The Inter-Party and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) recently engaged in a significant Political Party Dialogue organized by the UK-Ghana Gold Programme (UK-GGP) at the Royal Senchi. The event aimed to involve civil society groups in the NDC’s policy formulation process, focusing on addressing Ghana’s economic challenges and discussing potential solutions.

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Key issues raised included illegal gold smuggling and illicit financial flows linked to serious and organized crime, which threaten Ghana's economic stability. UK-GGP recommended formalizing small-scale gold mining activities through incentives rather than force, amending Act 703 for competitive bidding in mining licenses, and decentralizing the licensing process to District Mining Committees to reduce application backlogs.

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The Institute of Energy Security (IES) presented on "Enhancing Synergy between Ghana’s Upstream and Downstream Petroleum," highlighting challenges such as underutilized assets like the Tema Oil Refinery, reliance on imported refined products, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks.

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The Natural Resources Governance Institute discussed governance issues in the gas sector, emphasizing the need for decentralization, improved corporate governance, and better infrastructure to handle gas production.Jacob Tetteh Ahuno from the Ghana Integrity Initiative addressed the need for transparent political party and campaign financing to combat corruption.

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He criticized the current asset declaration regime for its lack of verification and monitoring.Mr. Oppong Kyekyeku Appiah Snr from the Centre for Extractives and Development Africa presented on optimizing benefits in Ghana’s mining sector, highlighting gaps in local content and value addition policies. He called for better financing opportunities and linkages between the mining sector and other economic sectors.

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Priscilla Adogo Ahiada from SYND emphasized the role of young entrepreneurs in driving sustainable development. KASA Initiative Ghana discussed critical sectors such as forestry, climate change, water, sanitation, and fisheries, highlighting their interconnected impact on Ghana’s environment and economy.Dr.

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Peter Boamah Otokunor, Head of the Inter-Party and CSO Directorate, and the NDC Manifesto Committee expressed gratitude to the event organizers and reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to integrating the recommendations into their manifesto. Dr. Otokunor emphasized the importance of innovative strategies for improving governance and addressing key issues in Ghana’s natural resources.

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