Dr. Frank Bannor, Development Economist and Head of Research at the Danquah Institute (DI), has noted that the policies of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are failing to resonate with the public as the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections approach.
In an interview on Adom TV’s Badwam show on August 21, 2024, he pointed out that the NDC’s initiatives, including “Free university fees for first-year students,” “24-hour economy,” “Big Push,” “National Apprenticeship Programme,” and “Women Development Bank,” have proven ineffective and counterproductive.
Dr. Bannor expressed concern that the NDC’s policies and their presentation by party leaders do not connect with Ghanaians. He attributed this disconnect to the party’s reliance on provocative rhetoric rather than engaging in constructive dialogue. “The current strategy of the NDC, characterized by inflammatory statements, propaganda, and a confrontational stance, is not what Ghanaians need at this time,” he stated.
He emphasized that such tactics fail to address the country’s real issues and may only escalate tensions instead of promoting unity and constructive debate. Dr. Bannor urged the NDC to rethink its approach and adopt a more evidence-based strategy. He criticized the party for speculative actions that lack a solid foundation, arguing that this undermines the credibility of their policies and erodes public trust. “The NDC’s recent actions appear to be driven more by speculation and less by concrete evidence,” he remarked.
Additionally, he called on the NDC to set a positive precedent by focusing on substantial policy discussions and engaging in respectful political discourse. Dr. Bannor stressed the need for a calm and measured approach in political campaigning to create an environment conducive to democratic debate and progress.
He cautioned that the NDC’s aggressive and divisive rhetoric detracts from its ability to present viable solutions to national issues and could exacerbate political instability, leading to a polarized atmosphere that is detrimental to Ghana’s democratic processes. Effective political engagement, he argued, requires a focus on evidence-based policies and a commitment to peaceful resolutions. “The stakes are high, and the focus should be on advancing national interests rather than engaging in divisive tactics,” he concluded.
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