A leading member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kwame Awuah Darko, has urged Ghanaians to hold the NDC government accountable immediately after assuming power, should they win the 2024 general elections.
He says Ghanaians must not offer the NDC any “honeymoon period” upon their return to power.
Speaking to Nana Kwadwo Jantuah on Nhyira FM’s Kuro Yi Mu Nsem show, Awuah Darko emphasized the need for constant pressure from the citizenry to ensure effective governance.
He rather called for a heightened demand for accountability and results from day one. According to him, such pressure would compel the next government to act swiftly and decisively in addressing the nation’s challenges.
The former Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) expressed optimism the second coming of John Mahama would be beneficial to Ghanaians.
He argued the former President has learnt from the mistakes of his previous administration and is now poised to leave an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.
Awuah Darko painted a picture of a rejuvenated and reformed John Mahama, ready to lead with renewed vigor.
He claimed that Mahama’s next tenure would aim to correct past missteps and solidify his legacy as a transformational leader.
“This is a man who has reflected on his past, learnt valuable lessons, and is now ready to give his utmost best to make a positive impact,” he remarked.
The former BOST MD was critical of Ghana’s economic trajectory under the current administration, highlighting missed opportunities for investment in productive sectors. He stressed that the country’s failure to prioritize domestic production, particularly in agriculture and industrialization, has resulted in lost opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
Awuah Darko, who is now a commercial rice farmer, shared insights into how strategic investments in agriculture could significantly boost the economy.
He criticized the government’s Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) initiative, describing it as a temporary solution that lacked sustainability. Instead, he suggested that the funds allocated to NABCO could have been invested in the rice production industry.
“By prioritizing rice farming, we could have created more permanent jobs for the youth while reducing our dependence on imported rice,” he argued.
On the energy front, Awuah Darko lamented the poor management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and other oil-related facilities, which he believes have contributed to their current state of disrepair. He pointed to a lack of visionary leadership and strategic planning in the oil sector, which has prevented Ghana from fully harnessing the potential of its natural resources.
Awuah Darko concluded by reiterating his confidence in the NDC’s ability to turn the tide if entrusted with power in 2024. He called on Ghanaians to remain vigilant and proactive in demanding better governance, noting that active citizenship is crucial for sustainable development.
His remarks come at a time when political discourse in Ghana is heating up ahead of the 2024 general elections, with both the NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) presenting competing visions for the country’s future.
Awuah Darko challenged Ghanaians to rethink their approach to governance and their role in holding leaders accountable.