Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, lecturer of Political Science at the University of Ghana, has stated that the Minority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, was right in his remark that the President has committed an error in failing to address the issue of unemployment in his State of the Nation Address.
During the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President, H. E Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo addressed many issues regarding energy, health, education, security, and agriculture sectors among others. The President, however, failed to address issues of unemployment, corruption, and galamsey which are pressing issues in the country, and therefore has come under criticism for it.
According to Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, the President’s omission of the issue of unemployment from his address cannot be pinned as an accident. He emphasized that the number of unemployed graduates in the country is alarming and a threat to Ghana’s security.
He also indicated that the President’s inability to give an account of such an issue is evidence of the country’s weak capacity to deliver. He detailed that the government does not make effective use of human and material resources to the country’s benefit.
“People go to universities and pay little fees…you realize that the government put in a lot in terms of adding additional fees to develop them. They finish school and some of them are moving out in droves to seek greener pastures. Those who are here jump into the street selling dog chains”.
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante
Furthermore, he argued that the ideal state does not aim to train its citizens and underutilize them. He emphasized that ineffective policies by governments lead to underutilization of human resources developed by the government’s enormous investment in the education sector.
Accordingly, the Political Scientist maintained that the issue of unemployment should have made it to the list of issues addressed by the President. “If it is missing, I support the minority leader in saying what he said” he stated.
More so, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante disclosed that Ghana is lagging behind other African countries like Chad, Ivory Coast, and Mali in matters of employment and job creation for the youth. He showed his disbelief that Chad, a landlocked country considered to be economically disadvantaged compared to Ghana, is doing better in terms of employment than Ghana.
“It’s a joke. Our leaders must get serious, sit down, plan the economy very well, and stop the talk show. We need the workshop; they should walk the talk. For me, that is key so I support the Minority Leader 100%. We want the overview of what the government has done so far”.
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante
The Political Scientist also opined that the government must be bold in admitting its wrongs and candidly assure Ghanaians of correcting these wrongs when given the opportunity. He emphasized that good governance is shown by the admission of wrongdoing and the acceptance of responsibility.
Security In Ghana Amidst Recent Coups
Dr. Asah-Asante also commended the government on its effort to maintain security in the country despite the overwhelming instances of coups in the sub-region (West Africa). He however noted that the government is mandated by social contract to protect the citizenry and therefore should not take much credit for fulfilling its duties.
The Political Scientist also indicated that the recent coups in the sub-region are unfortunate incidents as they undermine the democratic progress that West Africa and Africa as a whole have made in recent years till date.
He made known his delight in the President’s acknowledgment of the issues of insecurity in the sub-region and advised that the government supports the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its fight against the threats to security in the sub-region.
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante further stated that states that establish undemocratic governments against the resolve of their citizens must be singled out and dealt with by the ECOWAS.
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante’s remarks followed the President account on issues security in the country, particularly in Bawku, and the unstable security in the sub-region of West Africa due to recent coups the region has witnessed.
The President, in his address, assured Ghanaians of the government’s determination to ensure security in every inch of the country’s territory despite compromising actions close to the Bawku border. The President also urged the citizens to help create an environment that ensures the country’s safety by reporting suspicious activities that may compromise the country’s security.
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