That the nature of politics in Ghana has deprived the nation of the contributions of many illustrious sons and daughters cannot be over-emphasized.
The unanimously accused “winner-takes-all” nature of politics, the acrimonious style of politicking, and other suchlike retrogressive factors will keep Ghana underdeveloped unless a pragmatic approach is found to engage the energies of every capable Ghanaian to build a “great and strong” nation as our national anthem enjoins us to do.
In the light of the fore-going, and as a first sound step to uniting the nation for development, CeDI-Africa is proposing the concept of “LEGACY PROJECTS” for the consideration of all citizens and policy makers.
By our concept, eminent citizens of the country who have demonstrated the willingness to serve in the public space but may; (1) be unwilling to take up a political position (2) be unable to realize political aspirations (3) have finished serving political terms but have enough energy and willingness to do more for Ghana, can be awarded projects geared towards solving some of Ghana’s urgent challenges.
Achievements in the legacy projects would be properly documented and credited to the persons. Appropriate national honours can be instituted for these projects.
Examples of projects could be eradicating particular diseases, solving problems in education, community development, and research into relevant issues.
The advantage of this model of development and why we are convinced it will succeed is that the political influences which affect people who hold political offices would be absent. The persons involved would have a singular purpose and focus and the success or failure of the projects would be directly attributable to them.
Funding could be looked at in a number of ways. Firstly, the person who is awarded the legacy project could use his international influence to attract funding for the project. Secondly, the nation could institute a legacy project fund from which funds could be drawn.
It is public knowledge that the UN, AU, and other international bodies have been engaging our former presidents in similar projects around Africa and the world. Ghana, our motherland can benefit tremendously in this direction as well.
CeDI-Africa is willing to assist with guidance on institutionalizing this concept.
God bless Ghana!
For and on behalf of CeDI-Africa
Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu
(Director of Policy & Human Rights)