencies to improve response times to emergencies

develop and implement cybersecurity measures to protect government systems, critical infrastructure, and citizens' personal data

embark on public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about online safety and cybersecurity best practices

strengthen intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities to identify and prevent terrorist threats

enhance border security and cooperation with international partners to combat terrorism financing and foreign terrorist fighters

conduct regular emergency preparedness drills and exercises at the national, regional, and local levels

enhance coordination between emergency response agencies to improve the effectiveness of disaster response efforts

foster partnerships between law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and local organizations to address safety concerns and build trust

support community-based initiatives that empower residents to play an active role in promoting safety and security in their neighbourhoods; and

increase surveillance and monitoring of transportation hubs to detect and deter potential threats.

review recruitment policies and ensure merit-based promotions in all security and defence sectors for enhanced professionalism and national diversity

review staffing in all security and defence institutions to enhance training to contain emerging security threats of global terrorism; and

review the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act 2020, (Act 1030), to improve the operations of intelligence institutions.

establish two additional modern forensic laboratories and train relevant personnel to improve evidence gathering, asset tracing, and the recovery of proceeds of crime, enhancing the quality of prosecutions and the fight against corruption and other serious crimes

resource the 48 Engineers Regiment to construct barracks and living accommodation

establish new military installations, focusing on borders and new regions to prevent terrorist attacks and ensure rapid response

establish one police station and barracks in each district lacking such facilities.

introduce a nationwide community police programme

ensure that the enforcement of the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act 2020, (Act 1030), conforms with the constitutional provisions on human rights

restructure national security based on professionalism, meritocracy, fairness, and competence; and

promote the establishment of Licenced and Unarmed Land Security Firms.

invest in ICT infrastructure, training, modern equipment, mobility, and other logistics to support intelligence gathering and enhance national safety; and

control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

harmonize and address disparities in salaries, remunerations, and other conditions of service across all security agencies

decentralize the security architecture and operations to bring security management closer to the people

review and enforce the medical package for serving and retired personnel and their families

review the compensation package for personnel who lose their lives or get injured in the line of duty

clear the backlog of promotions and ensure timely promotions based on meritocracy and transparency; and

engage the services of private security organizations who adhere to decent work and fair wages for their employee-security persons.

Operational and Combat Readiness: aggressively resource the Ghana Armed Forces to improve their operational and combat readiness, swift mobilisation, and firepower.

Professionalism and Transparency a. depoliticize the Ghana Armed Forces, restore discipline and loyalty to the State, and establish mechanisms for transparency and meritocracy in promotions. b. encourage and expand opportunities for non-commissioned officers to access officer cadet training.

Housing and Accommodation a. construct housing units and refurbish dilapidated and abandoned housing units across the country. b. expand and improve accommodation for all ranks. c. establish Armed Forces Home Ownership Schemes for all personnel and officers.

Salaries and Benefits a. systematically review and adjust salaries and allowances of troops and civilian employees to align with economic trends. b. upgrade retirement benefits of personnel according to realistic prevailing economic conditions.

Medical and Health Facilities a. complete and equip the Kumasi Military Hospital (Afari) in the Central Command. b. initiate the construction of military hospitals at Ho, Bolgatanga, and Sefwi Wiawso. c. establish Veterans’ Referral Departments in Military Hospitals across the country

Defence Industry and Agribusiness a. revamp the defence industry to produce clothing, boots, and accessories for the GAF and other Security Services. b. establish Armed Forces Agribusiness and Processing Units.

Engineering and National Projects - Expand and equip the Field Engineers Corps to undertake national emergency projects, road construction, and be licensed to undertake commercial ventures of the Ghana Government.

External Peace Keeping a. streamline peacekeeping operations in accordance with UN requirements and ensure transparent personnel selection. b. increase the security allowance for personnel engaged in peacekeeping activities to better support and compensate them for their service.

Police Service Reform and Independence a. ensure the Police Service is insulated from political interference and undertake a comprehensive human resource audit to enhance service delivery. b. revamp the Police Public Order Management School in Pwalugu, roll out a transparent Police Education and Scholarship Scheme, and introduce state-of-the-art technology for police operations. c. increase women's representation in the Police Service d. create a directorate for DOVVSU led by a Director-General 152 e. maintain the Cap 30 pension scheme and review the police compensation policy.

