The Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, says Ghana needs transformational leaders who have the wherewithal to implement the many reforms that are required to build the nation and make it stronger and more prosperous for its people. This is the type of leadership that will transform Africa
He argues that many recommendations have been laid on the table to guide the development of the country, but the issue has always been about the will to implement them.
“So many important reforms have been put on our table since 2002. Not only the election of MMDCEs, the African Peer Review Mechanism recommended many. The Constitutional Review Commission and the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee, they have put in about 97 proposals.
“But we’ve never had implementation. So it’s a matter of leadership. Leadership not only in terms of development of the economy, but we need leaders who are committed to transforming institutions of State”, he stated.
End the “Winner takes all” phenomena
When implemented, those recommendations, he said, will change the winner takes all phenomenon that engulfed the governance system of the country. While also reducing the threat of violence that has become synonymous with Ghana’s elections.
“So we have to implement reforms, not only in the economic arena but in the political and constitutional arena”, he added.
These transformational leaders that he is calling for, he added, ought to be people who are committed to the progress of the country. Who harness the potentials of all its citizens, regardless of their ethic, religious or political backgrounds.
“We’re still Ghanaians, we’ll still come from ethic groups, but our sense of being Ghanaians should come with a purpose to develop and increase our income and be leaders in Africa and so on”, he said.
“We need leaders who will lead in forging this, we need leaders who would say that look even when I leave office, I have changed the situation where many more Ghanaians will come and sign on to this vision”.
Dr Akweetey made these remarks while speaking at a virtual roundtable discussion organised by Ishmael Yamson and Associate.
The event, which took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, was on the theme “Democracy, Politics, Leadership and the Development of Africa”.
It attracted experts from governance, business and economics.
By Salifu B.B. Moro
