A member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Kwame Jantuah, has raised concerns about the direction of politics and development in Ghana post-independence.
He expressed his worries about the professionalization of politics, emphasizing the prevalent issue of politicians amassing wealth at the expense of the nation.
During an interview on 3FMSunrise with Johnnie Hughes on March 6, coinciding with Ghana’s 67th Independence Day Celebration, Mr Jantuah questioned the ethics of using public funds for personal enrichment in politics.
“Politics has become a profession. If you want to be a politician, is it the country’s money that you use to make yourself rich? If you want to get rich in politics, you are stealing the people’s money,” he said .
He lamented the lack of accountability and leadership in addressing corruption within the political sphere.
Mr Jantuah underscored the necessity for robust leadership that prioritizes the interests of the people over individual gains.
Reflecting on the significance of Independence Day, he emphasized the role of leaders in showcasing the nation’s progress and outlining a vision for the future.
Addressing a specific initiative, Mr Jantuah disclosed his involvement in crafting a 40-year national development plan designed to guide Ghana’s economic and social advancement.
“Who would point a finger at the corrupt politician? Who will listen?” he questioned, underscoring the need for strong leadership that prioritizes the interests of the people over personal gain.
“Our leaders should be able to show us where we came from, where we are, and where the mix is of the two. What vision do our leaders have?” he stated.
However, he expressed disappointment at the plan’s lack of implementation and limited public awareness.
Posing questions about the whereabouts of the document and its readership among Ghanaians, Mr Jantuah highlighted the plan’s potential to combat corruption and drive sustainable development.
He firmly stated that the national development plan is integral to the economic recovery of the nation.
He criticized the prevailing focus on party manifestos at the expense of the national development plan, emphasizing the need for a unified governance approach.
He pointed out that the original intention was for political parties to derive their manifestos from the comprehensive development plan, promoting a more cohesive and sustainable governance strategy.