Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ken Agyapong, has made a thought-provoking statement regarding Ghana’s development in comparison to other nations. In his remarks, Agyapong highlighted that while Ghana has achieved certain milestones in its 63 years of independence, a comparative analysis with contemporaries such as Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and India reveals that Ghana is significantly lagging behind the developmental trajectory its forebears had envisioned.
Despite possessing abundant human and natural resources, Ghana has struggled to translate these assets into tangible developmental progress. Agyapong’s comments shed light on the disparities between Ghana and these other nations, raising important questions about the factors that have hindered Ghana’s development.
Singapore, a small island nation in Southeast Asia, has emerged as one of the world’s economic powerhouses. It has achieved remarkable progress in various sectors, transforming itself from a struggling nation into a thriving metropolis. Similarly, Malaysia, South Korea, and India have experienced significant growth and development, propelling themselves to become global players in technology, manufacturing, and innovation.
Agyapong’s observations serve as a wake-up call, urging Ghanaians to critically evaluate the reasons behind the country’s slower pace of development. Despite Ghana’s vast resources, including gold, cocoa, oil, and a young and dynamic workforce, there is a pervasive feeling that these advantages have not been effectively harnessed to spur comprehensive growth and development.
Below is his full statement…
Today marks 63 years since Ghana became a Republic and ushered in a new era of truly independent statehood. Ordinarily, this is a day Ghanaians all over the world should be celebrating. But Ghanaians are not celebrating because they have little to be happy about.
Although Ghana has achieved some important milestones over the past 63 years, a comparative analysis between the country and contemporaries like Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and India shows Ghana is far behind what its forebears anticipated.
Despite Ghana’s abundant human and natural resources, there is very little to show for her developmental progress. Ghana continues to heavily depend on foreign interests for budgetary support and has visited the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 17 times.
This year’s Republic Day must spur Ghanaians on for greater reflection on why the country continues to wallow in the doldrums despite the enormous resources. Ghanaians must rethink their attitude and imbibe the values of Patriotism, Honesty, and Discipline – key ingredients that are necessary but missing in Ghana’s developmental efforts.
PATRIOTISM – Love of country must be inherent in all Ghanaians. And while no laws can bring this about, a leader who truly models this undying love of country would inspire Ghanaians to do the same.
HONESTY – A leader who is truthful and honest would inspire Ghanaians to emulate that behavior and set the country on a new path to a brighter future for the youth.
