“Governance is about serving the entire nation, not rewarding political strongholds”- Dr. Solomon Fokuo Kwarteng
Dr. Kwarteng stressed that both major political parties, the NPP and NDC, need to adopt better governance strategies. “If the strategies used to run political parties were applied to governing the country, we wouldn’t be facing these challenges,” he said. He urged parties to select leaders who understand the nation’s current issues and can propose bold and practical solutions.
A significant part of his critique centered on political appointments. He argued that positions such as DCE, MCE, and others like those in NADMO are often given to party loyalists without the necessary qualifications or expertise. “You may be loyal and committed, but governance requires competence”.
Dr. Solomon Fokuo Kwarteng recently shared his thoughts during an interview with Lawyer Gyan on Kessben Amansan Ntie pressing national issues and the way forward. Dr. Kwarteng stated, “What the opposition wants is already happening. Their aim is to create chaos and bring the country to a standstill. Six months ago, their research suggested they were winning, but now, if things aren’t going as they predicted, they are looking for alternative ways to regain relevance.”
He pointed out that some policies proposed by the opposition, such as the idea of a “24-hour economy,” have not resonated with the people. He believes the public perceives such policies as impractical and unlikely to improve their lives.
Dr. Kwarteng also critiqued former President Mahama’s approach to education. He mentioned Mahama’s promise to pay admission fees for first-year students, describing it as insufficient compared to other pressing challenges, such as the high cost of accommodation. “Accommodation fees are even more expensive than tuition”
He questioned the consistency of the opposition’s stance on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and Free Senior High School (SHS). Dr. Kwarteng reminded listeners of Mahama’s earlier skepticism about the feasibility of Free SHS and his inability to deliver on promises like a one-time NHIS premium.
He highlighted that appointing unqualified individuals often leads to inefficiencies, citing the example of school feeding programs being managed by women organizers who might lack the managerial capacity.
Dr. Kwarteng concluded that governance should transcend political motivations. For example, he criticised Mahama’s decision to build a university in a region based on voting patterns rather than strategic needs.
Dr. Kwarteng’s comments underscore the need for effective governance rooted in merit, practical policies, and a focus on national development rather than partisan politics. His call for leaders to rise above political considerations is a crucial reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to those in power.
Story by: Joyce Owusu Dankwah
