Moral authorities have a pivotal role in resetting Ghana- Governance Expert

By Morkporkpor Anku

Accra, Jan. 28, GNA – Mr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, a Governance and Public Policy Analyst, says religious leaders, traditional rulers, the media, academia, and public servants have unique and complementary roles in resetting Ghana.

He said these groups could inspire the transformative change Ghana required by championing ethical governance, fostering national unity, and holding leaders accountable.

Mr Opong-Fosu, who is a former Minister of State, told the GNA in an interview that President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to reset the nation had created a renewed sense of hope.

In recent times, Ghana has witnessed a troubling decline in governance, economic stability, and social cohesion.

The 2024 Afrobarometer survey and the Mo Ibrahim Governance Report revealed glaring issues of misgovernance, including increasing corruption, weakened institutions, and a growing mistrust of public officials.

These findings underscored the urgent need for a national reset, a comprehensive renewal of values, systems, and leadership to address the moral and governance crisis undermining Ghana’s progress.

He said, amid this backdrop, President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign pledge to “reset the nation” resonated deeply with most Ghanaians, leading to his landslide victory.

Mr Opong-Fosu, who was a Member of Parliament for Amenfi East, said the President’s promise to tackle corruption, rebuild institutions, and restore trust in leadership inspired hope across the country, signaling a collective desire for a fresh start.

He said, however, while leadership change was a crucial first step, the success of this agenda would depend on the active role of moral authorities, religious leaders,

traditional rulers, the media, academia and public servants in supporting and holding the new administration accountable.

He said its success would depend on collaboration, vigilance, and the commitment of all stakeholders to uphold the principles of integrity and service.

The Governance Expert said this collective moral revolution, grounded in shared values and ethical leadership, could potentially reset Ghana and position it as a global model of integrity, democracy, and sustainable development.

“The time for action is now, and all Ghanaians are responsible for demanding and embodying the change they wish to see,” he added.

He said Ghana’s desperately needed moral reset could not be achieved without the active involvement of its moral authorities.

Mr Opong-Fosu, who is also a former UN Advisor on Local Authorities and former Head of the Local Government Service, said historically, Ghana’s moral authorities had shaped societal values, guided governance, and promoted national unity.

He said religious leaders inspired the fight for independence, traditional rulers were custodians of justice and equity, and public servants upheld integrity in service.

However, over the years, the moral authority of these groups has been increasingly questioned. Complicity in

political corruption, silence in the face of injustice, and the pursuit of self-interest have eroded their credibility.

He said the erosion of moral leadership had normalised corruption, bred institutional dysfunction, and created a culture of impunity.

Mr Opong-Fosu said Ghana’s governance crisis was a moral problem.

“Leaders and citizens alike have shifted their focus from the common good to self-interest and short-term benefits,” he added.

He said resetting the nation needed a multidimensional (social, cultural, economic and political ) approach and not only social.

GNA