In a bold move that has already ignited debate across the country, Hassan Ayariga, the presidential candidate of the All Peoples Congress (APC), has promised a radical shift in Ghana’s economic policy.
Speaking to Maltiti Sayida Sadick on the GTV Breakfast Manifesto watch segment after his manifesto launch over the weekend, Dr Ayariga announced his plans to ban all private mining in Ghana, placing full control of the sector in the hands of the government.
“I’m going to ban all mining activities in this country when I become president,” Dr Ayariga stated. “No private individuals will mine. Only the state will be allowed to mine,” he further emphasised that his administration would review all existing mining licenses, claiming that many politicians are the ones directly benefiting from illegal mining activities (galamsey). “The president has the power to stop galamsey with a pronouncement, and I will use that power,” he declared.
Ayariga stressed the potential of Ghana’s mining sector, particularly the revenue it generates, to uplift the economy without resorting to foreign loans. “The revenue we get from mining should be able to stop us from borrowing,” he added, promising to cancel all lithium and bauxite contracts currently held by foreign companies if elected.
‘Ghana and Ghanaians First’
In his second major policy announcement, Ayariga revealed a new “Ghana and Ghanaians First” approach to rebuilding the economy, starting with a mindset change. “The economic situation is so unbearable that Ghanaians don’t believe in Ghana anymore. Mindsets have to be changed to get Ghanaians to be in control of the economy,” he said, emphasising the need for citizens to take ownership of the country’s wealth.
He also called out the dominance of foreign businesses in the local economy. “Go to Spintex Road, all the companies there belong to foreigners. Where are the Ghanaians? Wealth is created in Ghana and repatriated to the foreigners, but we keep borrowing,” Dr Ayariga said.
Economic Lockdown and Free Ports
Among the most striking promises in Dr Hassan Ayariga’s manifesto is his plan to implement a one-year economic lockdown, during which the government would reassess and reform the nation’s financial policies. Following the lockdown, he pledged to make Ghana’s ports free to stimulate local business and trade.
“I will lockdown this economy for a year, and after that, I will make our ports free,” he declared, a move he believes will set Ghana on the path to financial independence and long-term prosperity.
Ayariga, who credited his own financial success and how he made his first one million dollars at the age of 21 to the enabling environment in which he grew up, made it clear that under his leadership, the future of Ghana’s economy would be driven by Ghanaians for Ghanaians. His manifesto, focusing on state-controlled mining, a protectionist economy, and sweeping reforms, promises a dramatic overhaul of the country’s current economic system.
By: Maltiti Sayida Sadick