Now that Ghana is close to knowing her next President let us also begin to think of what we, as a nation, expect from our NEXT President, be it Nana Akuffo-Addo, Atta Mills or Paa Kwasi Nduom.
This is urgent because we know from history that our representatives so elected to parliament would not speak for us. We can hardly depend on our MPs to fight for our cause. They are usually too pre-occupied with their own wish-list that they some how forget about their constituents.
Usually they admit by their very actions that the four or eight year-term is too short for them to have exhausted their own wants, and claim that on the fifth or ninth year they would have spoken for the people had they had that opportunity (of one more year). So they either seek for extension of time or a fresh mandate. This, the people of Ghana understand very well because they sincerely believe that no Diasporan (or new candidate) would be considered until he or she has been around to ‘have soiled his/her cloths.’ I must admit, I don’t understand the rationality of this thinking if the very same people would complain for change; but this is the mentality of the Ghanaian electorate.
How long would the people be fooled? History (and especially the results of the recent party elections in Ghana) has suggested that the people are more comfortable with the Establishment, although they have repeatedly told them lies or have stated in their acts that the nation comes second. Now, all we can do is to caution them and offer some advice: Write your wish list for your next president: Let it be addressed ‘URGENT”
I was reading the comments section on the article congratulating the NPP-Flagbearer-Elect and found the comment of one E.K Koo not only interesting but profound: “ Author: E.K. Koo, Date: 2007-12-27 05:00:13
If Nana comes to office I would like him to fight down crime and corrupt policemen in the country.”
Koo’s simple wish reminds me more about how the citizens of our dear countries in Africa have been marginalized by our politicians. Our politicians and representatives do not listen to the people of their country or even their constituencies anymore. Unfortunately, the people do not also hold their elected representatives accountable either.
The politicians when in need of the peoples’ votes tell them all the people want to hear-“I will do this; I will do that etc. They talked as if they would solve every problem of the people when they were seeking the mandate of the people. No sooner are they elected when they turn their backs against the people. Instead of spreading the revenue/wealth of the state to all the people/nation by creating jobs for the people they begin to consolidate the limited revenue to themselves. Think of all the luxuries of the West, the African politician wants it even with their limited resources!
The common practice in Ghana has been that as soon as the new government is sworn –in and parliament opens, they use the first section to debate on their own benefits. This is soon followed by MPs car allowances and other benefits. They usually determine their salary-raise before they begin any work. So they begin their administration with a negative balance. Rather than creating some more wealth they turn to the West to beg. One wonders what metamorphosis takes place in the minds of our intelligent representatives with all their diplomas. Nobody knows what they do in parliament except to rubber stamp the President.
I would be very happy to see my critics come forward with the laws parliament has been able to pass since they first sat in 1966 and the achievements they have chalked so far in relation to making the country any better than they came to meet it. Although one can quickly talk about ROPA one may also ask if parliament was serious in implementing it. For what good is a law if it could not be enforced?
Since our representatives no long speak our language nor have the plight of the people at heart, perhaps it would be smart if not wise on our part to send to the President or even parliament our WISH LIST before the first section begins in the next Republic. Hopefully, this will wake them up in 2009 when the next government begins its first section
Perhaps when we give them our wish-list they would do something about it this time; and if they don’t then we can also hold them accountable. So far the electorate has not been able to enter into any “legal” or meaningful contract with their representatives, government or even President. Therefore, the President and our representatives are not obliged to deliver any goods to the people.
Folks, let us begin to hold our elected representatives accountable. Let us begin with our wish-list now, compile them here and ask the proprietor of Ghanaweb to deliver them as is to the Speaker of the House, and charge him with onward transmission to the Castle as soon as possible. Let it be addressed ‘URGENT.”
Help your next government to help you.
Views expressed by the author(s) do not necessarily reflect those of GhanaHomePage.
