By Jacqueline Emefa Ampo
Executive Director of the Center for National Interest and Research (CNIR), Engineer Dzabaku Kudiabor Ocansey, has urged Ghanaians to prioritize patriotism over partisanship in their efforts to contribute to the country’s development.
Speaking at a press launch ahead of the official launch of the Centenary Agenda Initiative, Mr. Dzabaku emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in building a stronger Ghana.
He cautioned against divisive politics and urged citizens to focus on common goals that benefit the country.
“We are being confronted with a situation that is very unfortunate, especially in the Fourth Republic, where everything has to be partisan. A country is not built on political or partisan landscape or partisan means. Politics is okay, but where we do it too extreme, even when the thing is wrong because you belong to that party or that party is in power, it is right.”
“I’ve read about very selfless people in the past who made some of the people we want to celebrate and call them big six, but their names are not mentioned. They were people who had opportunity as citizens, create their own wealth and contribute towards the development of our country.”
“And I think as I read about them, I want to be like some of them. And I want us to know more about them. I believe if we do that, we’ll be able to build a very solid country where we don’t need to know a particular party or make sure that party is in power before we can move,” he said.
Mr. Dzabaku also called on the youth to play their role in shaping the nation’s future. He encouraged young people to channel their energy and innovation to attract investment.
“In fact, sometimes when we are driving through the Cantonment, you see America embassy, you see some of our youths, the way they queue on the sun. Sometimes it suddens my heart. It’s not that it’s not good, but how many of their young ones do we see coming here? And they said, we have money, but unfortunately we are not seeing the money.”
“I also believe that it is because of the nature of the extreme partisan politics that is pushing our young ones away. And we can do something. Now that we are entering the election year too, you see people have ideas. They are waiting for a particular party to come to power before they share the idea. What about if that party doesn’t come to power? It means that idea will be what? Will be buried. We’ve seen people who don’t want to get involved, and they have some very good things they want to offer.”
“So we’re creating this opportunity so that we can invite them to come, we create an inclusive society, we share ideas and move our country, community and society forward,” he said.
The Centenary Agenda, a comprehensive initiative, when launched will help revitalise Ghana’s social, economic, and political landscape. Aligned with the United Nations’ global mission of peace and the Millennium Development Goals, the Agenda seeks to enhance the nation’s image and create a sustainable future for the next generation.
