Former President John Dramani Mahama, has highlighted what he says is the National Democratic Congress party's forward-thinking approach in preparing policy proposals ahead of the 2024 elections.

Speaking at the Peduase Valley Resort in Aburi, in the Eastern region where the NDC held its LAB Policy Dialogue, John Mahama emphasised the significance of the dialogue in shaping the party's manifesto and governance strategy.

Mahama commended the NDC LAB for its meticulousness and professionalism in crafting policy options aimed at addressing Ghana's pressing socio-economic challenges and underscored the importance of refining policy proposals to meet the expectations of the Ghanaian electorate, particularly in light of the country's current economic crisis.

"The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) reported on Wednesday this week that unemployment keeps rising and currently stands at a staggering 14.7%, as nearly 1.4 million young people aged 15 to 35 were unemployed in the first three quarters of 2023 alone. This is, by every account, a very harrowing situation.

"Worsening living conditions, unbearable hardships, a spiralling cost of living, high inflation, rising inequality, a widening gap between the haves and the have-nots, a steep erosion of the purchasing power of Ghanaians, an unsustainable public debt, massive debt defaults, a failing currency, and astronomic budget deficits tell the tale of a catastrophic economic meltdown, which is the result of shocking mismanagement and ineptitude by the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia administration.

"Compounding our miserable circumstances as Ghanaians are astonishing levels of governmental corruption and plain thievery of our resources, severely weakened and heavily politicised governance institutions serving the NPP rather than the national interest, and, more importantly, the insufferable arrogance of power. This is not the Ghana we subscribed to. Without a doubt, this current iteration of our country requires urgent rebuilding anchored on our collective aspirations with workable, progressive, and sustainable policies," he said.

The dialogue, which brought together over 200 experts from various sectors, focused on key thematic areas such as finance and economy, human development, and governance.

Mahama expressed confidence in the policy proposals emerging from the dialogue, noting their relevance to the issues raised during his nationwide tours.

He also outlined the NDC's commitment to implementing progressive policies aimed at restoring the economy and improving the lives of Ghanaians, stressing on the party's flagship "24-hour economy" policy as a transformative initiative to boost productivity, create jobs, and address key socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Mr. Mahama's remarks also addressed concerns about the New Patriotic Party's attempts to discredit the NDC's policy proposals, emphasising the party's track record of accountability and responsibility.

He reiterated the NDC's pledge to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the will of the Ghanaian people prevails in the upcoming elections.

The Policy Dialogue concluded with Mahama's pledge to lead the NDC in building a better Ghana, one that reflects the aspirations and identity of its citizens.

As the party prepares to launch its manifesto, Mahama expressed confidence in the readiness and eagerness of Ghanaians to join in rebuilding the nation.