Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Ghanaians,

Thank you for joining us today. For a prosperous Ghana, we must stand united by a shared
vision. Since the unfortunate overthrow of the democratically elected People’s National Party
(PNP) government on 31st December, 1981, our beloved nation has faced profound challenges in
development and the quality of life we deserve. Many of our youth are seeking opportunities
abroad, believing that greener pastures lie elsewhere, when in fact, Ghana has the potential to be
even greener.
Those who remain often resort to desperate measures to survive, reflecting the dire state of our
nation. It is time for we the younger generation, who love this country and care about its future,
to rise and uplift our nation from the wreckage caused by political mismanagement. We, the
patriotic citizens, must not remain silent. Instead, we must voice our commitment to fostering a
nation where good governance, accountability, and national unity are upheld.
As our dear Ephraim Amu illustrated in his song:
Yɛn ara asaase ni;
Ɛyɛ abɔ den den de ma yεn,
Mogya a nananom hwie gu
Nya de to hɔ ma yɛn,
Aduru me ne wo nso so,
Sε yɛbɛyɛ bi atoa so.
It is with this spirit that we have gathered here today. Let us work together to build a brighter
future for Ghana.

One of the critical issues we must address is the practice of signing peace accords by flagbearers
during elections.
The Need to Abolish The Signing Of The Peace Book:
Ghana cannot be considered a truly peaceful country if fear and panic surround our electoral
processes. The requirement for flagbearers to sign peace accords, ostensibly to ensure the
acceptance of election results, creates an impression of unresolved issues if such agreements are
not signed. This practice is contrary to the spirit of our national constitution, which emphasizes
peace and stability.
The preamble of our constitution states:
“We the People of Ghana, IN EXERCISE of our natural and inalienable right to establish a
framework of government, which shall secure for ourselves, and posterity the blessings of
liberty, equality of opportunity and prosperity; IN A SPIRIT of friendship and peace with all
peoples of the world; AND IN SOLEMN declaration and affirmation of our commitment to;
Freedom, Justice, Probity and Accountability; The Principle that all powers of Government
spring from the Sovereign Will of the People; The Principle of Universal Adult Suffrage; The
Rule of Law; The protection and preservation of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms,
Unity and Stability for our Nation; DO HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO
OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”
This clearly indicates that the signing of peace accords is an unnecessary intimidation tactic and
is against the laws of Ghana. Our national constitution does not permit such practices, which
only serve to undermine the confidence of the electorate and the integrity of our democratic
processes.
Therefore, I urge the Peace Council to desist from such practices. Let us instead focus on
strengthening our institutions, promoting civic education, and ensuring that our electoral
processes are transparent, fair, and free from intimidation. It is only through these measures that
we can truly uphold the principles of peace, justice, and democracy that our constitution
enshrines.

The Need for Constitutional Review

Our current constitution requires a thorough review as it disproportionately favours the top
hierarchy of government. One critical area of concern is the investigation and prosecution of the
President for any alleged corruption scandals. Article 35(8) of the Constitution, found in Chapter
6, titled “The Directive Principles of State Policy,” states, “The State shall take steps to eradicate
corrupt practices and the abuse of power.” This article is part of the 1992 Constitution of the
Republic of Ghana, which was promulgated under the Provisional National Defence Council
(PNDC) Law 282.
It is imperative that the President be investigated immediately upon the conclusion of their term
in office if there are any allegations of corruption. Delaying such investigations for several years
weakens the evidence and allows the former President the opportunity to cover up any
wrongdoing. To ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of the office, the constitution
should mandate prompt investigations and potential prosecutions.
In this respect, failure to declare assets should become an impeachable offence. Public officials,
including the President, must be required to declare their assets both before assuming office and
after leaving office. This declaration should be comprehensive, covering all significant assets,
liabilities, and financial interests. The process should be transparent and subject to public
scrutiny to prevent any form of concealment or manipulation. By making asset declaration
mandatory and enforceable, it would deter public officials from engaging in corrupt practices, as
any unexplained wealth accumulation could lead to impeachment and legal consequences. This
measure would also promote a culture of transparency and accountability within the government.
If the national constitution is not reviewed in 2025, I urge every Ghanaian citizen to refrain from
voting, regardless of party affiliation. The interests of Ghana must come first. Should the
majority of the population abstain from voting, the required 50% + 1 vote threshold will not be
met, rendering the election results null and void. Repeated low voter turnout would necessitate
the formation of a coalition government, which could help minimize corruption to the lowest
level and foster the growth and advancement of our beloved country.
However, at this moment, I encourage every Ghanaian to participate in the voting process and
advocate for changes that will bring accountability, transparency, and positive transformation to
the lives of the people of Ghana.

