Lack of Clear Cut National Development Agenda Blame for Political Polarisation in Ghana

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, says the lack of a clear cut National Development Agenda or Blue Print as a guide for all political parties as well as party’s political philosophy which dictate their actions which other political parties do not believe in, are to blame for what is now known as political exclusion that has polarized the country. 

According to him, even though there is goodwill among Ghanaians for more inclusiveness in the country’s politics, that should however not mean inclusion of leaders of political parties in the ruling government but should rather focus on harnessing ideas from within and from outside the party in government.

Speaking at a consultative forum on the ‘Winner "Takes-All" policy in Kumasi, the Regional Minister said it is equally important to encourage ordinary citizens’ participation in political and development processes to also share in the gains of national development. 

Dr. Sarpong noted that even though Ghana has been able to escape the scourge of election-related violence, the nation is yet to achieve the level of political inclusiveness needed to enhance the integrity of the nation’s democracy and also to reduce poverty.
 
Dr. Sarpong called for a common platform to discuss national issues holistically without reference to political party considerations. 

The Regional Minister hoped that the consultative forum organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs would increase public interest to enable the country to reach a broader consensus on such important national issues with the aim of fine-tuning Ghana’s democracy.


GBC