President Akufo-Addo has stated that it would be difficult for political parties to put aside their manifestos and solely adopt the content of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC).

The NDPC, through consultation with Civil Society Organisations and professional bodies, produced a report aimed at improving the living standards of Ghanaians and attaining upper middle-income status by 2057.

During the presentation of the report to the President on July 16, the group advised that political parties use the report as a guide to develop their manifestos so that the Commission would be able to meet a national long-term development agenda.

However, the President said although the NDPC’s work was commendable and highly useful, political parties would not wish to put aside their manifestos to adopt the strategies of the Commission.

According to him, the manifesto is a contract between the parties and the people; therefore, for individuals to suggest that it be brushed aside and for all political parties to adopt the NDPC report is wrong.

“I think the thinking of people who say that we should put manifestos aside and subscribe to plans, which is assuming that everybody thinks the same. There is arrogance in that way of looking at the country and its future which I have always found very difficult to swallow,” he said.

The President stressed that manifestos are the product of social engagement. These engagements, he said, are targeted at creating plans to meet the needs and demands of citizens.

He explained that this was one of the major reasons the Free Senior High School policy was developed, which played a significant role in his election to office.

“So I think the idea of having a plan that is flexible enough to adjust to these commitments between political parties and the population is a very impressive development in the planning apparatus of our country,” he added.