Alan Kyerematen, a key presidential hopeful, has made a bold pledge to Ghanaians: he will stabilize the economy and bring the exchange rate below 5 cedis if elected President. The assurance came during his mega victory walk in the Greater Accra Region on November 2, 2024, where he addressed thousands of supporters, laying out his vision for economic renewal and national transformation.
Speaking passionately about the economic challenges facing the nation, Mr. Kyerematen emphasized the urgent need for reforms. “The exchange rate is currently almost $1=17 cedis, and that is unacceptable,” he declared. He pledged that under his leadership, the economy would be overhauled to restore the value of the cedi, thus improving the purchasing power of citizens and instilling confidence in the local economy.
The Great Transformational Plan (GTP)
Central to Mr. Kyerematen’s campaign is his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), which he described as the most comprehensive strategy for tackling Ghana’s economic woes. The plan aims to address four critical issues: unemployment, corruption, illegal mining, and the weakened economy. He positioned himself as the only politician with clear, actionable solutions to these problems, further boosting confidence among his supporters.
Focus on Agriculture and Industry
Alan outlined his strategy for economic revitalization, which hinges on agricultural development, industrial transformation, and tourism growth. “Through a robust investment in agriculture and local industries, we will create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for the youth,” he noted. By boosting domestic production and cutting down on imports, he believes the pressure on the cedi can be significantly reduced, leading to greater economic stability.
Empowering the Youth and Supporting Small-Scale Mining
The presidential hopeful also expressed deep concern over the high rate of youth unemployment, which he noted has driven many into illegal mining or ‘Galamsey.’ To combat this, Mr. Kyerematen pledged to create legal avenues for young people to participate in small-scale mining responsibly. “I will cease the licenses of those politicians who have been exploiting the youth and instead give them to the youth to set up their own small-scale mining companies,” he promised, adding that mining equipment would be provided on a work-and-pay basis to enable young entrepreneurs to establish their foothold in the industry.
Entrepreneurship and Job Creation
Beyond mining, Alan outlined policies designed to support young entrepreneurs, including funding, business training, and market access to grow their ventures. “Thanks to the various youth empowerment policies, it will be difficult for the youth to complete school without securing jobs or self-employment opportunities,” he said.
A Government of Inclusivity
In a notable commitment to inclusivity, Alan vowed that his administration would be based on competence rather than political loyalty. “In my government, if you are NDC, NPP, or someone who doesn’t do politics but can do the job, I will appoint you to be part of it,” he asserted. This promise resonated strongly with many, particularly his statement that job opportunities would be accessible to all, requiring only a Ghana Card for employment and eliminating the need for party affiliations.
Path to Economic Relief
Alan’s proposals, centered on agricultural and industrial investment, youth empowerment, and responsible small-scale mining, align with his GTP’s vision of long-term stability and prosperity. He believes that addressing the root causes of economic instability will pave the way for sustainable development and economic relief, goals that resonate with a nation eager for change.
As the political landscape heats up, Kyerematen’s promises stand out as a beacon of hope for many who see economic recovery as essential for Ghana’s future.
