The ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ Concept

In recent times, following President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to the ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ project, many people have expressed views regarding the issue as to whether it is attainable. From the explanation given by the President, Ghana Beyond Aid simply means being able to maximise all available resources to address the needs of the country to a point where Ghana is able to cater for its people without a cup in hand for aid. The country ought to pursue an agenda geared towards prosperity, dignity and self-respect. The abundant natural resources as well as quality human resource base, including intellectual and professional capability, call for better management to make Ghana Beyond aid a reality. If this is the case then, the project is a long term vision. This calls for conscientisation of the people regarding the concept and working towards its realisation aimed at making the country better for all. National transformation is a process, not an event, but a deliberate and purposeful agenda ultimately aimed at an attainment of true economic independence.

The President’s commitment to ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ is not in doubt looking at his intention to transform the economy, maximise revenue and address the needs of the people in a manner so as to do away with the dependency syndrome. Programmes like OneDistrict One Factory, Planting for Food and Jobs as well as One Village One Dam are all meant to ultimately establish the country as one Beyond Aid. In addition, the fight against corruption is necessary to block leakages of funds into private pockets so as to increase the revenue base of the country and make it possible for the financing of national developmental plans. Ghana, like many other developing countries, are trapped under the aid syndrome, making it difficult for such countries to break away for the quagmire and consciously pursue a consistent agenda for the actualisation of this notion and also making it into a practical programme.

To make ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ achievable, a number of things are needed; first of all, arresting a declining economy and making it strong and resilient in the shortest possible time. Secondly, there should be massive investment in infrastructural system including the construction of a railway networks that will serve the economic needs of the people. Thirdly, we need to add value for our natural resources for export. With regards to the fight against corruption, the Whistle Blowers Law is needed to make all forms of business transaction in the country more transparent. It is important to note that, the Free SHS policy being implemented by the government will help sharpen the skills of the human resource base of the country. However, the educational system ought to be oriented towards technical, vocational and science education to make it more meaningful to the needs of the country. A road map is also needed to give meaning to the ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ concept and to pull along the entire population towards its achievement. All in all, ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ is achievable so let each and everyone support it and work towards its success.

BY: DR. KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATION, GHANA STANDARDS AUTHORITY.

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