The founding fathers of our nation recognize that development that provides the basic necessities of shelter, food, water, health, education, electricity, roads, jobs and incomes, thus enhanced living standards, and ultimately, happiness, is the minimum that Ghanaians deserve.The founding fathers of our nation recognize that development that provides the basic necessities of shelter, food, water, health, education, electricity, roads, jobs and incomes, thus enhanced living standards, and ultimately, happiness, is the minimum that Ghanaians deserve.
The belief among our founding fathers that we are capable of working for the desired development is what inspired the demand for independence and the proclamation that the black man is capable of managing his own affairs.
The framers of the 1992 Constitution underscored the need for development by providing in Article 36 (1), under The Directive Principles of State Policy, that “The State shall take all necessary action to ensure that the national economy is managed in such a manner as to maximize the rate of economic development and to secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every person in Ghana and to provide adequate means of livelihood and suitable employment and public assistance to the needy.”
The importance of individual initiative and the private sector are also recognized through the provision in Article 36 (2) (b) that “The State shall, in particular, take all necessary steps to establish a sound and healthy economy whose underlying principles shall include affording ample opportunity for individual initiative and creativity in economic activities and fostering an enabling environment for a pronounced role of the private sector in the economy”.
I believe all of us will admit that we have not realized the ideals of the 1992 Constitution, let alone the vision of our founding fathers, of a nation that is able to provide, under indigenous leadership, the basic necessities to all its people and ensure their happiness.
Poverty, underdevelopment and dependency have been the lot of our people, as is the case with very black nation, from Haiti, in the Caribbean, to the Horn of Africa.
In our country, the consequences of our generally slow rate of economic development include inadequate supply of basic needs, mass unemployment and dependence on other countries for our survival. These are the reasons why the government’s bold and compelling vision of a “Ghana Beyond Aid” is a noble one. It is a clarion call which deserves the support of all of us, irrespective of political affiliation.
I believe we can maximize the welfare and happiness of “every person in Ghana” and make it unnecessary for the youth to embark on hazardous journeys across deserts and rough seas in search of greener pastures. But turning our fortunes around would require that we do things differently. More of the same approach will not produce different results.
• Let’s unite behind the vision of “Ghana Beyond Aid”, and confront our development challenges as one people with a common destiny. I believe the resources needed to develop our country are right here, waiting to be properly mobilized.
• Let’s dream big and eschew mediocrity. Snail-paced development will keep us backward. Let us be inspired by the bold vision that has created Dubai out of a desert. We should create wealth so that we can pull our people out of poverty, so that they can be happy, value their lives, and live unity and peace, which are necessary conditions for continuing stability and development.
• Let’s plan and work hard. Absolute commitment to work is the most important factor in success. And work must be based on a good plan. Unfortunately many of our public officials responsible for planning and execution spend a lot of work hours pursuing degrees. Others travel unnecessarily, and so our productivity is generally low. This does not ensure that plan targets are met. Let’s all accept that sustainable development will only result from hard work – no short cuts.
• Let’s invest in the education of our children. In a fast changing world, success requires innovation and the use of technology to enhance efficiency. It requires an educated population. This is why we all must support the government’s Free Senior High School Policy and ensure its success.
• Let’s invest in the required infrastructure, in particular roads, railways and power. Lord Lugard, in 1922, asserted that the development of Africa could be summed up in one word: ‘transport’. This is still true today. We must open up our country.
• Let’s give true support to private initiative and create conditions for all to participate in the development process. Let us liberate the private sector, so that the economy can benefit from its full potential. A genuine commitment to the private sector will reduce the burden on government, reduce the national debt and minimize corruption.
• Let’s add value to our raw materials – agricultural produce, bauxite, etc. The integration of our aluminium industry, for example, is long overdue
• Let’s eschew selfishness, greed and corruption, and show true love for our co
Source: Dickson Boadi // www.dailyviewgh.com / Ghana
Writer’s email dailyviewgh@gmail.com
