Let’s be forthright in ensuring the Ghana we want – Akwasi Oppong-Fosu to Citizens

Former Minister of Local Government and Member of Parliament Mr Akwasi Opong-Fosu has decried the declining fortunes of Ghana’s democracy.

In a speech delivered today in London at a conference under the theme “Rethinking Leadership and Governance for the Ghana We Want” he identified factors that have led to the democratic crises Ghana is experiencing today.

He drew particular attention to leadership failures and governance dysfunction at various levels of government.

He discouraged citizens against being complacent about our fourth republic, warning those who believe that what is happening around us in the African continent cannot happen in Ghana are having an illusion.

The situation calls for forthrightness in national conversations, emphasising the need for changing our mindsets and speaking the truth to those in power.

In the speech he noted that the Ghana we want is spelt out in the Directive Principles of State Policy. But because those principles are not being followed there is an upsurge in citizens wanting to be heard. The various public agitations currently going on in Ghana, in his view, strongly point to the disappointment of Ghanaians at the current government.

Even though he predicted the imminent return of the NDC to power in the 2024 elections the standards to which Ghanaians measure the National Democratic Congress is higher. He therefore advised that the party lives up to that expectation so us to help reverse the declining fortunes of our democracy to the citizens.

Meanwhile, former President John Mahama has been approached by the leadership of customers of the now-defunct Menzgold Company Limited, seeking his help in retrieving their funds locked in the illicit gold dealership and investment company.

The customers have suffered since the company was shut down in 2018, with 217 people dying and some suffering from blindness and mental illness.

The customers are now appealing to the former President to lead them in seeking a bailout from the state to alleviate their plight.

During a meeting with the former President in his Cantonments office on Friday, Mr Fred Forson, leader and spokesperson for the group, made an emotional plea to Mr. Mahama, stating that their situation was dire and that they desperately needed a state bailout.

“We believe that when Your Excellency adds your voice, it will help. Where we are now, we need a bailout from the state, so we humbly call on you to lead us in calling on the state to give us a bailout plan. Because life is very, very unbearable for us”, he cried out.

The Menzgold customers convener added, “The state has wasted over four years on this small matter. There was no action. I am sure everybody will attest that it was the resilience of the customers — we kept on pressing, pressing — and now the Attorney-General has moved the matter from the lower court to the High Court. However, the civil aspect, which is the retrieval of our money, is still pending.”

Source: Today.com.gh