Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Saddique, a former Minister for Zongo Development and one of the key archite
cts of Alan Kyerematen’s campaign has reassured chiefs in the Upper West Region that the north will become Ghana’s agricultural powerhouse in West Africa under Alan Kyerematen presidency.
Speaking at a gathering of traditional leaders during the Caravan Campaign Tour, on the 21st of October, 2024, Alhaji Saddique articulated how Mr. Kyerematen’s Great Transformational Plan (GTP) will unlock the immense agricultural potential of northern Ghana.

“When Alan Kyerematen takes office, the northern sector will be transformed into the food basket of the entire nation and beyond,” Alhaji Saddique proclaimed, drawing applause from the gathered chiefs. “We are blessed with vast arable land and natural resources, and under Alan’s leadership, these resources will be harnessed for the benefit of all.”

He detailed how the GTP aims to revolutionize the agricultural sector, particularly in the northern regions where there is untapped potential. “Alan’s new agricultural revolution will not only create jobs but also make Ghana self-sufficient in food production. We will no longer have to rely on imports when we have everything we need right here,” he added.

Alhaji Saddique pointed out that the northern regions are brimming with economic possibilities beyond traditional agriculture. “In the north, there is nothing that cannot be turned into an economic asset – whether it’s the trees, the medicinal grasses, or the fertile land. Alan Kyerematen understands this, and his plan will ensure that every inch of this region contributes to national development.”

As a senior advisor to Alan Kyerematen and a prominent member of the Movement for Change, Alhaji Saddique drew from his experience as the Zongo Minister during President Akufo-Addo’s first term to highlight the challenges facing the country, particularly the youth unemployment crisis. “The root cause of our economic woes is poor leadership. We don’t have a shortage of resources – we have a shortage of visionaries to lead us,” he remarked. “Alan is that visionary. He is the nationalist who will create jobs and ensure that every Ghanaian has cash in their pockets.”

He explained that Alan Kyerematen’s GTP is designed to solve the twin problems of unemployment and economic stagnation by placing job creation at its core. “When young people are jobless, they become desperate, and that’s when you see a rise in crime and unrest. Alan understands this and has a plan to create sustainable jobs for the youth. His vision will bring peace because idle hands will no longer be the devil’s workshop.”

Alhaji Boniface Saddique urged the chiefs and the people of the Upper West Region to support Alan Kyerematen, emphasizing that politics should not be about tribal or religious affiliations, but about electing a leader who can deliver results. “We need a leader who will unite us all, irrespective of where we come from. Alan Kyerematen is that leader. He will make sure that every region, and every community, benefits from the national pie. His leadership will ensure that we all enjoy the fruits of our labour.”

Elder Cletus Nyureh, speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chief of Nandom Traditional Area, Prof Edmund Nminnyem Dell Chiir VIII, said they had waited a long time for Alan’s arrival, as they believe in his vision for the country and wished him well in his bid to lead Ghana. The chiefs and elders, on their part, expressed their deep appreciation for Alan Kyerematen’s visit.

As the Caravan Campaign Tour continues to sweep through the Upper West Region, the Movement for Change’s message of economic empowerment and agricultural transformation resonates strongly with both the traditional leaders and the general populace. The chiefs have pledged their support to Alan Kyerematen, recognizing him as a leader capable of delivering on his promises.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Economist Professor Lord Mensah is worried developments in parliament could heighten investor uncertainty about the direction of the economy.

According to him, there are crucial fiscal policies that must be examined by parliament and passed on time, but could be delayed by the disagreement between the two major parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on who has the majority in the House.

This, he warned could send bad signals to investors and businesses seeking to operate in Ghana.

“Parliament plays a major role when it comes to approvals of expenditure lines and our approvals of some revenue line. So if it turns out that as a result of this power shift things are not beings settled, of course the investor community are going to see it to be more or less a bad signal”, he cautioned.

Prof. Mensah stated that investors do not like political uncertainties that do not give a clear view of the future.

He pointed out for example that time is a very important component when making an investment decision, hence further delays in passing fiscal laws and policies will derail the confidence of investors.

“At the end of the day it will impede their decisions as to whether to settle on Ghana or move elsewhere. Under a democratic dispensation, everything has to do with timelines and we are moving into November. We have to start concluding on our budget lines for next year”, he said.

Citing the November budget a critical instance, Prof. Mensah said delays in presenting the budget will not auger well for the next government.

“So if this derails, at the end of the day, it may affect committee composition here and there. It may affect our budget lines next year and from then on, the uncertainty continues I will say.”

Speaker adjourns sitting indefinitely 

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on Tuesday October 22, 2024 adjourned sitting in the House amid vacant seats controversy.

The decision was made in a House filled with NDC legislators who had occupied the Majority side of the aisle.

The NPP Members of Parliament had walked out earlier due to a controversy with the opposition, who had taken over their seats after claiming to constitute the majority.

During the brief proceedings, the Speaker agreed with Francis-Xavier Sosu that the record should be corrected to reflect that, on Thursday, when the NPP group walked out, they were the Minority.

Leading the NPP MPs out of the chamber earlier, MP for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin said they were retreating to their offices to await directives from the Speaker, Alban Sumana Bagbin, on the way forward.

According to Afenyo-Markin, they chose the path of peace rather than confronting their opponents to avoid chaos, insisting that Ghana is a peaceful country that should be maintained as such.

Source: Myoyonline.com