Active citizen participation in government management and accountability is crucial in strengthening democracy, promoting transparency, and fostering sustainable development.
The involvement of citizens in government affairs is not only a civic duty but a necessary element for achieving a well-functioning, accountable governance system.
Accordingly, Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has urged the public to take an active interest in overseeing the management and accountability of every sector within the nation.
He emphasized that the responsibility of holding government and state institutions accountable should not be left to a select few, but rather embraced by all citizens.
Cudjoe highlighted that a vigilant and engaged public can help ensure that government actions align with the public’s best interests, reduce misuse of resources, and strengthen the foundations of transparency and democracy across Ghana.
“I have been up all night thinking about how we fix this as a country. 82% of Ghanaians saying the country is headed in the wrong direction is not pretty.
“It is unforgivable for the elites of this country to stay in their corner when the few we elect become damaging directors and only complain when the bad leadership affects. them directly”.
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa
Franklin Cudjoe further highlighted the plight of many elites who experienced a 37% reduction in their Eurobonds, leaving them privately distressed yet reluctant to speak out for fear of being seen as excessively wealthy.
He emphasized that such individuals have genuine grievances, having worked diligently and honestly for their wealth, and should not have to suffer in silence.
Cudjoe argued that no citizen, regardless of their financial standing, should be unfairly deprived of their hard-earned money—least of all by a government they trusted to act responsibly.
He suggested that a government that prioritizes the protection of its citizens’ assets fosters greater trust and a stronger social contract. “…I wasn’t spared an ugly financial haircut either, and that is the story of many others, civil servants, and pensioners”.
Elites to Boycott the Elections
Furthermore, Franklin Cudjoe disclosed that many Ghanaian elite Eurobond holders are expressing a desire to abstain from voting during the elections altogether, while a few are considering support for alternative candidates who seem less “toxic and deceptive”.
However, Cudjoe urged that the elite should not limit their engagement to just the elections
He encouraged them to actively care about how the country is managed and take action.
Franklin Cujoe suggested they write, protest, hold ineffective leaders accountable, or even consider entering politics themselves to help reshape the system.
He pointed out that the system has, unfortunately, allowed unqualified and boastful individuals to gain power and influence over national affairs.
“A few good ones are helping to clean up the mess, such as my brother Hon. Mohammed Amin Adam who by the way should have been brought in from 2020 and given the power to rein in the happy-go-spend drifts, and we need many of his kind who we must protect, project and kept within allowable guardrails lest he is tempted to break loose”.
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa
The IMANI Africa President further emphasized the importance of certain Ghanaians continuing their efforts to challenge ineffective public officials who promote wasteful, confusing, or even deceptive policies and projects.
He encouraged citizens to hold these officials accountable by persistently presenting them with well-researched ideas and practical, workable examples that could lead to better governance.
Cudjoe believes that this “positive harassment” not only pressures officials to reconsider harmful decisions but also helps raise awareness of more viable, efficient alternatives.
According to him, by actively engaging and demanding higher standards, citizens can foster a more responsible government that is focused on real solutions and is less prone to corruption or negligence.
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