Infrastructure and Technological Advancements a. Embark on an Emergency Redevelopment Project for regional and district offices, build modern offices and accommodation particularly in the newly created regions. b. Create DOVVSU Units in police stations and complete the DOVVSU Headquarters. c. Revamp the Police Driving School in Kumasi. d. Improve and expand the Police Hospital to cater for other security agencies e. Expand involvement in UN/AU peacekeeping operations, streamline its fund disbursement, and increase the security allowance for personnel who participate in those operations.

Modernisation and Humanisation of the Prison System a. Change the name to Ghana Correctional Service and modernize the prison system to make it more humane. b. Implement the Ghana Prisons Decongestion Project and establish a Special Remand/Sentence Review Committee to review remand cases. c. Encourage community services and other non-custodial sentences for minor offenses. d. Ensure proper healthcare facilities in prisons. e. Increase the feeding rate for inmates.

Infrastructure and Vocational Development a. Create well-equipped technical and vocational departments in all major prisons. b. Establish open-camp prisons for large-scale agricultural activities. c. Improve housing for prison personnel d. Maintain the Cap 30 pension scheme for prison officers.

Increase Infrastructure and Resources for the Service: a. Build accommodation for Fire Service personnel, especially in the newly created regions. b. Increase operational logistics, including fire tenders, rescue equipment, fire-fighting vests, boots, and hydraulic platforms for high-rise buildings.

Improve Compensation and Welfare: a. Review the compensation package for personnel who lose their lives or are injured in the line of duty. b. Maintain the Cap 30 pension scheme for Fire Service personnel.

resource and retool the Ghana Immigration Service to carry out its mandate effectively and efficiently

provide Border Patrol Units with surveillance equipment and firearms

build housing units for immigration personnel

construct border post accommodations in border towns

improve compensation and welfare by maintaining a Cap 30 pension scheme for immigration service personnel; and

strengthen the use of ICT for the operations of the Ghana Immigration Service.

launch Rescue Ready – a crisis-ready volunteer corps mobilized and trained as first-time responders during emergencies

consolidate all disaster and emergency response regulatory frameworks into a National Disaster Preparedness System with clear functions for seamless inter-agency coordination to respond to disasters

establish the NADMO Fund as enshrined in the National Disaster Management Organization Act, 2016, (Act 927)

reform NADMO's operations and enhance its capacity to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to prioritize disaster prevention, ensure rapid response, and enhance efficient management. in its policy and operations; and

design temporary livelihood support and employment programmes for displaced youth.

fully implement the 2015 Supreme Court Ruling and the recommendation of the Constitution Review Commission regarding the security status of the Customs Division

facilitate the construction of a Customs Hospital for serving and retired officers as well as staff of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

enhance substance abuse prevention programmes in educational institutions through a closer collaboration between the Narcotic Control Commission and the Ministry of Education.

support the Commission with logistics and strengthen the K9 Unit of the Commission and enhance surveillance at various borders.

support the Commission to implement the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019) and Narcotics Control Commission (Cultivation and Management of Cannabis) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2475) for the cultivation of industrial and medicinal cannabis in collaboration with other stakeholders with particular focus on the participation of Ghanaians.

implement measures to reduce the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons

comprehensively review the legal framework for small arms control in line with international best practice

empower to the Small Arms Commission to effectively execute its mandate.

introduce competency training and testing as a pre-condition for registration and ownership of arms. KEY EXTRACTS - RESTORING GOOD GOVERNANCE AND FIGHTING CORRUPTION 2 launch “Operation-Recover-All-Loot” 1 reduce the size of to investigate, prosecute, and recover government by appointing proceeds of corruption no more than sixty (60) Ministers scrap the payment of ex gratia 3 strengthen the Audit Service to ensure it can effectively oversee and audit public accounts strengthen local level 4 participation and political repealing all anti-press accountability through the freedom laws and reversing election of MMDCEs on a the current climate of fear, non-partisan basis by intimidation, harassment, and amending articles 243 and safety as well as improving the 246 (2) of the 1992 6 frontiers of media freedoms Constitution; and development upgrade selected support the judiciary to Municipalities such as Ho, establish High Courts in the Kasoa, Ashiaman, six (6) newly created regions Techiman, Koforidua, where these do not exist; Sunyani, Bolgatanga, Hohoe, and Wa into Metropolises within the first year of coming into office