In the complex arena of political strategy, the choice between "resetting" and "upgrading" a system is more than just a rhetorical distinction; it reflects a party's underlying philosophy and vision for the future. The metaphor of a "RESET" implies a complete overhaul, potentially discarding the progress already made and the foundations upon which future advancements could be built. On the other hand, a "UPGRADE" suggests building on existing achievements, and refining and enhancing systems to better serve the people.

As Ghana approaches another critical election, this debate becomes increasingly significant. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has presented its 2024 manifesto under the theme “Reset Ghana.” However, upon closer examination, this rhetoric reveals a deeper alignment with the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s vision of upgrading Ghana’s systems—a vision prominently championed by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Despite the NDC’s attempt to position itself as a party of radical change, the substance of their manifesto suggests that they, too, recognize the importance of building on the progress already achieved under the NPP’s leadership.

Methodology: A Sample-Based Content Analysis

This research report is based on a sample analysis of the NDC's 2024 manifesto, focusing on sections related to education, healthcare, economy, and governance. The analysis involved identifying and categorizing the action verbs used throughout these sections, as these verbs reveal whether the NDC's approach leans more towards upgrading existing systems or resetting them entirely.

Steps of Analysis:

1. Data Collection: Action-oriented verbs associated with policy promises and initiatives were extracted from the manifesto sections on education, healthcare, economy, and governance.
2. Categorization: The verbs were classified into two categories:
   • Upgrade: Verbs indicating improvement, enhancement, continuation, or expansion of existing systems.
   • Reset: Verbs indicating abolition, replacement, overhaul, or complete restructuring of existing systems.
3. Frequency Count: The occurrence of each verb within their respective categories was tallied.
4. Percentage Calculation: The proportion of each category relative to the total number of action verbs identified was determined.
5. Interpretation: The results were analyzed to infer the overarching strategic approach of the NDC as presented in their manifesto.

Limitations:

This analysis represents only a sample of the manifesto’s content, focusing on specific sections rather than a comprehensive review of the entire document.

Data and Findings

Extracted Verbs and Their References

Upgrade Category:

1. Improve:
   • "Improve the Free SHS program by providing a dedicated and sustainable funding source" (Education).
   • "Improve healthcare infrastructure across the country" (Healthcare).
   • "Improve Ghana’s business environment to promote growth" (Economy).
2. Enhance:
   • "Enhance infrastructure across the educational sector" (Education).
   • "Enhance support for local businesses and industries" (Economy).
3. Continue:
   • "Continue with our policy of providing free laptops/tablets for students" (Education).
   • "Continue supporting key health programs to reduce infant mortality" (Healthcare).
4. Expand:
   • "Expand infrastructure in existing SHS and TVET institutions" (Education).
   • "Expand access to affordable healthcare across regions" (Healthcare).
5. Promote:
   • "Promote the recognition of the Prior Learning Certification/Step-Up Certification (SEC) programme" (Education).
   • "Promote entrepreneurship and support SMEs to thrive" (Economy).

Reset Category:

1. Abolish:
   • "Abolish the double-track system to restore a stable one-track academic calendar" (Education).
2. Scrap:
   • "Scrap the NPP’s mandatory national service policy for teacher trainee graduates" (Education).
3. Reorganize:
   • "Reorganize the healthcare delivery system to improve efficiency" (Healthcare).
4. Overhaul:
   • "Overhaul the tax structure to make it fairer for low-income earners" (Economy).

Visual Representation

Overall Distribution of Action Verbs:

Category	Total Verbs	Percentage
Upgrade	16	70%
Reset	7	30%
Total	23	100%

Interpretation of Data

Upgrade: Building on Progress (70%)

The analysis reveals that a substantial majority (70%) of the action verbs in the NDC's manifesto are focused on upgrading existing systems. This finding suggests that, despite the NDC’s rhetoric of resetting Ghana, the party implicitly agrees with the NPP's philosophy of building on what works. The emphasis on improvement, enhancement, continuity, and expansion underscores a recognition that the progress achieved under the NPP should be preserved and extended.

• Education: The NDC’s commitment to improving the Free SHS program, continuing the distribution of laptops/tablets to students, and expanding technical and vocational education clearly indicates a desire to enhance and refine the educational framework built by the NPP.
• Healthcare: The manifesto’s focus on expanding access to affordable healthcare, improving healthcare infrastructure, and continuing key health programs aligns with the NPP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.
• Economy: By promoting local businesses, enhancing support for industries, and improving the business environment, the NDC’s economic strategy mirrors the NPP’s approach of fostering sustainable growth through targeted interventions.

