Accra: Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, a Governance and Public Policy Analyst, has emphasized that Ghana must avoid descending into ethnic or partisan divisions. He argued that leadership in the country needs to prioritize national identity over tribalism, party affiliation, or religious differences. Dr Opong-Fosu made these comments during the Crossfire Governance and Leadership Public Lectures Series held in Accra, which was themed 'Conversation on Resetting the Nation.'
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Opong-Fosu highlighted that the Reset Agenda, championed by President John Dramani Mahama, has become a national initiative focusing on renewing institutions, restoring values, and engaging citizens. The Agenda represents a strategic move away from the current status quo towards a more people-centered, ethical, and developmental state.
Dr Opong-Fosu stressed the need for leaders across various sectors-political, traditional, religious, business, and civil society-to possess integrity, conviction, and compassion to drive national transformation. He called for governments to engage with citizens, listen actively, and ensure transparency and accountability. The Reset Agenda advocates for decentralization of power and economic policies that reflect citizens' realities.
He also emphasized the importance of an efficient and accountable public sector, free from political manipulation, with a focus on performance and integrity. Proposed reforms include improvements in procurement processes, political financing, asset declaration, and enforcement mechanisms. Dr Opong-Fosu noted the importance of economic policies that empower the poor, support the vulnerable, and encourage broad-based wealth creation.
Addressing the issue of division within the country, he argued that ethnic and partisan rifts have damaged Ghana's social fabric, and the Reset Agenda should focus on equity, fairness, and unity. Furthermore, he suggested that education should develop civic-minded, creative, and critical-thinking citizens, with curricula reflecting Ghana's development needs.
Dr Opong-Fosu proposed the establishment of a National Institutional Renewal Commission (NIRC) to restructure state institutions, combat unethical conduct, and rebuild trust. He called for a collaborative effort between the government and citizens to establish a new social compact based on rights, duties, transparency, and accountability. He also emphasized the role of independent watchdogs in the nation's resetting process.
Finally, Dr Opong-Fosu urged the media and civil society to act as guardians of accountability, avoiding alignment with leadership that promotes individualism, materialism, and impunity.
