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Governments past and present have relished taking Ghana from a third world to first, but have disagreed on the targets and policy framework to achieving that feat.

Whilst the NDC touted vision 2020 as targets towards reaching a middle income status, the ruling NPP insists Ghana could attain that feat in 2015.

With just eight days more to go for the December polls, the campus of the University of Cape Coast offered yet another opportunity this time for four vice presidential candidates to elucidate on their policy objectives as well as targets towards meeting a middle income status.

In what was palpably an intriguing vice presidential debate chauffeured by Joy FM’S Israel Laryea and Prof Ivan Adae Mensah formerly dean of the University of Ghana, the four candidates outlined their policies on many issues affecting the country and what they would do in their respective capacities if elected into office.

Asked if Ghana could increase productivity to attain a middle income status in 2015 as stipulated under the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy II, the responses were varied; some audacious and others pessimistic.

According to Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia the New Patriotic Party vice presidential candidate, Ghana will reach middle income status in 2012 instead of the 2015 targeted by his party.

“Given the current growth trajectory we are on, Ghana can get to a middle income status in 2012,” he argued.

He said Ghana with its current growth rate pegged at US$674 per capita could attain the US$1000 per capita in 2012.

He described as “a waste of time” the NDC targets at reaching a middle income status in 2020.

He said a Nana Akufo-Addo led administration with his assistance would invest more in education as well as skills training as a way to increase productivity.

He said they will “protect and jealously guard” achievements in the economy and ensure a sustained economic growth in order to make the march towards a middle income status in 2012 a reality.

However, the NDC vice presidential candidate John Mahama says attaining a middle income status at the current rate was impossible in 2015.

He said wealth generated must be shared among the generality of the population, adding, “it is not about attaining a $1000 but about how the $1000 would be shared amongst all.”

He argued growth in manufacturing as well as proceeds from food crops had declined under the NPP administration, two major determinants he said were crucial in attaining a middle income status.

He attributed the slow pace of increase in productivity to poor working environment, poor motivation as well as low salaries to workers.

He pledged that an NDC government under Prof. Mills will invest more in manufacturing and agriculture in order to attain a middle income in 2020.

Dr. Abu Sakara took a swipe at both the NPP and NDC for their inability to attain a middle income status in 30 years combined.

“While the NPP and PNDC have struggled unsuccessfully for nearly 30 years to raise Ghana to the rungs of middle income country with a per capita income of $1000 the CPP did so in ten years.” He argued.

He noted real growth, based on strategic investments in manufacturing sectors would be vigorously pursued to attain a middle income status in 2015.

He also gave the assurance that his party if elected into power in December, would give opportunities for equal trade, in order for the local entrepreneurs to be competitive and to be able to benefit from trading activities in the country.

Even though private enterprise will be entertained, Dr. Sakara noted the state, will play a major role in galvanising support for the accomplishment of the set goal.

Mrs Petra Amegashie, the PNC vice presidential candidate, with her piercing voice and humuor, gave a feminine touch to the debate.

Whilst agreeing to all the sentiments shared by John Mahama, she was doubtful how the growth of the per capita income would reflected on poor families

She said her party would increase the production of cash crops to increase productivity in the long run.

Other cash crops farmers would be given the incentives and the attention like the cocoa farmers to increase productivity for the country she added.

She chided both the NDC and NPP over what she says were bad financial policies such as the devaluations and redenomination of the currency.

The debate which was under the auspices of the Institute of Economic Affairs and Joy FM was arguably livelier than the two presidential debates held earlier in October 29 and November 12.


Story by Nathan Gadugah