Planning The GHANA Future

Planning is a big deal well illustrated by one of the tiniest creatures, the ant. Busying about meticulously, the ant covers every inch to attain its desired future. Ghana may want to imitate this wonderful tiny creature as it takes to a 40 year National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2057.

Why plan
I will not go into the politics of forms of planning schemes all government try to carve to assume a concern for the future. Rather I will build on applauding the thought of having a plan for the future of Ghana and precisely the 40 years NDP (2018-2057)

Ghana may have made strides but our overall outlook as a country now is a representation of plans made yesteryears. That is to say, if as a country we are not pleased with a number of things, it is only today’s plans that will mirror tomorrow’s success.

The development of the country cannot be left to chance. If Ghana fails to plan, as the saying goes, then we are planning to fail.

Priorities are key
Plans are necessary because priorities and choices are always contending. Perhaps Ghana has made several choices proving retrogressive because we have not had priorities after all. We must plan giving tremendous attention to our strengths (developing our natural endowments) and at the same time eyeing the pursuit of our pressing priorities (unemployment, industrialization, power supply, education).

Leadership paramount
Planning starts with leaders and execution as well. As we envisage a grand turn around over a period of 40 years, the posture of leaders in executing our guide must be 'unrelenting and continuous'.

Over the years, we have been undone in development with change of government at the polls. The amputation of governmental projects has been detrimental to the enhancement of the taxpayer’s life. After independence, democratic and military regimes have had their turns to contribute to what Ghana is now.

The land of gold and profitable minerals, Fernando Po’scocoa rich Ghana and the oil favored Ghana is still self insufficient and heavily import reliant ( dead industries) . We are battling with the very basic provisions of an economy.

The fore mentioned luxurious treasuries of Ghana makes it an easy attraction for foreign investment, however leadership (human resource) is the most important to turn our fortunes around. It is obvious that natural mineral endowmentsare not in themselves sufficient for a country thougha good prerequisite to build by the people.

A coordinated committee to monitor the continuity of planned projects is as important as the 40 years development plan to say the least.

Political sentiments and ambitions have touted the focus of national agenda and as a 40 year plan comes underway in 2018, a reciprocate compulsory presentation to reflect the 40 years plan from all political parties can not be overlooked.

With such in place, a relentless effort to stick to our own planchampioned by ourown leaders can give the NDP a good start.

Youth for the present and future
Ghana being a youthful country needs to plan with the youth in cognizance. Many youth programs have yielded less result than expected. Corruption and mismanagement have bewildered the country’s coffers.

It creates an impression of self-survival at all cost instead of patriotic and ingenuous thoughtfulness to contribute to national development. A cleansing of the Ghanaian mentality especially that of the youth to gear their efforts towards positive impact on society and take a backside on riches by hook or crook.

A plan for the future requires a primary focus on workable programs for the. The legislature must enact strict laws to protect programs directed at the youth. This is to serve as a check on corruption, so the benefits of the projects can be fully accrued.

The forerunners of the NDP are the unlikely beneficiaries, however have been kind enough to think of it.The youth must take center stage since we shall be main reapers of the good of NDP.

To conclude, I would like to say a journey well planned, is half travelled. The other half demands walking the talk (plan) and facing all eventualities with prudence and resoluteness to accomplish our goals for a better tomorrow.

The ant does not only plan, but works at it, let Ghana consider the ant's ways and be wise. Arise, Arise, Arise Ghana.

God bless, we the people of Ghana.
Victor Quartey
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