NPP rebuts NDC's claims of idea theft in 2024 manifesto launch

Boakye Albert Forkuo, the former NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Asunafo South Constituency, has come out strongly to defend the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 2024 manifesto, responding to criticisms from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Mr. Forkuo refuted claims made by the NDC that the NPP had stolen their idea to train one million coders, asserting that the NPP had initiated such programs well before the NDC's 2020 manifesto.

Speaking on Think TV's political talk show, SE NO PEI, Mr. Forkuo explained, "When the NPP implemented the Zongo Development Fund, we identified the rising problem of cyber fraud in Zongo communities.

"As part of our response, Mustapha Hamid, who was then the Minister of Information before moving to the Zongo Ministry, recommended that we channel internet misuse into productive skills like coding"

"In 2019, we began training 60 girls in robotics and coding. If we started this in 2019 and the NDC later included it in their 2020 manifesto, how does that make them the rightful owners of the idea?"

Mr. Forkuo also highlighted the NPP’s achievements in the industrial sector, particularly through the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

"The NDC claims we have not delivered, but what about the Ekumfi Juice Factory? This project not only produces beverages but also provides jobs for young people"

:While Nkrumah and successive governments established about 300 factories, the NDC sold off most of them to their associates after passing the Divestiture Bill in 1992"

"President Akufo-Addo has worked tirelessly to rebuild these factories, and today, we have 321 factories, with 162 operational, employing about 160,000 youths."

The NPP Communicator went on to discuss the NPP's broader contributions to Ghana’s industrial revival and economic development.

"The NPP has revived numerous companies across the country, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. No one can win power based on lies"

"Dr. Bawumia has openly admitted that there are hardships, and our Finance Minister has even apologized for the challenges related to the debt restructuring.

"However, it's important to recognize that we missed out on the first, second, and third industrial revolutions. This fourth revolution, focused on digitalization, is our chance to catch up, and Bawumia is leading that charge."

Mr. Forkuo praised Dr. Bawumia's role in advancing Ghana's digital transformation, particularly through the implementation of the Ghana Card.

"Bawumia is working hard from the Jubilee House to ensure that initiatives like the Ghana Card are realized. This has made mobile money transactions more effective and ensured that every Ghanaian is identified"

"Compare that to Mahama, under whom Ghanaians were left to suffer through 'dumsor.' Under President Akufo-Addo, every constituency now has an ambulance."

Mr. Forkuo dismissed the NDC as a party that thrives on violence, arguing that their history and behavior remain unchanged. He expressed his satisfaction with the NPP's 2024 manifesto, stating,

"I am proud of the NPP and the manifesto we launched yesterday. It is a testament to our commitment to building a better future for Ghana."

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith