Prez Akufo-Addo assures commitment to work through challenges for progress and prosperity
President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has sought to reassure the nation’s legislature of his government’s determination to overcome the challenges facing the country, including the monetization of politics, as the Parliament of Ghana celebrates its 30th anniversary.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Opare, the President acknowledged the present difficulties but expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to work together to achieve progress and prosperity.
Ghana, one of Africa’s most promising economies, has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including rising inflation, high public debt, and a slow pace of economic growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has only added to these difficulties, with Ghana’s economy contracting by 1.1% in 2020, its first decline in nearly four decades.
Despite these challenges, the President has pledged to deepen democracy, safeguard the electoral process, and strengthen Parliament to consolidate democratic gains and ensure accountability. In particular, he has emphasized the need to create a platform for the evolution of a new Ghanaian civilization that will embody the nation’s foundational values of freedom and justice.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has echoed these sentiments, calling for action to tackle the monetization of politics and strengthen democratic institutions. He has emphasized the need for a sustainable democracy that focuses on building strong and independent parliamentary institutions capable of ensuring accountability and good governance.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has proposed a new constitutional order that would limit the number of ministers appointed and ensure Parliament’s financial independence. Such a move could help to strengthen parliamentary oversight and reduce the potential for corruption and inefficiency in government.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Ato Forson, has emphasized the importance of collaboration between the opposition and ruling party to achieve good governance and build a strong and independent Parliament. He has highlighted the need to take stock of the successes and challenges of the past three decades and work towards a future in which parliamentary democracy is cherished and strengthened.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril Nsiah, has also affirmed the Parliamentary Service’s commitment to professionalism and non-partisan discharge of its duties. He has stressed the need for Parliament to maintain its independence and hold government accountable to the people of Ghana.
The theme of the 30th anniversary celebration, “30 years of Parliamentary Democracy in the Fourth Republic: Challenges and Prospects,” underscores the importance of reflecting on Ghana’s democratic journey thus far and charting a path towards a more prosperous and equitable future. The year-long celebration will be zoned into six regions of the country, with programs tailored to suit the specific needs and challenges of each region.
As Ghana continues to grapple with the challenges of economic development and democratic consolidation, the President, Parliament, and the people of Ghana must work together to build a more resilient and prosperous future. By strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding the electoral process, and ensuring accountability and good governance, Ghana can position itself as a leading economy and democracy in Africa.