The Need for a Continuation of national projects:

Governments should prioritize a comprehensive national development plan to effectively govern
the country. Often, Presidents focus on their political parties’ interests rather than the nation’s
needs, leading to a lack of continuity in national development. Article 35(7) of the Constitution
of Ghana, found in Chapter 6, titled “The Directive Principles of State Policy,” states that “As far
as practicable, a government shall continue and execute projects and programmes commenced by
the previous Government.”
A major issue is the discontinuation of projects started by previous administrations. When a new
President takes office, they often abandon unfinished projects from their predecessor, which
hinders the country’s growth and development. These abandoned projects not only waste
resources but also slow down progress, ultimately causing Ghana to miss out on incremental
advancements.
To address this, it is essential to follow a national development plan that transcends party lines
and focuses on the long-term development of the country. This plan would ensure that all
projects, regardless of which administration initiated them, are completed and maintained. This
approach would create a more stable and progressive environment, benefiting the entire nation
rather than just a single political party.
To further ensure adherence to this national development plan, it is suggested that impeachment
be considered as a measure against presidents who fail to continue and complete projects
initiated by their predecessors. This step would not only hold the President accountable but also
bring shame to their political party, serving as a deterrent to future administrations. By
implementing such stringent measures, Ghana can promote a culture of accountability and
continuity in governance, ultimately leading to sustained national development and progress.
To make impeachment possible, Ghanaians must give a chance to individuals who are not
affiliated with a particular party but have the potential to bring positive impacts to become
parliamentarians. However, some projects would need to be reviewed and assessed to determine
whether they are worth continuing based on the priorities of Ghanaians and the resources
available.

The Urgency For Ghana To Reduce Dependency On Foreign Loans:

Ghana must urgently address its reliance on foreign loans. The adage “a borrower is always a
slave to the lender” aptly describes our current predicament, where financial dependence allows
foreign entities to influence our national affairs. It is imperative for Ghana to take drastic
measures to uphold the freedom our forefathers secured through divine grace. Without such
measures, our proclaimed independence remains superficial, as we continue to be swayed by
external powers.
Ghana is endowed with abundant natural resources, including gold, lithium, oil, cocoa, timber,
and bauxite. These assets should be strategically managed and utilized to foster national
development and reduce our dependence on foreign loans. A key area for investment is
mechanized agriculture, alongside advancements in technology and industrialization. With
extensive arable lands, Ghana has the potential to become a major agricultural hub. By
prioritizing agricultural growth, we can ensure food security, lower the high costs associated
with food imports, and provide healthier, fresher produce for our citizens. Moreover, a robust
agricultural sector can generate employment, promote economic stability, and foster peace
within the country.
Instead of heavily relying on imports, Ghana should aim to increase its exports. By exporting
more finished agricultural products and other goods, we can bolster our economy and strengthen
our position in the global market. This strategic shift will not only enhance our economic
independence but also contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the nation.

