John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has outlined a series of commitments aimed at enhancing the education sector, reducing government expenditure, and optimizing the national economy, should he be elected president in the forthcoming elections.
In a bid to address the shortage of teachers in rural areas, Mahama has promised a 20% salary incentive for teachers who accept postings in these underserved regions.
"Teachers who agree to serve in a rural school will be paid 20 percent of their salary as incentives. This will encourage teachers to accept to serve in rural schools," Mahama stated during his address on Sunday, June 9.
Additionally, Mahama has committed to establishing a leaner government by reducing the number of ministers and cutting government spending.
He emphasized that the savings from these measures would be directed towards improving the lives of teachers and other national workers.
"I promise you a leaner government. We’ll have fewer ministers and cut government expenditure, and any savings that we make will be used to better the lives of our teachers and other national workers," he said.
Mahama also reiterated his vision for a 24-hour economy, a concept he believes will drive economic development both now and in the future.
This initiative aims to create an enabling environment with deliberate policies for businesses, companies, and government institutions to operate continuously in three eight-hour shifts.
Elaborating on this vision, Mahama explained that the two additional work shifts his administration plans to introduce would significantly increase employment opportunities in both public and private sectors.
"The 24-hour initiative is the answer for now and in the future," he said.
"It will create an enabling environment with deliberate policies for businesses, companies, and government institutions to operate 24/7 in a three-eight-hour shift system."
Mr. Mahama highlighted the broad benefits of this strategy, including the provision of 24-hour services across various sectors such as ports and harbors, customs, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), agro-processing factories, manufacturing industries, and construction companies.
"This is the 24-hour economy optimization strategy: giving more to society, providing efficient service delivery, and generating decent and well-paying jobs," he noted.
The former president's comprehensive plan aims to tackle critical issues in education, governance, and economic activity, promising a transformative approach to national development if he is given the mandate to lead once again.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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