By Solomon Gumah, GNA.
Tamale, Jan. 23, GNA – Mr Mohammed Saani Iddrisu, the Executive Director of the Northern Accelerated Intervention for Development (NAID), has called on Ghanaians to renew their commitment of patriotism and integrity to promote sustainable national development.
He stressed that the country’s future depended on citizens’ willingness to uphold ethical values.
Mr Iddrisu, in a statement to the Ghana News Agency, observed that individuals who strive to live by the principles of honesty and service were increasingly viewed as odd or unrealistic in society, while those who resisted corruption were sometimes regarded as deviants, even within their own families and close social circles.
He said it was the civic and constitutional duty of every citizen to protect and defend the interests of Ghana, as enshrined in the national pledge, which recalls the “blood and toil of our fathers” as a reminder of the sacrifices that secured the nation’s independence.
He expressed concern that societal admiration had shifted towards individuals who manipulated the system for personal gain, and displayed wealth, rather than those dedicated to public service and national progress.
He emphasised that the growing obsession with wealth among young people had allegedly led some to engage in cybercrime, fraud, money laundering, and other criminal activities, with indications that some parents, security officials, and religious leaders might be indirectly encouraging such behaviours.
Touching on political issues, Mr Iddrisu said the democratic ideal of leadership as service was being undermined, with elected officials increasingly perceived as benefiting from the system rather than serving the people, while individuals who questioned unexplained wealth and governance practices faced ridicule and attacks.
He, however, commended public servants who had remained steadfast in upholding ethical standards, noting that some former public office holders who insisted on doing the right thing continued to face hardships, yet their actions remained exemplary.
Mr Iddrisu cited emerging leadership examples in some African countries, including Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Rwanda, saying they had demonstrated that Africa could manage its own affairs in line with the pan-African vision of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
He urged Ghanaians, particularly the President of the Republic, to rededicate themselves to the growth and transformation of the nation, noting that early signs of leadership pointed to positive outcomes.
“Ghana is worth defending and building, but only if we collectively uphold integrity, accountability, and patriotism in all spheres of national life,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Benjamin Mensah