We went to the ground – NDC defends research behind 2024 manifesto

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the research behind its 2024 manifesto, rejecting claims that political parties, particularly the NDC, do not take research seriously. Julius Karl Fieve, a member of the NDC National Communication Team and Deputy Volta Regional Youth Organiser hopeful, stated that the NDC conducted extensive consultations before producing its manifesto. Fieve himself was involved in a youth manifesto process that contributed to the party’s youth policies.

The NDC established committees at various levels and engaged experts from diverse backgrounds. However, Fieve emphasized that the party went beyond relying solely on experts and committees, actively seeking input from the Ghanaian people. They engaged with school children, university students, school lecturers, market women, and farmers to gather their views and ideas on what the party should do if it gained power.

Fieve stated that these consultations were reflected in the party’s manifesto. He contrasted the NDC’s approach with that of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), citing past comments attributed to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Fieve defended the NDC’s record in government, citing examples of progress such as free Senior High School (SHS), support for first-year university students, a 24-hour market policy, and economic policies.

According to Fieve, the implementation of these manifesto promises demonstrates the role of research in shaping the party’s policies. He highlighted the NDC’s intellectuality and intellectualism, attributing their success to a government that is delivering at a significant level. Fieve concluded that a government delivering at this magnitude cannot be a government lacking in research.