Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsa II, a prominent chief in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, has issued a compelling call for a paradigm shift in the nation’s approach to development planning. He advocates for the adoption of a National Policy Concept, a comprehensive, long-term development framework that transcends the limitations of partisan political manifestos. He argues that the current reliance on these manifestos, which change with each electoral cycle, has hampered Ghana’s progress and fostered political manipulation, hindering the nation’s ability to achieve its full potential.
Nana Atonsa II’s critique centers on the inherent instability of manifesto-driven development. He points out that successive governments, except for military regimes, have prioritized their own party agendas, leading to inconsistent policies and a lack of continuity in development projects. This constant shift in direction, he argues, has prevented the accumulation of sustained progress and created an environment where political expediency often trumps national interest. The chief contrasts this with the approach of developed nations, where long-term national policies provide a stable foundation for growth and progress, irrespective of changes in political leadership.
The proposed National Policy Concept aims to address this fundamental flaw in Ghana’s developmental approach. It envisions a comprehensive plan that outlines the nation’s long-term goals and strategies across key sectors, providing a consistent roadmap for progress regardless of which party holds power. This would ensure continuity in development projects and prevent the arbitrary abandonment or alteration of initiatives based on the whims of the ruling party. Nana Atonsa II believes that such a framework would not only promote more effective and sustainable development but also curb political manipulation and foster national unity.
A crucial element of Nana Atonsa II’s proposal is the emphasis on equitable development. He argues that the current system, driven by party manifestos, incentivizes political leaders to prioritize their own supporters and constituencies, leading to discrimination in job opportunities, contract awards, and the distribution of resources. A National Policy Concept, by contrast, would promote a more inclusive approach to development, ensuring that all Ghanaians benefit from the nation’s progress, regardless of their political affiliation. This, he believes, is essential for fostering national unity and creating a more just and equitable society.
The chief places the responsibility for implementing this transformative change squarely on the shoulders of Ghana’s parliamentarians. He urges them to take the lead in formulating and enacting a National Policy Concept, effectively shifting the nation’s development paradigm away from the limitations of partisan manifestos. This, he believes, would require a significant change in mindset, moving from a short-term, politically driven approach to a long-term, nationally focused one. He calls on parliamentarians to prioritize the national interest above partisan considerations and to act as custodians of the nation’s long-term development goals.
Nana Atonsa II draws parallels between his vision and the legacy of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, suggesting that Nkrumah’s emphasis on national unity and long-term planning aligns closely with the principles of the National Policy Concept. He laments the abandonment of this approach in subsequent years, attributing Ghana’s current developmental challenges, in part, to this departure from Nkrumah’s vision. He expresses hope that his call for a National Policy Concept will be heeded, paving the way for sustained economic growth, national prosperity, and a more equitable distribution of benefits for all Ghanaians. He believes this framework offers a transformative path towards a more unified and prosperous future for the nation.
