By: Maltiti Sayida Sadick
In a bold statement addressing the rampant corruption and stagnation in Ghana, Kofi Koranteng, the presidential candidate of the New Vision Movement speaking on the manifesto watch segment on GTV Breakfast with host Maltiti Sayida, emphasized the urgent need for constitutional reform to facilitate national development. He argued that without addressing foundational issues in governance, efforts to foster a thriving economy will be futile.
Koranteng highlighted that a “24-hour economy” could inadvertently lead to “24-hour corruption,” urging for systemic changes rather than superficial solutions. He criticized the current Office of the Special Prosecutor, describing it as a “useless agency” that has failed to tackle corruption effectively.
In his vision for Ghana, Koranteng proposed the construction of new factories to replace outdated ones built during Nkrumah’s era, citing the Komenda Sugar Factory’s current ineffectiveness due to mismanagement and land use conflicts. He blamed both the government and private interests for the factory’s struggles, indicating that galamsey activities have taken precedence over sustainable agricultural practices.
Koranteng’s plan to combat corruption includes a three-pronged approach: administrative, criminal, and psychological reform. He pointed out that Ghana’s existing systems are overly reliant on individual personalities, resulting in instability when leadership changes. To promote transparency, he proposed implementing a blockchain system to manage financial transactions in procurement, eliminating cash dealings to reduce opportunities for corruption.
Critiquing both major political parties, the NDC and NPP, Koranteng condemned their failure to follow through on the abandoned Saglemi housing project, underscoring the need for a cohesive national development plan to ensure continuity and progress.
He also envisioned a transformative project in the Western region, likening his plans to the development of a “Tokyo-like city” that could harness the potential of the region’s two million residents.
Koranteng concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of valuing Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves to strengthen the Cedi and enhance domestic production. “We need leaders with brains to simply turn around the country,” he stated, calling for a new vision for Ghana that prioritizes integrity, accountability, and sustainable growth.
