The National Democratic Congress (NDC), a prominent force in Ghana’s political history since 1992, has long prioritized inclusive development and social democracy. As the party assumes leadership following its victory in the 2024 elections, its manifesto promises a renewed focus on climate change, environmental conservation, and sustainability.
The NDC’s 2024 manifesto, framed under the theme "Resetting Ghana for jobs, accountability and prosperity," emphasized addressing Ghana’s pressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth. With commitments to renewable energy expansion, sustainable agriculture, and green job creation, the manifesto outlined bold steps to position Ghana as a leader in sustainability.
Now that the NDC has taken office, Ghanaians can expect the implementation of policies aimed at protecting natural resources, strengthening environmental governance, and integrating climate action into national development. The party’s vision of a resilient, green economy aligns with global sustainability goals, offering hope for a future where environmental stewardship drives economic and social progress.
1. Climate Change and Renewable Energy
The manifesto emphasizes Ghana’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to renewable energy. The NDC proposes:
Promoting renewable energy: Scaling up investments in solar, wind, and biomass energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Energy efficiency initiatives: Encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances and implementing policies to reduce energy wastage.
Sustainable energy development: Expanding electricity coverage while ensuring that new infrastructure supports low-carbon energy sources.
2. Environmental Conservation
The manifesto highlights strategies to combat deforestation, land degradation, and pollution, which threaten Ghana’s natural ecosystems:
Forest restoration programs: Initiatives like reforestation and afforestation projects to restore degraded landscapes.
Combatting illegal mining (galamsey): Enforcing stricter regulations and providing alternative livelihoods to protect water bodies and forest reserves.
Sustainable waste management: Introducing advanced waste processing systems and promoting recycling to tackle urban waste challenges.
3. Sustainable Agriculture
Agriculture is central to the NDC’s sustainability agenda, with plans to modernize the sector to enhance food security and climate resilience:
Climate-smart agriculture: Supporting farmers with modern equipment, irrigation systems, and training to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Agro-industrial zones: Establishing processing facilities to add value to agricultural produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs.
Promoting organic farming: Encouraging environmentally friendly farming practices to reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
4. Infrastructure for Sustainability
The manifesto commits to sustainable infrastructural development that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship:
Green infrastructure: Incorporating environmentally friendly designs into public works projects, such as drainage systems and urban planning.
Water resource management: Expanding water supply systems while conserving water bodies through community engagement and strict regulations.
Sustainable housing: Promoting eco-friendly construction practices and materials to reduce environmental impact.
5. Governance and Policy Alignment
The NDC underscores the importance of aligning local and national policies with international frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Strengthening environmental governance: Enhancing the capacity of institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce environmental laws.
Integrating sustainability into governance: Mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation into local governance and development planning.
Global partnerships: Collaborating with international organizations to access funding and technical expertise for climate initiatives.
6. Job Creation Through Sustainability
The manifesto identifies sustainability as a key driver of job creation:
Green jobs initiative: Training youth in renewable energy, waste management, and eco-tourism to create employment opportunities.
Public-private partnerships: Encouraging collaboration with private entities to fund and implement sustainability projects.
A Sustainable Future for Ghana
The NDC envisions a future where Ghana not only addresses its pressing environmental challenges but also emerges as a leader in sustainable development. By focusing on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, and effective environmental governance, the party aims to align Ghana’s actions with global sustainability frameworks like the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Under the theme "Resetting Ghana for Jobs, Accountability, and Prosperity," the NDC’s manifesto promises to integrate climate action into national development while driving economic growth and creating green jobs. This dual approach reflects the party’s commitment to tackling environmental degradation and ensuring economic prosperity for all Ghanaians.
With bold initiatives and a clear vision, the NDC seeks to position Ghana as a resilient, green economy where environmental stewardship and social progress go hand in hand. The party’s leadership offers hope for a future where sustainability is at the core of national development, ensuring a better quality of life for current and future generations.
Cedric Dzelu
Ag. Executive Secretary: Africa Youth Commission
Executive Director: Frontline for Climate Action
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