By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), Nov 19, GNA – Renowned writer and educationist, Mr. Francis Gesaloge Boyesah Okoro, a resident of Dambai has expressed concerns about the debilitating effects of tribalism on Krachi East Municipality’s development.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the educationist emphasized that tribalism has long been a major obstacle to progress in the area, prioritizing tribal loyalty over national interest and leading to divisions and stagnation.
Mr Okoro ‘s concerns come as the Municipality strives to solidify its potential as a key player in Krachi East development with rich cultural diversity poised for growth although tribalism threatens to undermine this potential.
The consequences he outlined include, electoral boundaries to be manipulated to favor dominant ethnic groups which have the higher tendency to undermine fair representation, tribal loyalty will take precedence over the greater good and hinder development.
Also, smaller ethnic groups will be marginalized, excluding from decision-making and denied access to resources, dominant ethnic groups will exploit their power to intimidate and oppress smaller groups, leaders will again prioritise tribal loyalty over qualifications and expertise, compromising effective governance and tribal politics will lead to resources being allocated based on ethnic affiliations rather than merit.
He urged politicians to suspend tribal and religious campaign structures in both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He appealed to politicians to advocate for inclusive campaigning, competency and data-based representation and prioritization of national interest.
Mr Okoro’s concerns about tribal politics was timely given the upcoming elections as he emphasized the need for politicians to focus on competence and national interest rather than exploiting tribal and religious differences for electoral gain.
GNA