Nana kweku ofori Atta
Security consultant
In recent times, there’s been growing concern about the misuse of constitutional mandates by politicians, who exploit them as mere promises during campaigns. Basic necessities like healthcare, water supply, electricity, and infrastructure are fundamental rights for every Ghanaian. It’s time to rethink our governance approach and ensure these essential needs are consistently met.
The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana serves as more than a legal document; it’s the cornerstone of our democracy and should be accessible to every citizen, starting from elementary schools. Educating our youth about their rights empowers them to demand accountability from the government.
Parliament holds the key to ensuring constitutional mandates are not treated as empty promises. Legislators must enact laws that discourage the politicization of these mandates and hold politicians accountable for their pledges.
To address ongoing power outages, urgent action is required. While establishing evening courts is a positive step, investing in technology is essential to ensure uninterrupted court proceedings during power outages.
Investing in our hydroelectric power distribution sector is crucial to avoid wastage of resources and reduce dependency on external assistance. Exploring alternative energy sources like biogas can complement our existing infrastructure and ensure energy security.
Engaging stakeholders like the Ghana Water Board chairman is necessary to address critical issues such as water scarcity and quality. Many Ghanaians resort to unreliable water sources despite paying taxes.
Greater awareness and regulation are needed to prevent the use of counterfeit gas/ fuel that can damage vehicles and endanger lives. Citizens deserve to trust the quality of fuel sold at gas stations.
Moreover, there have been reports of some filling stations allegedly filling air into people’s cars under the guise of selling gas/fuel.
This alleged fraudulent practice not only deceives customers but also damages citizens car engines. It is imperative for the government to regulate these filling stations operators to ensure they sell the right gas/fuel to citizens and uphold consumer protection standards.
In conclusion, the government must prioritize the well-being and basic needs of its citizens. Fulfilling constitutional mandates, investing in critical sectors, and promoting transparency and accountability will lead to a prosperous Ghana where every citizen thrives.
Recommendations to the Government of Ghana:
1. Legislative Reform: Enact laws that discourage the politicization of constitutional mandates and hold politicians accountable for their promises.
2. Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize critical sectors such as hydroelectric power distribution and alternative energy sources to ensure energy security and sustainability.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with stakeholders to address issues like water scarcity and quality.
4. Technological Integration: Invest in technology to ensure uninterrupted services during power outages.
5. Consumer Protection: Implement regulations to ensure the quality and safety of fuel sold at gas stations and crack down on fraudulent practices like filling air into customers’ vehicles.