Building Well-Planned and Safe Communities While Protecting the Natural Environment
In the long-term 40-Year National Development Plan, spanning from 2018 to 2057, Chapter Six,
Goal Three addresses the state of our land and forests. However, the current situation is alarming
and embarrassing, given the institutions and hierarchies we have established to protect these
resources. Despite employing people to safeguard our environment, we are witnessing
devastating consequences.
Illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” has had a catastrophic impact on Ghana’s
lands, forests, and water bodies. Many of our major forest reserves have been significantly
affected, leading to widespread degradation. Additionally, numerous rivers and streams, such as
the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, and Offin, have been polluted. This pollution disrupts ecosystems,
making water unsafe for consumption and agricultural use, and severely affecting the livelihoods
of communities that depend on these water sources for farming, fishing, and daily living
Ghana is losing its forests at an alarming rate, faster than any other country in the world. The
Forestry Commission estimates that a significant portion of Ghana’s forest trees have been
depleted due to various human activities, including galamsey.
This situation represents more than just statistics; it signifies the destruction of our natural
heritage, the loss of biodiversity, and the degradation of ecosystems that are vital to our health
and well-being. The implications of this environmental crisis are profound. If we do not address
this menace with urgency and determination, we must ask ourselves: will we be able to celebrate
our 100th Independence anniversary in 2057? Even if some of us are alive, will we be fit to
celebrate such a milestone? While we are praying to God to protect Ghana from natural disasters,
some of our leaders are promoting manmade disasters that affect the global environment.
The current trend of environmental degradation calls into question the very essence of our 40-
year development plan. It is imperative that we reconsider our strategies and take decisive action
to combat galamsey and other harmful practices. We must strengthen our institutions, enforce
our laws, and hold accountable those who exploit our natural resources for short-term gain at the
expense of our collective future.

Ensuring Diligent Monitoring and Protection of Our Constitution:

It is imperative that we continuously monitor our constitution with diligence to ensure its
protection and integrity. Often, party members influence their leader, the President, to serve the
interests of their party rather than the nation as a whole. This undermines the principles of good
governance and national unity Article 41(b) of the Constitution, found in Chapter 6 under the
title “The Directive Principles of State Policy,” states, “It shall be the duty of every citizen to
uphold and defend this Constitution and the law.”
The Council of State members must actively voice their support for constitutional amendments
that promote the national interest. They should embody selflessness and integrity, much like our
esteemed traditional ruler, Togbe Afede, who boldly rejected a substantial ex gratia payment
deposited into his personal account for his service as a former member of the Council of State.
By following Togbe Afede’s example, Council of State members can demonstrate their
commitment to the nation’s welfare over personal gain. Their support in amending the
constitution is crucial to curbing the undue influence of party politics on the presidency and
ensuring that the President serves the interests of all Ghanaians.
To further protect our constitution, we must implement robust safeguards that prevent any form
of manipulation or exploitation by political parties. This includes establishing clear guidelines
and accountability measures for all government officials, ensuring that their actions align with
the nation’s best interests.

A Call to Action for All Ghanaians:

As we strive to build a better Ghana, it is crucial for every citizen to voice their concerns and
stand up for their rights, especially when political candidates come to your doorstep to campaign.
This call extends to all key institutions and leaders across the country, including:
• Ghana Legal Council and Ghana Bar Association
• Ghana Christian Council, Ghana Pentecostal Council, and Ghana Charismatic Council
• His majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
• His majesty Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II
• Organized Labour
• University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)
• Ghana Traditional Council and Traditional Rulers in all Sixteen Regions
• Ladies and gentlemen,
I call upon all Ghanaians to unite and become proactive citizens, fearless in addressing the issues
that afflict our nation. By doing so, we can collectively build a better future for ourselves and for
generations to come. It is imperative that we work together to hold our leaders accountable and
ensure that our country’s resources are utilized wisely and justly.
As the great Kwame Nkrumah once said, “We face neither East nor West; we face forward.” Let
us embody this spirit and move forward together with determination and unity.
I urge all media houses in Ghana to play a pivotal role in disseminating this crucial message.
Together, we can reach every corner of our nation and inspire all Ghanaians to take action for a
brighter future.
May God bless our homeland, Ghana, and make us great and strong.
Thank you.