Within the vibrant political landscape of Ghana, the crafting and presentation of a manifesto is a pivotal moment for any political party. The manifesto serves as a roadmap, articulating the party’s vision and the strategies it purports to implement if granted the mandate to govern. As we approach the 2024 elections, the NPP and their flagbearer, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, have unveiled their manifesto for scrutiny by the Ghanaian electorate. Despite the anticipation surrounding its launch, closer examination of their policies reveals a striking resemblance to the ideologies and proposals championed by the NDC and their leader, John Mahama, in earlier communications. This similarity raises pressing questions about Dr. Bawumia’s originality in policymaking and his party’s commitment to genuine transformation.
The Paradox of Policy Duplication:
The first and most glaring argument that emerges from the launch of the NPP’s manifesto is the undeniable replication of proposals previously set forth by the NDC and John Mahama. It appears that instead of presenting fresh ideas, Dr. Bawumia and the NPP have chosen a path of convenience by appropriating their opponents’ policies. This move casts shadows of doubt on their ability to think innovatively and establish a distinct agenda for the nation’s progress. An election campaign that derives its substance from the intellectual reserves of its adversaries is a campaign starved of ingenuity.
Delayed Tax Abolishments – Why Not Now?
Another contentious issue is the NPP’s sudden promise to abolish taxes they themselves instituted during their tenure. This reversal seems opportunistic and suggests a play for popular favor rather than a principled stand. The pressing question that arises is: why wait until a future election victory to lift these financial burdens? If these taxes are deemed unnecessary, their abolishment should not be postponed as a political bargaining chip but should be enacted swiftly to alleviate the immediate struggles of Ghanaians.
The NPP’s Strategic Silence:
With the full policy document of the NDC and John Mahama not yet released, the NPP’s early presentation of a seemingly derivative manifesto raises suspicions about their political calculus. Are they strategically waiting to revise and add policies upon seeing what the NDC unveils? This “wait and see” approach suggests a lack of confidence in their policy framework and a reliance on reactive rather than proactive strategy creation.
Political Borrowing as a Norm: Defenders of the NPP might argue that borrowing ideas is a common practice in politics, where no single party has a monopoly on good policies. They might assert that what truly matters is the implementation of these policies and that Dr. Bawumia’s track record as an economist positions him well to execute these strategies competently. However, the counterargument does not address the fundamental issue of leadership rooted in authentic vision and the ability to inspire trust and confidence in the electorate through original and transformative proposals.
In sum, the unveiling of the NPP’s manifesto by Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has underscored a troubling trend of policy imitation rather than the pursuit of innovation. In a nation thirsting for dynamic leadership and visionary governance, the reliance on the opposition’s playbook does little to quench that thirst. As Ghanaians are consigned to wait for the NDC’s full policy document, one thing remains clear: leadership demands more than echoing the thoughts of others; it requires the courage to break new ground. It is incumbent upon Dr. Bawumia and the NPP to demonstrate they are not, indeed, “idea trapped” but are capable of crafting a distinct and robust path forward for Ghana. Only time will tell if they will rise to the challenge or remain mired in a politics of replication.
/Haruna Zinentah
Business Development and Training Consultant
Email: visionharuna@gmail.com
