The Fourth Republic of Ghana has been characterized by the alternation of power between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Over the past three decades, both parties have ruled Ghana for 16 years each, offering a unique opportunity to evaluate their contributions to the country’s development. A comprehensive assessment of their governance highlights sharp contrasts, particularly in social interventions and the handling of state assets…
The NDC: Historical Roots and Governance
To understand the NDC’s governance philosophy, it is crucial to trace its roots to the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC). The AFRC, led by Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, ruled Ghana for a brief period from June to September 1979 following a military coup. This was followed by the PNDC regime, which governed Ghana from 1981 to 1992 after another coup led by Rawlings. The PNDC eventually transitioned into the NDC in 1992 with the introduction of multiparty democracy, maintaining much of its core leadership…
Several individuals who were part of the AFRC and PNDC remain prominent in the NDC today. Key figures include:
1. Jerry John Rawlings (late): The founder of the NDC and leader of both the AFRC and PNDC regimes.
2. Tsatsu Tsikata: A close ally of Rawlings and former CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
3. Dr. Kwabena Adjei (late): A PNDC stalwart and later NDC chairman.
4. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah (General Mosquito): A prominent member of the NDC who served in the PNDC era as a deputy defense minister and is now a Chairman of the party.
5. Ato Ahwoi and his brothers: Key players in the PNDC administration and later influential in the NDC’s economic management.
6. Yaw Agyeman Manu: An operative during the PNDC regime who transitioned into active politics under the NDC.
7. Ebo Tawiah: Involved in the PNDC government and retained his ties to the NDC.
8. Kofi Totobi Quakyi: Served in intelligence roles during the PNDC era and transitioned into the civilian NDC administration as a minister.
9. Dr. Obed Asamoah: A legal brain of the PNDC, he later served as an NDC minister and chairman.
10. Captain Kojo Tsikata: Head of National Security during the PNDC period, associated with some controversies but retained ties to the NDC.
11. Alhaji Huudu Yahaya: Served under the PNDC and remained a stalwart within the NDC.
12. P.V. Obeng (deceased): A key technocrat in the PNDC and later an influential figure in the NDC.
This historical backdrop provides context for the NDC’s governance style, marked by centralization of power, state asset confiscations, and privatization under controversial circumstances…
The NDC: A History of State Asset Sales and Mismanagement
The NDC’s governance has been marked by a pattern of selling state assets, often under controversial circumstances. While privatization is not inherently bad, the NDC’s approach has been criticized for a lack of transparency, poor valuation of assets, and decisions that appeared to prioritize political and personal interests over national benefit…
Key Examples of State Asset Sales and Confiscations by the NDC:
Industrial Enterprises
1. Ghana Textile Manufacturing Company (GTMC):
• Reportedly acquired by foreign investors, with links to multinational textile companies.
• No specific Ghanaian beneficiaries identified.
2. Juapong Textiles Limited:
• Eventually leased to private operators but struggled to revive under new management.
3. Bonsa Tyre Factory:
• Privatized and reportedly acquired by a private Ghanaian business group with connections to government officials.
4. Tema Steel Works:
• Sold to private investors under unclear circumstances.
5. Takoradi Paper Mill:
• Acquired by a private company, alleged to have ties to senior NDC figures.
Agricultural and Agro-Processing Enterprises
1. Nsawam Cannery:
• Sold to Caridem Development Company, a company reportedly linked to Mrs. Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings (former First Lady).
2. Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL):
• Acquired by Société Internationale de Plantation d’Hévéas (SIPH), a French rubber company, with allegations of insider deals involving PNDC officials.
3. Pwalugu Tomato Factory:
• Initially abandoned; later attempts to revive it involved private individuals with alleged links to political figures.
Infrastructure and Utilities
1. Ghana Telecom:
• Sold to Vodafone in a controversial transaction during President Mills’ administration in 2008.
2. Black Star Line:
• Assets sold off to multiple private entities, with allegations of favoritism toward politically connected individuals.
3. Tema Shipyard and Drydock:
• Leased to Malaysia Shipyard and Engineering; later reverted to the government after disputes.
