Manifestos of political parties must align with national development plan to avoid abandonment of projects by successive governments – Dr Abraham Gyamfi
Speaking on Kessben FM while discussing national development and governance, Dr. Abraham Gyamfi, a lecturer at Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), made a compelling case for a shift in how political parties craft their manifestos.
According to Dr. Gyamfi, “The manifestos of political parties should fall within a national development plan. This will help avoid the frequent abandonment of projects by successive governments.”
Dr. Gyamfi highlighted a recurring challenge in Ghana’s democratic and developmental journey, the discontinuity of government projects when political power changes hands. He noted that successive governments often abandon or sideline projects initiated by their predecessors, not necessarily because the projects are flawed, but simply due to political rivalry or lack of ownership.
Dr. Gyamfi’s recommendation is not new, but his articulation brings fresh urgency to the issue. He envisions a scenario where Ghana adopts a robust, long-term national development plan that all political parties must adhere to when preparing their manifestos. In his view, this would serve as a binding framework that ensures manifestos are not just campaign tools, but strategic documents aligned with national goals.
“The development plan should transcend party manifestos,” he said. “Let every party find creative ways to achieve national goals, but let the goals themselves remain constant.”
He stressed that development is a continuous process and must not be driven by the need for political credit. “We must mature beyond politics of personality. Let it be politics of progress,” he urged.
Dr. Gyamfi also proposed the creation of an independent, non-partisan body to manage and monitor the national development plan. He suggested that stakeholders from academia, civil society, traditional leadership, and all political parties collaborate to draft a comprehensive plan that has legal backing and is periodically reviewed.
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