According to Ken Agyapong, the flagbearer candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), despite the fact that Ghana has made significant progress over the past 63 years, a comparison of the nation with its contemporaries Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and India reveals that Ghana is far behind where its forefathers had hoped it would be.
There is not much evidence of Ghana’s development despite its wealth in natural as well as human resources.
The Asin Central lawmaker said in a statement to commemorate Republic Day on July 1 that Ghana continues to rely largely on foreign interests for budgetary support and has made 17 trips to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Below is his full statement…
Today marks 63 years since Ghana became a Republic and ushered in a new era of truly independent statehood. Ordinarily, this is a day Ghanaians all over the world should be celebrating. But Ghanaians are not celebrating because they have little to be happy about.
Although Ghana has achieved some important milestones over the past 63 years, a comparative analysis between the country and contemporaries like Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and India shows Ghana is far behind what its forebears anticipated.
Despite Ghana’s abundant human and natural resources, there is very little to show for her developmental progress. Ghana continues to heavily depend on foreign interests for budgetary support and has visited the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 17 times.
This year’s Republic Day must spur Ghanaians on for greater reflection on why the country continues to wallow in the doldrums despite the enormous resources. Ghanaians must rethink their attitude and imbibe the values of Patriotism, Honesty, and Discipline – key ingredients that are necessary but missing in Ghana’s developmental efforts.
PATRIOTISM – Love of country must be inherent in all Ghanaians. And while no laws can bring this about, a leader who truly models this undying love of country would inspire Ghanaians to do the same.
HONESTY – A leader who is truthful and honest would inspire Ghanaians to emulate that behavior and set the country on a new path to a brighter future for the youth.
DISCIPLINE – No country has developed to its full potential without the rule of law being applied equally to all citizens. The leader who commits to holding all citizens accountable is the one who can break the cycle of dependency and unleash Ghana’s subdued potential.
As we wish all Ghanaians a Happy Republic Day, we also rededicate our efforts to work diligently to elect a leader who is Patriotic, Honest, and Disciplined as the next President of the Republic of Ghana.
