This age obviously belongs to individuals who dream big, think big and act big. I am convinced, however, the poverty, disease and under-development that have plagued Africa over decades, is as a result of bad leadership and governance practice and not imperialism. Until we have such selfless, decisive, visionary and bold leaders whose sole ambition and commitment are to fight our number one enemy thus poverty and disease, our problems are far from over and will continue unabated.

In Ghana, the vision being passionately and enthusiastically espoused by the largest opposition leader, Nana Akufo Addo gives me a great sense of optimism that hope is indeed coming back to our people. Hope that will restore confidence and give loads of opportunity to our young men and women to realize their potentials once again, in making our nation Ghana better, and not the “better Ghana” cliché being touted by the Mills-Mahama administration.

During his “Hope Tour” to some parts of the hinterland, Nana Akufo Addo did emphasize on some major policies he plans undertaking when given the opportunity, God-willing, by the good people of Ghana based on his vision to transform this nation. In the interim, I shall highlight a couple of the policies below.

Inner-City Re-development Fund

These funds which include the “Zongo Development Fund” were critically conceived to arrest and confront the growing challenges in the urban communities such as the Zongo across the country to promote their welfare and standard of living. It is a social-policy that seeks to reduce the developmental deficits within cities and as well boost infrastructural development.

What makes this social-policy unique is the fact that, it is targeted at certain specific areas and will be allocated in the budget to give true meaning to its realization. This makes it easier for smooth implementation and monitoring. The advantages that are characterized by such a policy are enormous and cannot be over-emphasized.

The North-South migration which is on the rise and has almost become a ritual over the years is due to such developmental deficits within impoverished communities and urban-areas. People will feel encouraged to stay in their respective communities to engage in productive activities that will enhance their standard of living and that of their family.

This vision is aimed at creating a society of opportunities for both urban and rural dwellers who feel marginalized by the inability of successive governments to place them high on its developmental agenda.

Corruption

This canker has eaten into the fiber of our society with audacity. The unbridled corruption within the political-set up of the Mills-Mahama administration is legendary and has unduly affected the developmental needs of our nation. This is of critical concern to Ghanaians. Any individual seeking to lead must show unflinching commitment and desire to fight such evil in our society.

In the wake of such brazen corruption within our public life, Nana Akufo-Addo has proposed what he terms the “Anas Principle”, named after the award winning investigative journalist whose trade is to expose and put to shame corrupt officials within the public service.

The “Anas Principle” is aimed towards establishing an anti-corruption squad of young, dedicated, selfless, disciplined and talented individuals who will be adequately trained per international standards to weed-out corrupt practices within the public service and also to make it less attractive for persons who have made it their stock in trade to steal state funds.

State institutions that have been mandated by law to check such nefarious practices will be adequately resourced and strengthened to be able to carry-out their legitimate duty. Punishment for theft and stealing of state funds will be amended and made much more drastic to discourage potential criminals and existing criminals alike.

It is however imperative to note that, corruption largely is a political problem and needs political will to reduce it to its lowest level. Until we have such leaders who have demonstrated high level of incorruptibility both in their private and public life, it will be extremely difficult if not impossible to fight such menace.

Nana Akufo-Addo, both in private and public life has distinguished himself honorably to the envy of many. Not even a single query was sent to him to answer on misconduct or corruption, let alone, being indicted for corrupt activities during the periods he served as a public officer. Such a selfless and dedicated leader is what Ghana needs to protect its public purse for massive development and economic transformation.

To End

Let those who doubt, continue to doubt and let those who think big continue to think big. We yearn for a New Order that has courage not fear, humility not timidity, honesty not hypocrisy, decisiveness not weak, God-fearing not charlatan, to transform this land of our forebears and create a society of hope and opportunity for the good of our people. Still in that leader, we can find Nana Akufo Addo.

Credit: Chief Obosu Mohammed Obosu.mohammed@yahoo.com