The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the research behind its 2024 manifesto, saying it undertook extensive consultations with various stakeholders. According to Julius Karl Fieve, a member of the NDC National Communication Team, the party established committees at various levels and engaged experts from different backgrounds. He said the party went beyond relying on experts and committees, engaging with citizens, including children in schools, university students, lecturers, market women, and farmers.
Mr. Fieve, who was part of a youth manifesto lab that contributed to the party's youth policies, said the consultations were reflected in the party's manifesto. He said the party was conversant with what it was coming to do because its manifesto wasn't just out of the blue. The NDC's approach was contrasted with that of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with Mr. Fieve citing past comments attributed to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The NDC's record in government was also defended by Mr. Fieve, who argued that the implementation of its manifesto promises demonstrates the role of research in shaping its policies. He cited progress on free Senior High School (SHS), support for first-year university students, the 24-hour market policy, and the economy. Mr. Fieve said a government that is delivering at this magnitude cannot be a government bereft of research.
Mr. Fieve's comments come after claims that political parties, particularly the NDC, do not take research seriously when developing their policies and manifestos. He rejected these claims, saying the NDC took a different approach. The party's 2024 manifesto is expected to be a major campaign tool in the upcoming elections.
The NDC's engagement with citizens was intended to gather their views and ideas on what the party should do if it gained power. Mr. Fieve said the party was on the ground to speak with citizens and solicit their views and ideas. This approach, he said, was reflected in the party's manifesto.
The NDC's research process was extensive, involving various stakeholders and experts. Mr. Fieve said the party's youth policies, for instance, were developed through a youth manifesto lab. This process contributed to the party's overall manifesto.
The NDC's 2024 manifesto is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming elections. The party's defense of its research process is seen as an effort to demonstrate its commitment to evidence-based policy-making.
Key points
- NDC undertook extensive consultations for 2024 manifesto
- Party engaged with various stakeholders, including citizens and experts
- NDC defends its record in government, citing progress on key policies