4. State Transport Corporation (STC):
• Shares sold to Vanef Consortium, a private company, during the NDC administration.
Trading and Manufacturing Enterprises
1. Ghana National Trading Corporation (GNTC):
• Disbanded, with assets sold off to private individuals, some linked to government officials of the era.
2. Ghana Airways:
• Liquidated under President Kufuor’s administration, but early signs of mismanagement during the PNDC and NDC eras. Some assets were acquired by individuals with political ties.
3. Tema Food Complex Corporation:
• Privatized and acquired by a private business entity linked to a foreign consortium.
4. Ghana Oil Palm Development Corporation (GOPDC):
• Acquired by SOCFINAF SA, a Belgian company, amidst allegations of undervaluation.
Mining and Natural Resources
1. Ashanti Goldfields Corporation (AGC):
• Shares were sold under PNDC economic reforms to Lonrho Plc, a UK-based multinational.
2. Prestea Goldfields Limited:
• Privatized to private mining companies with links to international firms.
Financial Institutions
1. Bank for Housing and Construction:
• Liquidated; some of its assets were acquired by private banks with links to politically connected individuals.
2. National Savings and Credit Bank:
• Merged with Social Security Bank (SSB), later privatized.
3. Cooperative Bank:
• Assets reportedly acquired by private investors under controversial terms.
Notable Observations
1. Political Connections: Many beneficiaries of privatized SOEs were individuals or entities with close ties to the PNDC and NDC governments. Allegations of nepotism and corruption were rampant.
2. Foreign Ownership: A significant number of enterprises were sold to foreign companies, often at prices critics argued were undervalued.
3. Lack of Transparency: Official records of these transactions are sparse, and many deals remain shrouded in secrecy, fueling suspicions of insider trading and favoritism.
Alleged Beneficiaries of Asset Sales:
The issue of alleged beneficiaries of asset sales and confiscations during the PNDC and NDC eras remains controversial. While official documentation on specific transactions and their beneficiaries is limited, certain individuals, organizations, and entities have been implicated based on public records and political discourse:
1. Tsatsu Tsikata: Associated with managing and restructuring assets related to the energy sector during his tenure at GNPC.
2. Ezanetor Rawlings: Linked to several state properties during the PNDC era.
3. Party Financiers and Loyalists: Properties like Nsawam Cannery and factories were reportedly sold to individuals or entities with connections to the ruling party.
4. Foreign Corporations: Multinational companies like Vodafone benefited from asset sales, sparking debates about national interests.
The NPP: A Legacy of Social Interventions
The NPP has consistently prioritized social interventions aimed at improving the welfare of Ghanaians. From its first administration under President John Agyekum Kufuor (2001-2009) to the ongoing leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (2017-present), the NPP has initiated policies that resonate with the needs of ordinary citizens.
Key social interventions under the NPP include:
1. National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
2. School Feeding Program
3. Capitation Grant
4. Free Senior High School (Free SHS)
5. Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP)
6. Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ)
7. Nation Builders Corps (NABCO)
8. One District, One Factory (1D1F)
9. Zongo Development Fund
10. Free Maternal Healthcare
11. Youth Employment Agency (YEA)
12. One Village, One Dam
13. Teacher and Nurse Trainee Allowances
14. Housing Initiatives
15. MASLOC (Microfinance and Small Loans Centre)
These interventions have had profound and lasting impacts on Ghanaian society, demonstrating the NPP’s commitment to human capital development and social equity…
Conclusion:
The NPP as the Better Alternative
The contrasting legacies of the NPP and NDC highlight a clear difference in priorities. While the NPP has consistently focused on empowering citizens through social interventions, the NDC’s governance has often been marred by controversies surrounding state asset sales.
The NPP’s policies have not only alleviated poverty but also positioned Ghana for long-term development. Programs like Free SHS and NHIS have transformed lives and provided opportunities for millions. On the other hand, the NDC’s actions, particularly the sale and mismanagement of state assets, have left lasting scars on the nation’s economic and industrial landscape.
As Ghana moves forward, it is imperative for citizens to support a government that prioritizes their welfare. The NPP’s track record proves that it is the better alternative, committed to building a prosperous and equitable Ghana for all.
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