By Albert Allotey
Accra, Sept 6, GNA – Economist and gospel evangelist Lawrence Tetteh is urging the Ghanaian electorate to elect leaders who are loving and caring at the next general polls scheduled for December 7, 2024.
They must also elect leaders who are not opportunistic, but who think of others and believe in a succession plan.
Rev Dr Tetteh, the economist, and world-renowned evangelist made the call at the media launch of the National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF) 2024, in Accra.
VODEC Africa, a non-government organisation, organised the launch on the theme: “Leading for Sustainable Economic Growth in Multipolar World: The Role of Emerging Leaders.”
The forum is scheduled to be held on September 23, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
The NELEF would be addressed by four aspiring presidential candidates in the 2024 general elections – Nana Kwame Bediako, New Force; Mr Kojo Alan Kyeremanteng, Movement for Change; Dr Mohammed Bawumia, New Patriotic Party; and Mr John Dramani Mahama, National Democratic Congress.
Rev Dr Tetteh said: “One of the most unfortunate things we have as a nation in Ghana is that we don’t have a succession plan.
“What CPP did, nobody came to build on it; what NDC did nobody came to build on it; and what NPP did nobody is building on it,” he stated.
He said this had been the trend among all the political parties so we also did not have a succession plan adding, “If you are a businessman with NDC when NPP comes you are in trouble, and if you are a businessman with NPP when the NDC comes you are scared. It is not supposed to be so.”
Rev Dr Tetteh urged emerging leaders to think aloud and dream positively for things to work for the country.
Mr. Daniel Asomani, Chief Executive Officer and founder of VODEC Africa, in an address, said the theme for the forum was a clarion call to action, stating; “We are living in a world where some of the old rules no longer apply.”
“The global economy is dynamic, complex, and increasingly multipolar. This calls for a new breed of leaders – leaders who are adaptable, agile, and equipped with the skills set to navigate this new landscape,” he said.
He said the country was confronted with a stark reality where many of the potential emerging leaders were often marginalized, burdened by a lack of opportunities, limited access to resources, and a deep sense of disillusionment.
“We see an alarming trend of brain drain, with our brightest minds leaving for greener pastures, fueled by a lack of faith in the future of our nation,” he stated, adding that, “This forum is our chance to bridge this gap.”
Mr. Asomani said; “It is our opportunity to empower the youth of our nation, equip them with the requisite knowledge and skills to thrive, and to give them a voice in shaping the future.
“We will delve into the challenges confronting our nation – from climate change and technological disruption to inequality and social injustice,” he stated.
The forum would be attended by 4000 young men and women. This is not just another conference; it is a call to action. We need more than just leaders; we need leaders who are equipped, empowered, and committed to building a brighter future.
The NELEF is a platform dedicated to empowering emerging leaders and driving sustainable economic growth, which brings together young leaders, professionals, and decision-makers to address critical economic challenges and develop innovative solutions.
GNA