Former Ghanaian Environment Minister, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has expressed concern about Ghana’s enduring development challenges since gaining independence.
This respected medical professional and scholar attributes Ghana’s ongoing difficulties to the pivotal year of 1966 when the First Republican constitution was overthrown.
“Ghana has not done as well as it should have done since President Kwame Nkrumah was unconstitutionally ousted from office through a military coup by the National Liberation Council on February 24, 1966,” he wrote in an open letter to The Future President of Ghana.
“Ghana has had three other interruptions of governments. The present 4th Republic, dominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has not brought the transformational change that will put the country on path of sustainable development and prosperity for its people,” he added.
In an open letter addressed to “The Future President of Ghana,” he contends that Ghana hasn’t fully realized its potential since President Kwame Nkrumah’s unjust removal from office due to a military coup by the National Liberation Council on February 24, 1966.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng observes that Ghana has experienced three other government interruptions, and the current 4th Republic, dominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has failed to deliver the transformative change required for sustainable development and prosperity.
In the letter, he emphasizes that the challenges facing Ghana today hold greater significance than the pre-1957 struggle for liberation from British colonial rule.
He asserted that overcoming these challenges demands resolute leadership, which should surpass the fight for political independence and address internal and external obstacles to the country’s development.
“I dare say that the fight ahead of Ghana is greater than the fight for political independence and it cannot be won with leaders who lack the zeal, commitment, conviction to confront their own demons and other forces and headwinds that are against the development of the country,” he added.
Drawing parallels with global giants like Singapore, China, and the United States, he highlights the potential for Ghana to achieve a much-needed turnaround.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng has tasked the future president with taking decisive measures to alleviate the suffering experienced by citizens.
In conclusion, he underscores that a nation’s most valuable asset is the trust and confidence of its people. He calls upon leaders to work diligently, impartially, and with integrity to preserve and enhance this asset, which has been eroded by mismanagement and corruption.
He notes that leaders must inspire citizens with a sense of nation-building, as many Ghanaians currently lack the motivation to contribute to their country’s future. He challenges the Future President to address and rectify this situation.
“Finally Mr. Future President, I believe that the greatest asset of a nation is the trust and confidence of its people. This should, however, not be taken for granted.
“Leadership must also fight for this great asset by working hard with even-handedness for the people in all honesty. This asset has been and still is being squandered through misgovernment and corruption to the extent that leaders are not trusted and citizens do not see that they have a stake in their country and its future.
“Most Ghanaians do not see any virtue in working for the future of their country. Our leaders have not been able to invoke in the citizens the spirit of nation building. Mr. Future President how are you going to rectify this situation?” his letter concluded.