NEWSPOLITICAL

Kennedy Agyapong & Kwabena Agyepong set missions in motion as they file nominations

The Member of Parliament for Assin Central and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has pledged to create job opportunities, and empower the country’s younger generation to tackle the growing issues of unemployment.

Submitting his completed nomination forms at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down yesterday, Mr Agyapong said his government would heavily be a ‘job creation machinery’.

He said he would do a diligent job to make sure the NPP wins the 2024 general elections, if given the nod to lead the party.

“As a Member of Parliament, I have to admit the challenge of current and successive governments have been unemployment. Government, under my watch, will ensure that there’s massive job opportunities, especially for the youth. Hitting grounds, so far, I have visited 180 constituencies, and I have come to realise that we as politicians have done a disservice to the nation.

“With the arable lands, rivers, sea that God has bestowed on us, and with immeasurable opportunities…everywhere you go, especially in Volta Region, the resources there are untapped. I want Ghanaians to give me the chance and challenge me that I will turn the fortunes of this country around,” he added.

He said, as a pragmatic person who believes in practical things, “what I saw in Volta Region, Afram Plains and Northern Region, believe you me, we can change this country”.

Capitalise

He cited arable lands, for instance, pledging that he will capitalise on the commodity to generate a whole chain by cultivating millions of acres and processing industries.

“Unfortunately, we believe gold is the ultimate, but I think otherwise. I personally believe that cassava is more important than gold. Cassava is a necessity and gold is a luxury. Sugarcane is a necessity and gold is a luxury, palm is a necessity and gold is a luxury…

“We here in Ghana and Malaysia has bought Unilever Company, and import palm oil from Malaysia to manufacture Frytol oil. What is wrong with us as people? Inflation will only work if we are able to stabilise prices, and manage interest rates,” he indicated.

Action

With Ghana’s youth unemployment rate remaining a pressing concern, Mr Agyapong acknowledged the need for immediate action. He emphasized his determination to tackle this issue head-on by implementing robust policies aimed at creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and attracting foreign investments.

He pledged to leverage his expertise and network to foster an environment that would encourage local and international investors to contribute to Ghana’s economic development, ultimately resulting in an increase in job opportunities for the youth.

Citing the need for a strong and transparent governance system, he also vowed to combat corruption and ensure that public funds are judiciously allocated to key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He stressed the importance of accountability and promised to establish stringent measures to prevent embezzlement and misuse of public resources.

Confidence

My Agyapong also proclaimed his unwavering confidence in defeating former President John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming 2024 elections, if given the nod to lead the NPP.

While expressing his confidence in securing victory over former President Mahama, he acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead in the election campaign. He therefore urged his supporters to remain steadfast, united, and focused on the collective goal of bringing about positive change in the country.

He also entreated citizens to change their attitude to nation-building, saying foreigners have proven to us that Ghana is not poor.

“Foreigners come here and they make money because they are discipline. Let’s be patriotic, honest and discipline in our dealings,” he added.

Kwabena Agyei Agyepong

Meanwhile, a former General Secretary and presidential hopeful of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has outlined his vision for a transformative approach to politics and governance in the country.

Soon after filing his nomination forms yesterday at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Mr Agyepong declared that he is bringing on board an ambitious proposal for a ‘redemption mission’ aimed at creating a critical mass of public-spirited Ghanaians to fuel development.

He stressed the urgent need for a paradigm shift that would redefine the roles and responsibilities of those in power, emphasising the importance of public service and a deep commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians.

He noted that it is crucial to generate the momentum required to cause a seismic shift in the thinking and orientation of politicians, political appointees, civil servants, and all citizens regarding party politics and public service in Ghana.

Redemption mission

According to him, his redemption mission seeks to foster a sense of collective purpose, and instill a renewed sense of duty among politicians and public officials. He envisions a Ghana where leaders prioritize the interests of the nation above personal gain, demonstrating integrity, accountability and transparency in their actions.

The NPP flagbearer hopeful believes that the success of this redemption mission lies in the creation of a critical mass of public-spirited individuals who will actively participate in the political process and hold politicians and public servants accountable. He emphasised that the transformational change he envisions requires the involvement and dedication of all Ghanaians, transcending party lines and affiliations.

“We must accept that where we are today is not where we must be. We cannot mislead ourselves with excitable slogans that lead us nowhere. Ghana is really at a crossroads, and what the country needs urgently now is a NEW DAWN of astute political leadership with a vision that inspires hope in the youth and rekindles the faith of Ghanaians in our constitutional democracy,” he stated.

New Dawn

Highlighting the principles of his New Dawn, he explained that it hinges on a belief in small, lean government machinery that is efficient, effective, and primed to deliver to the aspirations and expectations of the Ghanaian people. He said it is also hinged on the enforcement of law, order and discipline, coupled with a drastic penalty regime to deter potential offenders, stressing that the law should work to stop corruption, protect individual and property rights.

“Ensuring compliance of regulations (Quality Control and Quality Assurance) in all aspects of our national life. The NEW DAWN also means a drastic reduction of the politicization of the civil and public services to restore meritocracy. It is time to bring an end to the wasteful seminars, workshops, forums, retreats and move into an implementation mode,” he added.

The former General Secretary of NPP added that the New Dawn would centre on cutting waste in the public sector by ensuring that there is value for money in public procurement. That, he indicated, would help in freeing vital resources to support economic empowerment of the youth through technical education, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

“It also means extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders before major decisions/policies are taken by the government. I’ll be expanding on my vision of a New Dawn for Ghana at the official launch of my campaign on July 11, 2023,” he announced.

Assurance

Mr Agyepong gave the assurance that he would restore the cherished values of service, sacrifice and selflessness back into the country’s body politic, stressing the need to instil authenticity, integrity, and substance on our political landscape.

Mr Agyepong explained that he is offering himself anchored in the belief that the NPP needs a leader who is intensely action-oriented, passionately mission-driven, very demanding of results and prepared to chase progress.

“In all humility, I am equipped to provide that sort of leadership that will restore the party as a genuinely united force that will make it possible for us to win the elusive third consecutive victory in 2024,” he stated.

Urging party delegates to consider his candidature, he said they have a responsibility to choose the next leader of the NPP with wisdom and forethought.

“To paraphrase Octavia Butler, ‘If you elect a poodle, you should be prepared to be led by unseen opportunists lurking in the shadows who control the poodle. If you elect an acquisitive person, then be prepared to have our precious resources plundered’,” he stated.

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