Joyce Mogtari Bawah, Special Aide to John Mahama, has expressed dismay and puzzlement over the country’s current economic struggles, questioning how the government had allowed the situation to deteriorate to its present state.

Bawah observed that the public’s perception has become so distorted and biased that a government can completely fail in its duties, yet still manage to exploit and control all public resources, finances, liberties, and state institutions, without being held accountable.

She condemned the government for having the temerity to rebuke citizens who speak out against its egregious failures and corrupt practices, despite its own manifest shortcomings and abuses of power.

“For me, the most absurd thing is their arrogance and inability to take responsibility. Bring back what economy when fuel prices are skyrocketing. Bring back what economy when we have the highest inflation rates?”
Joyce Mogtari Bawah

Moreover, Madam Bawah questioned the government’s slogan of “bringing back the economy” when, in her view, rampant and blatant corruption has completely consumed the government, rendering such a promise hollow and meaningless.

She further questioned the government’s promise to restore the economy, asking how this is possible when citizens are struggling to make ends meet, plagued by poverty, and overwhelmed by unrelenting hardship.

Bawah pointed out that the government has squandered a staggering $58 million on a lavish National Cathedral project, while the majority of Ghanaians suffer in poverty and hardship, emphasizing that the promise to revive the economy is nothing but a hollow deception.

She emphasized that citizens have a sacred responsibility to honor the struggles, sacrifices, and legacy of Ghana’s forbearers, who fought for a proud and prosperous nation, and to prevent their efforts from being squandered.

As such, Joyce Bawah called on Ghanaians to reclaim the nation, rescue what remains, and exercise their democratic rights as enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring that democracy is truly practiced and not just a distant ideal.

“As we reflect on our journey as a country, July 1, has to mean something, we must come together to save our motherland. Acta Non Verba!” – Joyce Mogtari Bawah

Leadership Failure And Corruption Hindering Ghana’s Progress

Furthermore, Ben Dotsei Malor, former Deputy Editor of BBC, expressed his disappointment, stating that Ghana’s elected officials across various institutions have failed to deliver, leading to concerns about the country’s leadership crisis and the absence of effective governance in recent years.

He lamented that corruption and poor governance have become pervasive and entrenched in society, likening them to a pandemic, and warned that this has led to Ghana’s development being stifled, causing the country to move backward rather than forward.

Ben Dotsei Malor emphasized that it’s unacceptable that citizens have to resort to fervent prayer and fasting merely to obtain a visa to travel, highlighting the need for a more efficient and equitable system.

“Some of the prayers we are fasting and praying for in church, if we had good leadership, we wouldn’t need to pray those prayers.” – Ben Dotsei Malor

He asserted that individuals lacking good character and personal leadership qualities are unfit to hold leadership positions, as they cannot effectively fulfill the responsibilities and trust placed in them to lead others.

“We have failed our people. Leadership is critically needed on personal levels, entity levels, in communities, and between you and me. Iron sharpens iron”.
Ben Dotsei Malor

Dotsei Malor stressed that effective leadership is crucial to addressing Ghana’s persistent challenges, including brain drain and economic struggles, and that by establishing robust systems and structures, leaders can create an environment that fosters growth, retains talent, and drives progress.

He underscored the importance of good leadership in stimulating economic growth and tackling related issues such as poverty, high cost of living, and low standard of living, which are currently plaguing the country.

He emphasized that effective leadership can turn around the fortunes of the nation and improve the lives of citizens.