Finance C’ttee Chair urges strong leadership and political reform to address public discontent
In a candid assessment of Ghana’s political landscape, Kwaku Kwarteng, Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, has underscored the pressing need for robust leadership and systemic reform to assuage growing disillusionment among the populace.
In an exclusive interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, the Member of Parliament who represents Obuasi West, articulated the pervasive sentiment of mistrust and skepticism towards the political class, identifying it as a formidable obstacle confronting the nation.
Against this backdrop, he advocated for a comprehensive reassessment among politicians, urging a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability as pivotal measures to restore public confidence.
“People are hungry for the kind of leadership that is firm and fixes problems and punishes those who are wrong,” he quipped.
Emphasizing the clamor for resolute leadership capable of efficaciously addressing societal challenges, Mr Kwarteng articulated the imperative for political figures to transcend partisan divides and prioritize the collective welfare.
Echoing demands for decisive action, he underscored the necessity for tangible reforms, positing that genuine transformation must emanate from within the political echelons.
“For any meaningful reforms to take place, they must be led by the political class. We must show people how we are beginning the sacrifice,” he remarked.
In a call to action directed at his peers, he implored politicians to lead by example, advocating for a departure from ostentatious displays of privilege in favor of austere measures that convey a message of fiscal prudence and ethical governance.
By exemplifying a culture of servant leadership grounded in humility and dedication to public service, Mr Kwarteng envisioned a paradigm shift towards a governance ethos predicated on accountability and responsiveness to citizenry needs.
“There are a lot of things people complain about associated with politicians and our benefits that may not impact the fiscal that much. But we need to do away with those things to show people that now we mean business.
“For instance, we politicians are using V8, people have been complaining. Why don’t we use perhaps a lower vehicle? Even if the fiscal difference is not that much, does it not help communicate to the citizenry that we’re having a different kind of leadership? So how are we going to demonstrate to the people that we’re entering a new phase that this is how we are living by example and therefore get ready because going forward it won’t be business as usual,” he posited.
Against the backdrop of Ghana’s economic tumult, characterized by precarious instability, the Finance Committee Chairman articulated his conviction that tangible progress hinges upon the alignment of political rhetoric with concrete action.
As Ghana confronts multifaceted challenges on its developmental trajectory, Mr Kwarteng’s clarion call for substantive reform resonates as a clarion call for a new era of governance defined by integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to the public good.