By King Amoah
While some citizens within the government are touting for a positive economic trajectory for Ghan, a stark contrast view is being voiced out by a prominent Political Analyst Mr. Richard Omane in Kumasi who contends that the country’s development is being systematically undermined by pervasive corruption, rampant greed and c official laziness.
According to Omane, the true hallmarks of a successful and vibrant economy are the conspicuous absence of these negative traits.
He asked for a critical question: what is truly seen in a nation that has reached its 69th year of independence?
Omane’s assessment is critical noting that since Ghana gained independence in 1957 only the era of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah can be truly credited with good governance.
Omane indicated that apart from Nkrumah’s leadership which ushered in a period of short lived development subsequent administrations have largely been engaged in mere management rather than exhibiting true leadership.
This he stated has resulted in the country being steered without genuine vision or direction.
Current Ghanaian leaders are just managing the country without leadership attention, Omane stated.
He believes that this flawed approach to management is directly breeding an uncontrollable wave of corruption even in the face of judicial oversight.
The Analyst painted a grim picture of the public sector workforce which describes a scenario where Ghanaian workers are seen, during official working hours in engaging in what he terms as working lotteries while still expect their monthly salaries.
This attitude he reiterated has a detrimental impact on the nation’s progress that is often overlooked.
Furthermore, Omane criticized the frequent staging of demonstrations and industrial strikes for salary increases, without acknowledging the concurrent failure to boost economic productivity and development through their own performance.
Echoing these sentiments a retired Auditor Charles Brefo highlighted the pervasive issue of greed particularly among officials.
He pointed out that despite receiving substantial monthly salaries and allowances these individuals are often compelled to steal from government coffers.
Brefo cited alleged unbelievable financial malpractices within the National Service Scheme as a prime example of this endemic problems.
The Analyst further indicated a point by referencing the current national tomato crisis and the reported rejection of the Burkina Faso’s president not to sell tomatoes to Ghana.
Omane questioned the logic behind Ghana importing alleged $4 billion worth of tomatoes annually from Burkina Faso alone when the country possesses both a Ministry of Food and Agriculture and fertile arable land capable of not only meeting domestic demand but also generating export revenue.
In his view, Omane contended that Ghana’s development hinges on a fundamental shift in the mindset of its people.
He urged citizens to prioritize the nation’s welfare above their own self interests.
Until this paradigm shift occurs, the aspirations for genuine national development would remain elusive, Omane pointed out.
