Change Anticipation & Citizen Vigilantism

Dear Mr Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,

I am a concerned Ghanaian writing to you.

First order of business, congratulations. You are the candidate whom over 53% of Ghanaians have chosen to grant the opportunity to serve the country; in the capacity of a President.

I pray that you and the team you work with at the helm of affairs realise every good vision you have for the people of Ghana. From your speech at your residence on Friday, 9 December 2016 at your residence, you promised not to let Ghanaians down. We look forward to that with eagerness.

It is not alien to us as Ghanaians that the general health of the country’s economy plunged; even to an all-time low of 4% in a post-oil era after 2011. Increased public debt, nose-diving cedi, amongst other macroeconomic indicators of poor economic performance. Let me not bore you with the details; your learned Vice President-Elect, Dr. Bawumia has already filled you in.

Rubbing salt into injury are the scalding reports of (purported or actual) corruption, and related matters of financial misappropriation through shady or ill-cooked contracts, bloated costs, and blatant misuse of public funds. I am sure the office of the ‘Special Prosecutor’ which you mentioned that you would establish will delve into the details.

I am convinced that you are overtly aware that Ghanaians have shown their intolerance for inept governance. The desire and need for a good change was palpable. You, and the NPP, presented ideas that are (hopefully) going be as salve to the wounds of the country and heal the broken economy.

You have indicated strongly that you will work assiduously to inter alia, obliterate corruption and create jobs within a resuscitated and vibrant economy.

These are only three out of a myriad of pledges you made during the campaign. Permit me to add on: 1 district 1 factory. I am personally fascinated by this intention, and I am eager to see it materialize in all fullness. It will be great to see a detailed, clear roadmap towards achieving this vision you have.

On razing down on corruption, I am amongst a multitude of Ghanaians who will be keen watchers. Additionally, I hope you will, through the law, bring all persons implicated in the misappropriation or misuse of state funds, awarding and payment of wrong monies, and a host of other malpractices to book.

Whilst working on the foregoing, I look forward to seeing clear, specific laws, policies and regulations that will strengthen state organizations to not entertain corruption, as well as make this ugly venture and menace a very unattractive route for anyone to tread on.

Sir, may I add one more: the right to information bill – please push for it to be passed so that, amongst other benefits, researchers can have unhindered access to vital information.

The euphoria over your election is the relief millions of Ghanaians anticipate to have under your leadership. In my opinion, the cloud of despondency that shrouded the country seems to be clearing. There is a psychological effect to the ‘change’ agenda your party has promised. People are ecstatic, and at the same time, expectant.

The former will fade quickly, and usher in the expectation of tangible change. In the meantime, you may use the widespread elation to build socio-psychological capital among the people, whereupon you can build the change you have promised.

Amidst all these, there are going to be detractors, and concerned citizen who will be causing trouble, or monitoring respectively. You are well-aware of where the former group can be found – do well to ignore their antics because the critically observant citizens will not judge you with them in mind.

The Ghanaian electorate made a statement by voting out Mr Mahama and his team. There is a change in the landscape. The days of citizen nonchalance are gone; we are in a new era of citizen vigilantism. I know these words will strike a chord with you because you have been in those shoes once upon a time, since your ‘Ku me preko’ days.

By and by, the youth and the aged are becoming increasingly attentive to governance and issues of national concern. After all, that is a true sign of patriotism – being concerned for the greater good of all in our beloved Ghana. We are bending over backwards to keenly follow every step of your government, as well as any subsequent government.

We are following from day1: you as our President, as well as all appointees you bring aboard your team to lead this country. We are self-appointed watchmen, and will be objectively scrutinizing every action and inaction of every government in the interest of our country. This stance should come as pleasant news to you, I presume.

As a Ghanaian, I am tired of arguments that promote negative ‘equalisation’ particularly between the erstwhile opposition the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the incoming opposition, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).  Millions of other vigilant citizens are tired too. Sir, kindly do well to advice all, especially the young operatives in your party and government to desist from such paths in the future.

I believe all well-meaning Ghanaians wish you well. After all, the good of the country is all we seek, and governance is a continuum towards an improved state. On the back of the hopes and prayers for your success, I say: “nea oforo dua pa no, ena yepia no.”

Thank you for making time out of your busy schedule as an incoming President to skim through this letter. I wish you well. May you always do what is best for our country’s progress.

Sincerely,

Concerned Vigilant Citizen.