On November 2, 2024, in a rallying call for change, Alan Kyerematen delivered a compelling vision for Ghana’s future at his Mega Victory Walk in Greater Accra. The presidential hopeful painted a vivid picture of a transformed Ghana, pledging to drastically reduce the exchange rate to below 5 cedis and to stabilize the economy through his ambitious Great Transformational Plan (GTP).
Kyerematen’s address resonated with the crowd as he acknowledged the country’s economic struggles, noting that the exchange rate had nearly reached 1 dollar to 17 cedis—an unsustainable situation he is determined to reverse. “This is unacceptable,” he remarked. “Ghanaians deserve an economy that strengthens their purchasing power and restores confidence in the future.”
Kyerematen laid out the four main challenges he aims to address if elected: the faltering economy, unemployment, corruption, and illegal mining (galamsey). He vowed that his GTP is not just a theoretical blueprint but a detailed plan rooted in practical solutions for Ghana’s most pressing issues.
Central to Kyerematen’s economic strategy is a focus on agriculture, industrialization, and tourism. He emphasized that sustainable job creation, particularly for the youth, would be driven by a commitment to revitalizing Ghana’s agricultural sector, boosting local industries, and promoting tourism. “We will invest in agriculture and local production to create jobs, reduce imports, and relieve pressure on the cedi,” he stated. His plan includes incentives for domestic production, which he believes will foster economic resilience and job stability.
Youth empowerment emerged as a key theme in Kyerematen’s speech, with a special focus on creating legitimate opportunities for young Ghanaians in sectors like small-scale mining. He acknowledged that many young people turn to illegal mining as a last resort due to a lack of viable alternatives. “I will reassign mining licenses from politicians to the youth and support them with equipment on a work-and-pay basis, enabling them to legally own and operate small-scale mining businesses,” he pledged.
In addition to opportunities in mining, Kyerematen’s GTP includes policies to support young entrepreneurs across industries. He promised a government-backed ecosystem for entrepreneurship, including access to funding, business development programs, and market connections. “With these policies, Ghanaian youth will find pathways to either jobs or self-employment after finishing school,” he said, underscoring his commitment to tackling youth unemployment head-on.
A cornerstone of Kyerematen’s vision is a government inclusive of all Ghanaians, irrespective of political affiliation. He vowed to appoint individuals based on merit, not party loyalty, creating a unity-driven administration focused on collective progress. “In my government, we will appoint the best people, whether they are NDC, NPP, or apolitical, as long as they can deliver,” he declared. He reassured the youth that jobs would be accessible without needing political connections, with the Ghana Card serving as the only qualification required.
Kyerematen’s proposals reflect a broader vision for a thriving, inclusive Ghana. By addressing the exchange rate and inflation, championing youth empowerment, promoting local industry, and fostering political unity, he believes his administration can put Ghana on a path to sustained growth and prosperity.
