Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, announced the formation of a manifesto committee on Thursday, February 22nd, in preparation for the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Leading this formidable committee is none other than the esteemed former Majority Leader of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, who has been appointed as chairman. Assisting him in steering the committee’s operations are Prof. Kwaku Appiah-Adu and Abena Asante, who have been entrusted with the roles of Coordinators. Additionally, Evron Hughes has been designated as the Secretary, overseeing the logistical and administrative aspects of the committee’s functions.
The 318-member panel consists of chairpersons, co-chairs, members, and Advisors, bringing together a diverse range of expertise. Notable figures such as celebrated economist Kwame Pianim, former flagbearer aspirant Francis Addai-Nimoh, and industry experts like Dr. Assibey Yeboah and William Oppong-Bio are contributing to various sub-committees. Additionally, personalities such as filmmaker Prince David Osei, musician Okyeame Kwame, and sports journalist Charles Osei Asibey are actively involved in specific areas of focus within the committee.
However, some strategic national office holders are noticeably absent from the committee, including Director of NPP Communications Richard Ahiagba, National Women Organizer Kate Gyamfua, and Zongo Coordinator Aziz Futtah.
The manifesto committee’s mandate is far-reaching, encompassing 20 key areas aligned with the Flagbearer’s vision statement presented earlier in February. These areas span a wide spectrum of policy domains, including the Economy, Trade and Industry, Energy and Petroleum, Agriculture/Fisheries, and Communication and Digitalization, among others.
To ensure thorough deliberations and comprehensive coverage of each policy area, the committee has been organized into 20 sub-committees, each chaired by a distinguished member of the panel. Additionally, sector-related ministers have been appointed as advisors to provide valuable insights and guidance to the respective sub-committees.
One particularly noteworthy aspect of the committee’s composition is its commitment to gender representation, with seventy-eight women accounting for 24.5% of the total membership. This deliberate effort underscores the NPP’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity within its ranks.
The announcement of the manifesto committee follows hot on the heels of the earlier constitution of a forty-member campaign committee by the NPP. Chaired by former Local Government Minister Dan Kwaku Botwe, this campaign committee is tasked with spearheading the party’s electoral strategy and mobilization efforts.
With these strategic appointments and initiatives, the NPP is signaling its readiness to engage with the electorate and present a compelling vision for the future of Ghana. As the 2024 general elections draw closer, all eyes will be on the manifesto committee as it works tirelessly to articulate the party’s agenda and priorities for the nation.