The National Democratic Congress (NDC) People’s Manifesto has met varied views and opinions from residents in the Greater Takoradi Metropolitan Area of the Western Region.
While some residents described the Manifesto as detailed and all-inclusive and being excited by the numerous policies and programmes captured in it, others doubted the party’s ability to fulfill the promises if voted into power come December 7.
In a separate interview with Spice Fm/Beach Fm, Mr Ras Essandoh, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communicator described the Manifesto as a Manifesto of hope, comfort, stability, people-centered and all inclusive one.
He explained that since the NDC is a social Democrat Party, consultations were done at all levels including market women, artisans, professionals, traders and traditional rulers among others to sample their opinions on what they think will best serve their interest.
He emphasized that the dualisation of roads agenda will open up the regions and facilitate movement of cargoes and goods and as well promote tourism.
Mr Essandoh pointed out that all school projects started by former President John Mahama would be completed to eliminate the double -track system to give a befitting education to Ghanaian children.
He was of the view that the fifty (50) percent slash on school fees for tertiary students, and the extension of grace period to start the payment of students’ loan for a year to three (3) years will ease pressure on fresh graduates.
“The boost on infrastructural development will improve lives and promote growth among the Ghanaian populace”, he pointed out.
Mr Issah Fuseini, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communicator on his part described the Manifesto as mere rhetoric since it has nothing new and realistic in it.
According to him, in the electioneering campaign to the 2016 elections, the NDC contested strongly that the free SHS Policy of the NPP could not be financed hence, cannot be achieved except in some twenty (20) years to come and so if the NDC says it will give 50% slash on school fees for tertiary students Ghanaians should not take them serious.
He argued that former President Mahama ridiculed the establishment of the Zongo Development Fund which has offered tremendous improvement to residents in the Zongo communities like training of Arabic teachers in both local and abroad as well as the infrastructural development like access roads and school buildings.
“However, the NDC is now proposing for the establishment of the Soyeya Fund to oversee the development of the Zongo communities and for that matter Ghanaians should not take them seriously”, he divulged.
Mr David Ato Mensah, a Poultry Feed seller at the Takoradi market circle also noted that the free supply of fertilizer and agro inputs mentioned in the manifesto was attainable since previous governments were able to do the same.
