Former President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the imperative for the government to prioritize consensus building as a crucial element in its pursuit of effective governance for the welfare of the citizens.
Speaking at the commencement of the 2023 National Development Conference, organized by the Church of Pentecost in Gomoa Fetteh, Central Region, on July 26, 2023, Mr. Mahama highlighted the significance of fostering dialogue among key stakeholders, bodies, and institutions to address critical issues related to the nation’s development.
“Consensus building does not diminish a leader” but rather “projects a leader’s strength in carrying along his vision with the people that he leads.”
The conference, which is on the theme: “Moral vision and national development” brought together key personalities, stakeholders, bodies and institutions in the country to deliberate on critical issues that border on the country’s development.
Delving further into his call for consensus building, Mr. Mahama underscored that such collaborative efforts among leaders are pivotal in generating innovative ideas to drive the nation’s progress. He recalled his past presidential tenure when he convened the Senchi forum, which successfully solicited valuable input from Ghanaians on crucial matters, leading to the stabilization of the country’s economy and addressing other pertinent developmental challenges.
Furthermore, Mr. Mahama expressed his belief that emulating the Church of Pentecost’s approach in organizing a national forum could yield fresh perspectives on key government projects, including the implementation of the free Senior High School program.
The former President expressed the concern that the country was fast losing its moral and ethical codes.
“We are faced with an erosion of our traditional values and Westernisation of our societies and adoption of alien cultures imported from elsewhere,” he noted.
“What happened to our abhorrence for greed and theft”, Mer. Mahama quizzed, saying “why do we celebrate persons, who today are wealthy with dubious sources of income and yet society is not concerned about the person’s source of income.”
He said “ethics have a direct impact on national development”, adding that all societies that “have fallen lost their ethics and moral compass.”
Distinguished personalities attending the event include Vice President Dr. Mamoudu Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, President of Ghana Journalist Association Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, Former Minister of Women’s Affairs of Zimbabwe Dr. Olivia Nyembezi Muchena, and Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu.
