Alhaji Issah Musah Adams, the founder of Support Life International, a non-profit organization, has presented a ten-point recommendation letter to President-elect John Dramani Mahama, urging him to prioritize fiscal prudence and responsible governance as he assumes office. Central to these recommendations is a call for a modest swearing-in ceremony, symbolic of a commitment to curtailing government spending and reflecting the current economic realities facing the nation. Adams suggests a scaled-down event at the Jubilee House, involving key stakeholders and diplomatic representatives, instead of a large, extravagant celebration at the Black Star Square. This would not only save considerable resources but also set the tone for a fiscally responsible administration, aligning with Mahama’s campaign promises and demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of the Ghanaian people.
A key element of Adams’s proposal is the establishment of a “National Day of Introspection and Civic Action” on March 6th, coinciding with Ghana’s Independence Day. This transformative approach envisions a shift from traditional celebratory events to a day focused on national renewal, reflection, and patriotic action. Adams suggests encouraging citizen engagement in community activities, particularly those focused on cleaning and improving public spaces, spearheaded by local assemblies. This initiative aims to foster a greater sense of national unity and responsibility, encouraging citizens to actively participate in building a better Ghana. It also represents a pragmatic approach to nation-building, channeling resources towards tangible community improvements rather than elaborate ceremonies.
Furthermore, Adams advocates for a four-year moratorium on new government vehicle purchases, coupled with a comprehensive effort to recover state assets. This measure aims to curb unnecessary expenditure and demonstrate a commitment to financial discipline within the government. He also emphasizes the importance of tackling corruption and financial mismanagement, recommending the establishment of specialized courts to handle economic crimes. This targeted approach is designed to expedite the prosecution of financial malfeasance, sending a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated within the new administration. Combined with the proposed audit of all projects initiated by the outgoing government, these measures seek to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
The recommended audit of outgoing government projects serves a dual purpose: identifying potentially inflated contracts for renegotiation or cancellation and facilitating the resumption of abandoned projects. This approach is intended to maximize the return on public investment and ensure that valuable resources are not wasted due to mismanagement or corruption. Adams also emphasizes the importance of streamlining government operations by limiting internal travel and conferences for state officials, unless deemed absolutely essential. These recommendations underscore a commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient resource allocation, focusing on delivering tangible results to the Ghanaian people.
Underlying Adams’s recommendations is a call for the president-elect to embrace a unifying theme of “Resetting Ghana.” This encompassing theme is intended to guide all policy initiatives and communications, providing a coherent framework for the new administration’s actions. By aligning all efforts under this banner, the government can more effectively communicate its goals and demonstrate its commitment to a renewed focus on national development. Crucially, Adams emphasizes the importance of stringent monitoring of public expenditure to ensure transparency and value for money. This focus on transparency is designed to rebuild public trust in the government and demonstrate that resources are being utilized responsibly and effectively.
Ultimately, Adams’s recommendations underscore the high expectations Ghanaians have for the incoming administration. He acknowledges the mandate given to President-elect Mahama while emphasizing that the success of his tenure will depend on his responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of the people. The call for a transformative approach to governance, prioritizing fiscal prudence, accountability, and citizen engagement, reflects the desire for tangible improvements in the lives of Ghanaians. The proposed measures aim to create a more efficient, transparent, and responsible government, focused on delivering real results and building a more prosperous and equitable future for all citizens. The initial actions of the new administration will be critical in setting the tone for its tenure and demonstrating its commitment to the promises made during the campaign.
