Establishing the difference between the intention to implement and the actual implementation of development projects is a critical aspect of governance, particularly when evaluating the performance and accountability of politicians.
In many democratic societies, politicians frequently make promises about development initiatives, infrastructure projects, and policies designed to improve the welfare of citizens.
However, the true measure of effective governance is more than just the articulation of intentions but the tangible execution of these plans.
Accordingly, Beatrice Annan, the Deputy Spokesperson for the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, has criticized the governing NPP for its “weak suggestion” that the party’s mere intention to establish the Stabilization Fund invalidates the NDC’s claim of having established it.
She emphasized that it was, in fact, the NDC that founded the fund, stressing that actual implementation is far more important than merely intending to implement.
“Please let’s get serious, how do we tell posterity that the NPP built a cathedral because they intended one and sunk over 928,000,000 million into a hole, or they intended to build the abysmal Agenda 111, or they intended the fraudulent GHC 1 billion failed YouStart and Obaatanpa Care (whatever they call it) project and quickly reference its mention in ghe budget to support their failed intention”.
Beatrice Annan, Deputy Spokesperson for the NDC flagbearer
Beatrice Annan further condemned the NPP for its extensive history of failed projects, citing these shortcomings as evidence of the party’s inability to deliver on its promises to the Ghanaian people.
She highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s unfulfilled promises to build the Dubai Medical City, the Shama Hospital, the La General Hospital, and the Pwalugu Dam, many of the party’s proposed initiatives have not materialized despite repeated assurances.
The NDC stalwart argued that these instances demonstrate a pattern of the NPP making grand promises without following through on their implementation.
Annan urged the NPP to take its responsibilities seriously, emphasizing that the NDC is significantly ahead of the NPP in effectively delivering development projects and implementing impactful policies that benefit the Ghanaian people.
She highlighted the need for the NPP to focus on tangible outcomes rather than mere intentions.
NPP’s Claim on the Stabilization Fund
Meanwhile, the NPP contended that in October 2007, Ghana applied for assistance through the Oil for Development Programme (OFD) to establish the stabilization fund.
The NPP indicated that Baah Wiredu, Minister of State under the Kufuor administration, suggested mechanisms for the stabilization fund while presenting the 2008 budget in November 2007, reinforcing the NPP’s assertion regarding the establishment of the fund.
According to Krobea Kwabena Asante, an aide to NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, by February 2008, the Government of Ghana took decisive action by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Norwegian government to foster cooperation in petroleum management.
“…preliminary activities took place between March 2008 until NPP relinquished power in 2009 as captured in the OFD and the Norwegian govt data below who facilitated the drafting of our petroleum management bill.
“Didn’t our govt also walk the talk by signing an MOU with the Norwegian govt in February 2008 regarding cooperation on our petroleum management after the 2008 budget read in November 2007?…..bringing into fruition the stabilization fund after we relinquished power? Or do you need OFD comprehensive data on that too?”
Krobea Kwabena Asante, Dr. Bawumia’s Aide
Accordingly, the NPP stalwart questioned whether the NDC is aware of John Mahama’s plan for a 150,000-hectare irrigation project associated with the Pwalugu Dam during his presidency.
He also raised concerns about other unfulfilled initiatives, such as Hope City, the elusive STX project, and the Industrial Estate and Western Corridor Development Authority plans.
Additionally, Krobrea Asante pointed to the procurement of ambulances for communities across Ghana, which ended up in “Adakato”, as well as the proposed payments for electricity and water bills for students.
He indicated that these were all intentions by former President Mahama that ultimately did not come to fruition, asking, “What happened?”
Accordingly, as the 2024 election approaches, it is crucial for politicians to emphasize their actual achievements rather than merely highlighting their unfulfilled intentions.
READ ALSO: Khan Challenges Starmer Over EU Single Market Debate
