Opinions of Thursday, 6 June 2024

Columnist: Simon Yaw Awadzi

A leader of the people: why Ghanaians feel safe and secure with John Dramani Mahama as president (part 2)

John Dramani Mahama John Dramani Mahama

Achievements in Health:

President Mahama's administration made significant strides in healthcare, improving the well-being of Ghanaians. Some notable achievements include:

Expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), increasing coverage from 38% to 58% of the population.

Establishment of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) to support
healthcare infrastructure development.

Construction of new hospitals and healthcare facilities, including the University of Ghana Teaching Hospital and the Ridge Hospital.

Introduction of the Free National Health Insurance Policy for pregnant women and
children under 18.

Launch of the National HIV/AIDS campaign, resulting in a significant reduction in HIV infections.

Social and Poverty Alleviation Programs:

President Mahama's administration implemented various social and poverty alleviation programs to support the vulnerable and marginalized. Some notable initiatives include:

Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program provides cash transfers
and other support for extremely poor households.

Ghana Social Opportunities Project (GSOP) supports small-scale entrepreneurs
and rural communities.

Affordable Housing Program, providing low-cost housing units for low-income families.

Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, increasing access to education for all

Fighting Crime and Providing Security:

President Mahama's administration took bold steps to combat crime and ensure
national security. Some notable achievements include:

Establishment of the National Cyber Security Center to combat cybercrime

Launch of the Digital Forensic Laboratory to enhance crime investigation

Introduction of the Emergency Response System (ERS) to improve response times for emergency services

Expansion of the Ghana Police Service's capacity and resources

Strengthening of international partnerships to combat transnational crime

Fighting Corruption:

President Mahama's administration demonstrated a strong commitment to fighting
corruption, with several notable achievements:

Establishment of the Office of the Attorney General's Department's Anti-Corruption Unit

Launch of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP)

Strengthening of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO)

Introduction of the Whistleblower Act to protect citizens who report corruption

Increased prosecution of corruption cases, including high-profile cases involving public officials

Compassionate and Empathetic Leadership:

John Dramani Mahama is known for his compassionate and empathetic nature. He
connected with the people, listened to their concerns, and responded with empathy and understanding. During times of crisis, such as the Ebola outbreak and floods, Mahama showed leadership and solidarity, providing support and comfort to those affected.

Ghanaians felt secure knowing that their president cared about their well-being and was committed to their safety and happiness.

Inclusive Governance and Social Justice:

President Mahama's administration prioritized inclusive governance and social justice.

He ensured that all Ghanaians, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, had access to equal opportunities and resources. Mahama's commitment to social justice and equality made Ghanaians feel happy and valued, knowing that their president was working to create a fair and just society.

"H.E John Dramani Mahama has consistently demonstrated himself to be a leader of
unparalleled integrity, trustworthiness, and honesty. Throughout his tenure as President, he has proven to be a man of his words, always keeping his promises and remaining truthful in his comments and decisions. He has never reneged on his commitments nor made promises he had no intention of keeping.

His unwavering dedication to transparency, accountability, and good governance has earned him the respect and trust of the Ghanaian people.

In the face of the international community, H.E. John Dramani Mahama is a man that international organizations and union organizations like the UN, AU, and other donor partners feel secure when giving out funds to Ghana. He has always used these funds for the purposes they were intended, and the records are there for everyone to check.

In fact, his zeal for national development has even led to debts being forgiven by some nations, a testament to his credibility and commitment to responsible leadership.

On the other hand, the current government, under Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia
has only saddled every citizen with debts, with no clear plan for repayment or
sustainable development. Their reckless borrowing and mismanagement of our nation's resources have led to a debt crisis that will take generations to recover from.

"It's clear that their leadership lacks the integrity, transparency, and accountability that H.E. John Dramani Mahama embodied, and it's time for a change."

H.E John Dramani Mahama has consistently demonstrated himself to be a leader of
unparalleled integrity, trustworthiness, and honesty. Throughout his tenure as president, he has proven to be a man of his word, always keeping his promises and remaining truthful in his comments and decisions. He has never reneged on his commitments or made promises he had no intention of keeping. His unwavering dedication to transparency, accountability, and good governance has earned him the respect and trust of the Ghanaian people.

In the face of the international community, H.E. John Dramani Mahama is a man that international organizations and union organizations like the UN, AU, and other donor partners feel secure when giving out funds to Ghana. He has always used these funds for the purposes they were intended, and the records are there for everyone to check.

In fact, his zeal for national development has even led to debts being forgiven by some nations, a testament to his credibility and commitment to responsible leadership.

On the other hand, the current government, under Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia
has only saddled every citizen with debts, with no clear plan for repayment or
sustainable development. Their reckless borrowing and mismanagement of our nation's resources have led to a debt crisis that will take generations to recover from.

Furthermore, their disregard for the rule of law and lack of confidence in the judiciary have severely damaged Ghana's reputation in the international community. Our country's rating has drastically decreased due to its refusal to adhere to the laws of Ghana, particularly in the office of the Attorney General. This lack of accountability and transparency has led to a crisis of confidence in our nation's ability to uphold the principles of good governance.

It's clear that their leadership lacks the integrity, transparency, and accountability that H.E. John Dramani Mahama embodied, and it's time for a change. We need a leader who will restore Ghana's reputation, uphold the rule of law, and put the interests of the people above all else.

Part 3: Reasons Why Change Must Happen by All Means and by Fire:

The current state of Ghana's governance under Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia is a ticking time bomb, waiting to explode into a full-blown crisis. It's imperative that we take a stand and demand change by all means and by fire before it's too late. Here are some reasons why:

Rising Unemployment: The government's mismanagement of the economy has led to rising unemployment, leaving many young Ghanaians feeling hopeless and
disillusioned.

Soaring Cost of Living: The cost of living in Ghana has skyrocketed, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to afford basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.

Deteriorating Healthcare: The healthcare system in Ghana is in shambles, with inadequate facilities, insufficient medicines, and poorly trained staff.

Declining Education Standards: The education system in Ghana is facing numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient teachers, and outdated curricula.

Rampant Corruption: Corruption has become endemic in Ghana, with government officials and politicians embezzling funds meant for development projects.

Abuse of Power: The current government has consistently abused its power.
suppressing dissenting voices and intimidating political opponents.

Disregard for Human Life: The government's handling of recent crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Galamsey crisis, has shown a blatant disregard for human life.

Nepotistic Appointments: The government's nepotistic tendencies have led to unqualified relatives and friends being appointed to key positions, further exacerbating the crisis.

Divisive Politics: The government's divisive politics and rhetoric have created an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility, threatening national unity.

International Isolation: Ghana's international reputation has suffered significantly under the current government, leading to reduced foreign investment and diplomatic isolation.

It's clear that change is not just necessary but urgent. We must demand leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people, upholds the rule of law, and promotes transparency and accountability. The time for change is now, and we must rise and demand it by all means and by fire!