Accra, Sept. 3, GNA – Mr Bright Philip Donkor, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Briphildon Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has called for national discussions to focus on substantive policy issues.
The call follows the growing trend of personal attacks and unfounded accusations in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, which have overshadowed critical issues about the country’s future.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Mr Donkor said the focus on maligning personalities was not a mere distraction but a threat to the nation’s progress and security.
“Our nation’s focus has unfortunately strayed from meaningful discussions about our future, instead, we are becoming preoccupied with trivial matters such as personal attacks and baseless accusations.
“This isn’t just a minor distraction; it’s a serious threat to our national progress,” Mr Donkor pointed out.
The youth activist noted that it was essential for Ghana to recalibrate its national discourse and prioritise discussions on policies and initiatives that genuinely drive development.
He stressed that the future of the youth was an integral to the nation’s progress, depending heavily on the policies adopted by the incoming government.
He criticised the ongoing fixation on personal character flaws such as accusations of ‘alcoholism or dishonesty,’ noting that while such topics might generate headlines and social media buzz, they contributed little to solving the substantive issues facing the nation.
“Such discussions create a toxic environment that fosters division and undermines the collective effort needed for national development.
“As we approach a new chapter in our political landscape, it is essential to shift our focus towards policies that will shape our nation’s future,” Mr Donkor stressed.
He said it was imperative to advocate policies that would have profound impact on the lives of Ghanaians, particularly the youth, who are not just the future leaders but the present.
Highlighting the potential of the Ghanaian youth, Mr Donkor cited data from the United Nations and African Union, which projected that African youth would constitute 42 per cent of the global youth population by 2030.
Additionally, he indicated that data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) showed that 38 per cent of Ghana’s population falls within the 15-35 age bracket.
These statistics underscore the critical role of the youth in shaping the country’s future.
“From my experience, Ghanaian youth are the country’s greatest resource. I see how critical they are to the future of Ghana, with increasing participation across sectors—from politics to agriculture and technology.
“They are leading the change they want to see, and I am confident that in the coming years, Ghanaian youth will significantly contribute to the growth of both the country and the continent,” he stated.
He, thus, underscored the need to engage in meaningful discussions about strategies to boost economic development, create jobs, and ensure sustainable growth.
“There is need to focus on infrastructure development, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and fostering a conducive environment for foreign investment,” he added.
He believed that the future prosperity of the country required faster economic growth that would create jobs and a sustainable fiscal plan to curb the rising public debt and stabilize it over the medium term.
GNA