On Tuesday, 1^st October, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) as part of its 2024 election activities hosted an Evening Encounter with Independent Presidential Candidate and leader of the Alliance for Revolutionary Change (Movement for Change), Hon. Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, where he outlined his vision and plans for Ghana. The event was attended by various stakeholders including traditional and religious leaders, representatives from CSOs, professional bodies, labour unions, the diplomatic community, academia, political parties and student groups. In presenting his vision and plans for the country if elected as President on December 7, 2024, Alan Kyerematen addressed key areas where he believes the country has fallen short. He then outlined his vision as spelt out in his Movement’s Great Transformational Plan (GTP) and summarized the six main clusters of the plan as follows:

• The economic cluster is aimed at instituting macroeconomic interventions to among others stabilize the country’s ailing economy, reduce expenditure, optimize revenue, stabilize the currency, reduce inflation and interest rates, reduce import duties and taxes, and promote financial inclusion and intermediation. He also highlighted his plan to transform the agricultural sector.
• The governance cluster focuses on a new policy of zero-tolerance for corruption through leadership by example and enhancing the legal regime for the fight against corruption, as well as instituting necessary constitutional reform measures to enhance local governance.
• On infrastructure, the plan is to ensure that his government provides incentives to ensure that the private sector mobilizes the needed resources for infrastructural development. Mr. Kyerematen’s vision also prioritizes the bringing onboard of the private sector in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across the country as well as championing an aggressive transition to cleaner energy.
• The social services cluster aims at improving the Free Senior High School programme after a comprehensive review of the programme’s financial sustainability, infrastructural requirements, and curriculum development. He also highlighted the need to further enhance the country’s basic education and health service delivery. This cluster also proposes a ten-point plan for youth development.
• In respect of natural resource management, Mr. Kyerematen highlighted his ten-point plan to deal with the country’s galamsey menace with a view of regenerating affected lands and water bodies whilst creating employment avenues. He believes the military must play an active role in the fight against galamsey. He also highlighted his plan to introduce legislation and a deterrent sanctions regime that bans or deters mining in forest reserves and places close to water bodies. In addition, Alan plans to introduce new legislation to mandate value addition to the country’s primary products before export.
• On the need for attitudinal and mindset change, Mr. Kyerematen noted that all thriving democracies are anchored on respect for law and order, and a passion for excellence, meritocracy, and patriotism. These, he noted, are necessary to move Ghana to where it should be in the comity of nations.

Further, Mr. Kyerematen emphasized the need for not just free education but quality education and the importance of infrastructure and curriculum improvements. On the economy, he criticized the NDC’s 24-Hour economy plan, proposing instead an “Enterprise Economy” aimed at empowering local businesses and adding value to Ghana’s raw materials before export. He further touched on reducing the powers of the President under the Constitution and enhancing digital connectivity. Mr. Kyerematen pledged to create an independent Anti-Corruption Authority and affirmed his opposition to LGBTQI++ rights. Mr. Kyerematen then answered a series of questions and concerns from various invited stakeholders. He expressed confidence in his ability to lead Ghana and concluded by expressing the need for a change in power and breaking the duopoly. He urged voters to choose the Alliance for Revolutionary Change (Movement for Change) in the upcoming December 7 elections, declaring himself the best candidate to lead Ghana.