'We become obsessed with keeping power while our country go down' — Fifi Kwetey urges quantum shifts
The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has attributed persistent challenges such as indiscipline, illegal mining, and poor governance to what he described as an unhealthy obsession with political power at the expense of national development.
He said Ghana's political leadership must focus on implementing what he termed “quantum shifts” to address the country's deep-rooted governance challenges and place the nation on a sustainable path of progress.
Speaking at the NDC's 34th anniversary celebration in Accra, Mr. Kwetey expressed concern about what he described as the country's pervasive indiscipline and growing sense of irresponsibility, arguing that these issues continue to undermine development efforts.
According to him, the nature of Ghana's multiparty democratic system has contributed to the problem, as political leaders often become reluctant to enforce rules for fear of losing electoral support.
“Members would say if you crack the whip, you lose power. So we become obsessed with keeping power while seeing our country go down. Because all that matters now is winning against everything,” he said.
The event brought together senior party officials, including NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, Klottey Korle MP Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings, and Krachi West MP Helen Adjoa Ntoso, as well as party cadres and supporters.
Activities marking the anniversary included a flag raising ceremony and cake cutting to commemorate the party's role in the establishment of Ghana's Fourth Republic.
As part of his proposals for political reform, Mr. Kwetey advocated a single, non renewable presidential term, arguing that such a system would enable leaders to make difficult but necessary decisions without worrying about re election.
“If you don't have to be afraid of being re elected, you do what you've got to do for your country. But the very moment you are constantly thinking, I need to go for election again, that's where the fear comes,” he stated.
He further argued that Ghana's political culture has fostered a belief that governments and political parties are solely responsible for solving every societal problem, thereby weakening individual responsibility and initiative.
“We have fed our people with that mentality that we are messiahs. Why should I do anything? After all, the government should come and do it for me,” he added.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings called on the NDC government to ensure fair distribution of resources and promote humility among public office holders.
She stressed that leaders must recognise their roles as stewards and servants of the people and remain committed to serving the public interest.
Dr. Agyemang Rawlings noted that poverty often leaves citizens vulnerable to immediate needs and short term decisions, making it essential for government policies to create equitable opportunities for all.
“We have a duty, especially now that the NDC is in power, to ensure equitable access and distribution of resources, to ensure humility of persons who have been placed in positions of authority,” she said.
She added that the party must continue to uphold the standards it established over the past 34 years, noting that Ghanaians often expect higher levels of performance when the NDC is in government.
On the ongoing debate over constitutional reforms, Dr. Agyemang Rawlings argued that Ghana's governance challenges stem less from the provisions of the Constitution and more from how individuals interpret and apply them.
“The problem is not the Constitution, it's the way people are choosing to interpret it, and it's the way people are choosing not to align with the principles of good governance,” she stated.
She maintained that drafting new constitutions would have little impact if attitudes toward accountability and responsibility remain unchanged.
Dr. Agyemang Rawlings also called for extensive stakeholder consultations in any constitutional review process, stressing the need to include young people, women, fisherfolk, farmers, traders, and other key groups in national discussions on governance reforms.