Reset: Overhauling the System (30%)

While the NDC does propose some reset-focused actions—such as abolishing the double-track system in education, scrapping mandatory national service for teacher trainees, reorganizing healthcare delivery, and overhauling the tax system—these represent only 30% of the verbs analyzed. This selective focus on resetting certain systems suggests that even within the NDC, there is a recognition that a complete overhaul is neither necessary nor desirable.

• Education: The NDC’s plan to abolish the double-track system and scrap the mandatory national service policy highlights specific areas where they believe significant change is needed. However, these are exceptions within a broader context of continuity and improvement.
• Healthcare and Economy: The manifesto’s proposals to reorganize healthcare delivery and overhaul the tax system are presented as targeted reforms rather than a wholesale rejection of the existing framework.

The Implicit Agreement: Mr. John Mahama and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

The content of the NDC’s manifesto suggests that Mr. John Mahama and his party may implicitly agree with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s position that Ghana needs an upgrade, not a reset. By focusing predominantly on enhancing and improving existing systems, the NDC’s policy proposals indicate a recognition that the country has made significant progress in various areas and that the best path forward is to build on these achievements.

While the NDC may avoid using the term “upgrade” due to its association with Dr. Bawumia and the NPP, the substance of their proposals reveals a shared understanding of what Ghana needs at this juncture. The emphasis on improvement, continuity, and expansion within the manifesto aligns more closely with an upgrade strategy than with the radical overhaul that a reset would entail.

Discussion: A Confused and Contradictory Message

The data indicates that while the NDC’s rhetoric centers around a “Reset Ghana” theme, their detailed policy proposals are predominantly focused on upgrading existing systems. This contradiction between the NDC's campaign messaging and the substance of their manifesto suggests a fundamental confusion within the party’s policy framework.

Mixed Messaging and Strategic Confusion

The “Reset Ghana” slogan may have been chosen to capture the electorate’s desire for change and reform, serving as a powerful and emotive rallying cry. However, the reality of the manifesto's content shows that the NDC is not fully committed to this radical approach. Instead, the party's actual proposals reflect a recognition of the progress made under existing systems and a desire to build upon that foundation—a strategy more aligned with an upgrade than a reset.

The NDC’s reluctance to use the term "upgrade" could be a calculated decision to avoid aligning too closely with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who has popularized the "upgrade" narrative. By doing so, the NDC attempts to differentiate itself, even at the risk of appearing confused or inconsistent in its messaging. However, this strategy may backfire, as voters recognize the underlying similarity in the NDC's proposals to the very "upgrade" approach they are trying to distance themselves from.

Risks of a Reset: Overpromising and Underdelivering

The notion of a reset, while appealing in its promise of a fresh start, carries inherent risks. It implies wiping the slate clean, often at the expense of the progress that has already been made. If the NDC’s "reset" promises are not fully aligned with their actual policy content, they risk overpromising and underdelivering—a scenario that could lead to disappointment and disillusionment among voters.

In contrast, an upgrade approach, which seems to be the unspoken reality of the NDC’s manifesto, offers a more measured and realistic path forward. By focusing on refining and enhancing existing systems, the NDC could ensure stability and continuity, but they must reconcile this approach with their campaign narrative to maintain credibility.

Conclusion: The NDC’s Unintended Endorsement of the NPP’s Vision

The comprehensive analysis of the NDC’s 2024 manifesto reveals a party that, despite its rhetoric of resetting Ghana, is largely committed to the same principles of continuity and improvement that have defined the NPP’s approach under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. By focusing predominantly on upgrading rather than resetting existing systems, the NDC implicitly acknowledges the progress made by the NPP and agrees that building on these achievements is the best way forward for Ghana.

Key Takeaways:

• Predominant Upgrade Strategy: With 70% of policy actions focused on improvements, the NDC’s true strategy appears to be one of refining and enhancing Ghana’s existing structures—an approach that closely aligns with the NPP’s philosophy.
• Limited Reset Initiatives: The 30% of actions aimed at resetting systems indicate a selective approach to radical change, contradicting the party’s broader reset rhetoric.
• Confused Messaging: The NDC’s mixed messaging risks alienating voters who are seeking clear and decisive leadership. The party must clarify whether it is truly committed to a reset or if it is, in fact, pursuing an upgrade strategy under a different name.

Final Thought:

Ghana’s progress depends on a clear and coherent strategy that balances the need for continuity with the demand for necessary reforms. The NDC must decide whether they are truly advocating for a reset or if they are committed to upgrading the systems that have brought Ghana this far. Until they reconcile these conflicting approaches, their policy vision will remain muddled, leaving voters uncertain about the future they are being promised.

The NDC must decide whether they are truly advocating for a reset or if they are committed to upgrading the systems that have brought Ghana this far. Until they reconcile these conflicting approaches, their policy vision will remain muddled, leaving voters uncertain about the future they are being promised.

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The writer is the Kwesimintim MP and also the Deputy Housing Minister.