Samuel Koku Anyidoho, a former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed enthusiasm over President-elect John Mahama’s commitment to revisiting constitutional reforms initiated by President John Evans Atta Mills.
Describing the move as “exciting to hear,” Anyidoho noted that he had long questioned why the constitutional review process stalled following the passing of President J.E.A Mills.
According to Anyidoho, Mahama’s decision is a significant step forward and a vindication of his consistent advocacy for the continuation of the reform agenda.
“This resonates well with the Better Ghana Agenda we started in 2009 under President Atta-Mills – which Mother Ghana yearns for. Ghana First.
“God is indeed a very wonderful God because ALL the constitutional reforms that President Mills sought to implement, have fallen back in the domain of the NDC for it to happen so that vindication will be established. What we failed to do; we shall be compelled to do”.
Samuel Koku Anyidoho
Anyidoho further emphasized the missed opportunity for Ghana’s democratic advancement due to the abandonment of the constitutional review process initiated by the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
He lamented that the failure to continue the process had delayed much-needed reforms that could have strengthened the country’s governance framework.
However, he expressed optimism, noting that with President-elect John Mahama’s renewed commitment to the constitutional review, the process is back on track.
Anyidoho suggested that the revival of the process under Mahama’s leadership serves as validation for those, like himself, who had persistently called for its continuation.
He highlighted the broader significance of constitutional reform as a key tool for advancing democracy, strengthening institutions, and ensuring effective governance in Ghana.
The NDC supporter highlighted that the party’s majority in Parliament will strengthen its pursuit of the constitutional review agenda.
NDC Majority Key to Stable Governance
Furthermore, Samuel Koku Anyidoho argued that Ghana’s current hung parliament places considerable emotional and financial strain on the country’s democracy, often resulting in governance inefficiencies.
This reality, perhaps, strengthens the case for the NDC’s parliamentary majority, which he believes would promote more effective decision-making and stable governance.
He argued that such a situation hinders the smooth execution of government policies and creates a breeding ground for constant political brinkmanship.
Anyidoho emphasized that for any party that wins power, the ability to govern effectively is crucial.
However, he cautioned that this authority should not be exercised with impunity but with a focus on the greater good of the nation.
According to him, the key to successful governance lies in the presence of genuine willpower and a firm commitment to prioritize national interests over partisan or self-serving motives.
“History has a very interesting way of repeating itself. At the outset of our 4th democratic dispensation in 1992, the NDC had an absolute majority. The NPP clawed back. After 32 years, NDC is back with absolute majority but it doesn’t mean NPP can’t claw back.
“If some people think I will spend the next 4yrs just hitting at the government; I am sorry to disappoint them. Surely, we shall discuss national issues but it will not be in my DNA to just be hitting. Expectations are very high & the verdict will speak for itself. Ghana First”.
Samuel Koku Anyidoho
Anyidoho also cautioned the NDC against taking electoral victory for granted, stressing the need for vigilance and strategic planning.
He recalled that while the party enjoyed an absolute majority in 1992, it gradually lost parliamentary seats over the years, culminating in a much-reduced majority.
According to him, this historical lesson should serve as a warning to the NDC to avoid complacency and ensure sustained efforts to maintain its parliamentary strength.
Addressing potential critics, Anyidoho clarified that his remarks were not borne out of animosity toward the NDC but rather from a deep-seated desire to see the party succeed. “I only seek to caution, let the hubris subside and the mandate executed”.
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