The 2024 election is about a contest of credible ideas, a comparison of records, and the proposal of practical solutions.

There’s virtually an absolute loss of confidence in public administration, especially among first-time and floating voters. This why the next National Democratic Congress government has a rare and pristine opportunity to restore faith in Ghana’s crumbling democracy.

Ghanaians are keen on nurturing their families, earning a decent income, and supporting community development. Until our economy is back on a sound footing, it's going to be difficult for people to move forward with their aspirations, especially for those below the breadline.

The real danger in all this is not only the damage done, but what would unfold if the New Patriotic Party won again. The NPP government has been stuck in a spiral of despair for a while now.

Ghanaians have witnessed, on a mass scale, unprecedented illegal mining under the tenure of this NPP government, amongst many other ills. While the multitude of our people are plunged into abject poverty, and our water bodies destroyed, its leadership continues to loot our state resources.

There is no escaping that it is already year 8 of the NPP, and nothing in their record warrants giving them another four. The economy has barely grown and our public services are poor.

There is no real sense that the free market is turning a corner with all the indicators pointing in the wrong direction. At the next election, we get the opportunity to turn that around. We are a nation in despair.

Although Ghana's economy is devastated, and government is putrefying — in John Mahama, Ghanaians across the political divide, regardless of their partisan affiliations, have a leader who can inspire change in our attitudes to seize our common destiny, and collectively build our Republic.

We have a series of crises hitting us head-on, but during the campaign tour, John Mahama has, as usual, continued to advance a coherent set of ideas to address the ravaging chaos of the times. Ghana can break out of this cycle low of growth, high taxes and stagnant wages with an NDC government.

This alternative is not one of wild promises and fantasy economics; it’s an ambitious policy program, focused entirely on improving the livelihoods of hardworking Ghanaians.

Under the next NDC government, all businesses which choose to operate after peak hours — in line with the 24-hour economy policy — will receive tax incentives and reduced electricity tariffs.

A 24-hour economy shall arouse a broad-based national effort to intensely rebuild our economy as a Republic, around the clock. Also, sacrifice and selfless leadership ought to be the hallmark of those who dwell in the foothills of power.

In line with this principle, the next NDC government shall cut incentives for top government officials — which includes fuel and utility bills.

Furthermore, to advance with great rapidity, we must raise the efficiency of Ghanaian labour. We can firmly rely on the next NDC government to provide widespread educational opportunities so Ghana’s youth can access the vital skills required to modernise our society.

The National Democratic Congress believes in the potential and capacity of Ghana’s youth as a crucial part of nation-building. Together, we can hold an NDC government to account and collectively steer it in the right direction. Moreover, there is a vibrant network of skilled, talented and competent social democrats — with diverse areas of expertise — all eager to deepen their involvement in nation-building, whether in the private or public sector.

Governing will be a formidable challenge — this is why experience and competence matters. Ghana must be rebuilt with nationalism and innovation.

You can trust John & Jane ticket to tackle the crisis we face as a Republic, and deliver the change Ghanaians so urgently yearn for.

Ghanaians possess, in abundance, both the expertise and talent to elevate the status of our nation. A disciplined, ambitious and reforming NDC government — led by Mr. Mahama and Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang; the intelligent alternative — will offer the leadership our Republic needs.

The author, V. L. K. Djokoto, is the Managing Partner at D. K. T. Djokoto & Co, an illustrious and trustworthy multi-disciplinary family office, which since 1950, has provided sincere guidance on commerce, real estate, corporate affairs & public relations, and rural development to selected traditional royal houses (being an Aŋlɔ royal himself) , blue-chip businesses, ultra-high net-worth individuals, and governments. He is also the proprietor of Accra Evening News.