Good Governance Not A Luxuxry•Freddie Blay

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Freddie Blay, has observed that failure to strengthen democratic structures will erode the confidence the people have in the system.

He said the nation faces a real challenge in demonstrating its resolve to successfully organize not only general elections, but also manage the national economy to the benefit of the generality of Ghanaians.

Speaking at the launch of the Third Daily Graphic Governance Dialogue in Accra on Thursday, the Deputy Speaker however noted that the situation in Ghana was not entirely hopeless.

He therefore urged Ghanaians not to throw their hands in despair, but rather remain resilient and hold on to the belief that there is hope at the end of the tunnel.

According to Hon. Blay, as the nation prepared for the December elections, it was appropriate that the people discussed issues that relate to good governance, stressing that bad governance invariably retards progress and leads to under-development.

“The fact is, the failure of democratic institutions to function properly weakens their legitimacy in the eyes of the citizens,” he stated, and pointed out that authoritarian regimes seem more prevalent in countries with high income inequalities.

The Deputy Speaker, who represented the Speaker, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, appreciated the need of the media in national development, and congratulated the Graphic Communications Limited for its pivotal role in compelling politicians to strictly adhere to the tenets of good governance.

“I am not surprised that Graphic Communications is the trailblazer in the very important area because it had chalked several feats in many other areas.”

He said while there was the need for the media to highlight good democratic cultures, it was equally important for it to identify the pitfalls in the system and also learn lessons from past mistakes.

Hon. Blay said poorly organized elections generate confusion and destabilization, and expressed the happiness that politicians in the country continue to stress the need a fair electoral system.

Recounting the important roles played by past Members of Parliament, he commended the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its significant contribution towards attainment of effective democratic governance in the country.

He said the theme for this year's programme, “Effective Democratic Governance: The Role of Stakeholders” was most appropriate, more so for the fact that this is an election year.

The launch of Third Dialogue was chaired by Osahene Offei Kwesi Agyeman IV, Krontihene of Akuapem Traditional Area and Board Chairman of Graphic Communications Group Limited.

The dialogue is fixed for August 5th and 6th at the Accra International Conference Centre.

A book on the Second Dialogue, which was launched by Hon. Blay on behalf of the Speaker, was bought at GH¢2,000.

Present at the launch were Mr Ransford T. Tetteh, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and Editor of Daily Graphic; Mr Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, NDC General Secretary; Mr. Kofi Attoh, NDC Director of External Affairs; and Alhaji Alhassan Andani, Managing Director of Stanbic Bank.

This year's dialogue is co-sponsored by Finatrade Group of Companies and Stanbic Bank.

By Bennett Akuaku