The Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) has officially outdoored Dr Daniel Lartey Jnr as its presidential candidate for the 2024 General Elections.
The unveiling took place during the party’s 7th National Delegates Congress at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, which also provided an opportunity for the party to introduce its National Executives.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Lartey emphasized his commitment to leading with integrity and a clear focus on two key pillars: agriculture and technology, which he believes are vital to transforming Ghana’s economy and future.
Agriculture: A Path to Self-Sufficiency and Growth
Dr. Lartey stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy. He proposed comprehensive reforms aimed at empowering farmers and youth by introducing modern agricultural techniques and sustainable practices.
A core part of his strategy is the “domestication” policy, encouraging every household to grow, consume, and sell food from available land, thus promoting food security and reducing reliance on imports.
This initiative, he said, would help Ghana become a global leader in food production and agricultural exports, while also tackling youth unemployment.
“We will invest in modern irrigation systems and credit facilities, ensuring that farmers and industries can thrive,” he said, adding that this approach would reduce waste and increase incomes across the agricultural sector.
Technology: Driving Innovation and Economic Development
In addition to agriculture, Dr. Lartey underscored the role of technology as a catalyst for Ghana’s future development. He envisions a digitally connected Ghana where even the most remote communities can access the global digital economy.
His plans include significant investments in technological infrastructure to boost the growth of tech startups, enhance digital literacy, and create new job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
“By leveraging technology, we can improve healthcare, education, and economic growth, ensuring a prosperous future for all Ghanaians,” Dr. Lartey stated. He also promised to foster innovation and provide support for young entrepreneurs in the tech sector.
Call for Unity and Electoral Transparency
Dr. Lartey urged Ghanaians to come together for the common good, setting aside differences to work toward a better future. He also called on the Electoral Commission to uphold its responsibility to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election in 2024.
“The integrity of our democracy depends on it,” Dr. Lartey stressed, urging the media to remain cautious and diligent in their coverage to preserve the fairness of the election process.
The GCPP’s unveiling of Dr. Lartey marks the beginning of what he hopes will be a transformative campaign focused on national progress through innovation in agriculture and technology.
The General Secretary of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Citizen Ato Dadzie, in his remark, expressed concerns over the government’s inability to effectively combat illegal mining, known as “galamsey,” which has severely impacted Ghana’s natural resources.
He Dadzie lamented about the degradation of the country’s water bodies and the increasing costs this crisis imposes on citizens.
“Ghana’s water situation has deteriorated significantly,” Dadzie noted. “The water we drink is increasingly unsafe, and the Ghana Water Company is being forced to shut down its machines due to contamination.
This adds to our expenses. It’s heartbreaking to witness the devastation caused by illegal mining, especially when traveling through areas like Konongo where the effects are visible right by the roadside.”
Dadzie further criticized the government’s perceived reluctance to tackle the issue head-on, attributing this to the partisan nature of the fight against galamsey.
“The current government seems hesitant to act because the opposition is ready to exploit the situation politically. As a result, the battle against illegal mining has become more about lip service than real action,” he remarked.
A Call for Unity in GCPP and a Third Political Force
Dadzie also highlighted the importance of unity within the GCPP as the 2024 elections approach. He emphasized the need for all alternative political parties to join forces and present a strong “third force” in response to growing dissatisfaction with Ghana’s two dominant parties.
“Ghanaians are calling for a third political option. But how can we be that force if we remain divided?” Dadzie quizzed.
He pointed to his efforts in mobilizing other smaller parties, under the banner of “Political Parties Outside Parliament” (POPs), to foster collaboration and present a united front for the 2024 elections.
“Ghana is not just a duet between two political parties,” Dadzie stated. “It is an orchestra where every instrument must play its part to create harmony. Right now, the country is on a discordant path, and we need to restore that harmony by coming together as a united third force.”
He therefore called on Ghanaians to support the movement toward a more balanced and inclusive political landscape in the upcoming elections.
National Executives
- National Chairman: Dr. Henry Herbert Lartey
- 1st Vice Chairman: Theodore Buatsi
- 2nd Vice Chairman: Cynthia Atta
- General Secretary: Citizen Ato Dadzie
- National Organiser: George Amoah
- National Women’s Organiser: Nora Gyempeh
- National Youth Organiser: Jude Balma
- National Treasurer: Kaiser Ablorh
- National Education Secretary: Alhassan Issahaku
Each candidate ran unopposed, signifying strong internal consensus within the GCPP as the party positions itself for the upcoming elections.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/newsghana.com.gh