Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Siddique, former Zongo Development Minister and team leader of the Afrafranto Caravan Tour in the Upper East, has attributed Ghana’s persistent challenges to a political culture that prioritizes party loyalty over quality leadership.
Addressing the Bawku Naba’s Palace and a group of young people during the Alliance’s Upper East Caravan Tour, Alhaji Sidique pointed to the abundance of Ghana’s natural resources, including timber, gold, manganese, oil, and bauxite, which despite their potential, have failed to bring meaningful progress to the majority of Ghanaians.
He argued that “mediocrity has long held the front seat, while true merit is relegated to the back,” resulting in ineffective governance and missed opportunities for national growth.
According to Sidique, this trend has been sustained by a focus on entrenched political parties, namely the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP), which he believes have turned Ghana’s politics into a “cycle of compromise, where excellence is sacrificed at the altar of party allegiance.” Sidique stressed that Ghana’s stagnation is a direct result of this misplaced focus, with leadership crises that have left critical sectors like health, education, and infrastructure struggling to meet basic standards. “It’s time we recognize that our fixation on party labels is costing us our future,” he declared.
Boniface Sidique called on Ghanaians to break free from these party shackles in the upcoming 2024 general elections by choosing a leader who values development over party loyalty. He presented Alan Kyerematen as a visionary candidate who understands the need for competent and transformative leadership. “A vote for Alan is a vote for Ghana’s true potential,” he told the audience. Mr Kyerematen’s leadership, he emphasized, offers a fresh perspective that prioritizes merit, innovation, and tangible results over political favours.
Accompanied by Dr Alhasan Samari, Chairman of the National Advisory Committee, and Mr Rayan Nazir, Upper East Regional Anchor, Alhaji Sidique and his team spent time engaging with chiefs, elders and people of Bawku in the Upper East region, sharing their vision of a transformation under Alan Kyerematen’s leadership. They described Mr Kyerematen as a leader dedicated to harnessing Ghana’s resources to benefit all citizens, not just a privileged few. “This is a time for real change, for leadership that finally matches the potential of our resources and the promise of our people,” Alhaji Sidique asserted.
In a message that struck a chord with local leaders, Boniface Sidique underscored that effective leadership is not a byproduct of mere party allegiance.
He argued that it requires a commitment to excellence and a desire to serve the nation genuinely. “What we need is a leader who places Ghana first and parties second – someone who is willing to take bold steps toward actual transformation,” Sidique remarked, positioning Alan Kyerematen as that ideal choice.
Reflecting a growing sentiment among Ghanaians, Alhaji Sidique’s speech amplified the desire for a shift from the status quo. Many attendees echoed his sentiments, with one chief noting that “the time has come to demand a new kind of leadership – one that delivers.” He encouraged citizens to channel their frustration into action at the ballot box, stating, “If we continue down the path of party-first politics, we risk losing the future we’ve always dreamed of.”
As the 2024 elections are near, the Afrafranto Alliance is rallying support nationwide, urging Ghanaians to reject mediocre leadership and embrace the promise of capable inclusive governance.
By backing Alan Kyerematen, Alhaji Sidique said Ghanaians have a unique opportunity to “reclaim our national destiny and pave the way for a prosperous future for generations yet to come.”