A former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Keta, Mr Dan Abodakpi, has suggested Ghana is slipping off its moor into trouble seas.
Delivering at a speech at the 41st virtually commemoration of the June 4 Revolution, the former legislator opined that there is deep-seated cynicism among our body polity because of perceived arrogance of power and absence of true participation and political compromise.
The once presidential candidate hopeful went on to that that these have happened due to what he termed as compromises in our political space.
"Let me add quickly here that we have travelled this far because of the far reaching political/democratic compromises that we have made since the advent of the 4th Republic even in fashioning our electoral System!”
He admonished Ghanaians to recount the events of the June 4 uprising and learn lessons from them.
[‘Distinguished Comrades, and fellow Compatriots, as we mark this landmark occasion, let us be guided by the events of 41years ago, and work hard to make our Governance System truly Democratic and not ANOCRATIC for that is the surest way through which we can build a sustained National Team Spirit and the needed Esprit de Corps in order to confront and overcome current and future challenges. Let us continue to observe the necessary protocols toward keeping safe from COVID-19 because the challenges ahead would require that we are one hundred percent fit.”
Mr. Abodakpi said "June 4, 1979, is unique in our history because it forcefully drove home the point that those governing must be accountable to the governed at all times. Apart from the governed holding duty bearers accountable, another key and critical good governance principle worthy of note is participatory democracy.
Thanks to the June 4 and 31st December Revolutions, certain key structures of participatory Democracy were captured into our national constitution particularly PARLIAMENT, MUNICIPAL/DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES AND UNIT COMMITTEES. Regrettably, these important structures have been systematically rendered ineffective or completely insignificant through the over concentration of power in the Executive, in this case THE PRESIDENT. This is why our Governance system has virtually become ANOCRATIC. This is why 41years after that bold and glorious uprising when the Ranks and some few Young Officers took upon themselves that most courageous, altruistic and patriotic challenge to CLEAN UP and RESTORE the SHIP OF STATE BUOYED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.”