An anecdotal letter to the President-Elect

By Enoch K. AKUFFU-DJOBI

Dear President-Elect,

Congratulations on your well-deserved victory! Power belongs to the people and they have shown that you deserve to lead this country again despite all odds. As far as I am concerned, your journey to this pivotal moment is an inspiration, and your election has ignited hope across our nation. As you prepare to assume office on 7^th January 2025, I am reminded of a personal story that reflects the aspirations of the people you are about to lead.

Years ago, as a professional navigating the challenges of life, I encountered a small community struggling with access to basic amenities. They lacked clean water, proper healthcare, power supply and educational opportunities for their children.

Despite these adversities, their resilience and sense of unity were remarkable. One woman I met, Mama Lee, worked tirelessly to support her family, walking miles each day to fetch water while ensuring her children attended school. Her dream was simple: a better future for her children.

Today, as you prepare to lead, Mama lee’s story echoes the sentiments of millions who look forward to your leadership with hope. Your campaign promised 24hour economy, reduction in unemployment rate and elimination of cut-throat taxes to ensure transformation, equality, and progress. These promises now carry the weight of expectations from individuals like Mama lee, who yearn for the opportunities they deserve.

As you prepare to assume office, I write to you on behalf of the people of Ghana to highlight specific areas of importance that require your urgent attention and decisive action.

Economic Stability and Job Creation: Ghanaians are grappling with the rising cost of living, unemployment, and economic instability. I urge you to:

• Stabilize the cedi to ensure predictable market conditions for businesses and individuals.
• Prioritize the creation of jobs, particularly for the youth, by fostering entrepreneurship and attracting investments in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.
• Promote financial inclusion, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by providing easier access to affordable credit and business development services.

 Youth Development and Education The youth are the future of Ghana, and their empowerment must be a cornerstone of your administration. I recommend that you:

• Increase funding for education, with a focus on technical and vocational training that aligns with the demands of a modern economy.
• Expand initiatives to improve access to digital tools and training, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas.
• Create more opportunities for internships, mentorship programs, and start-up incubation hubs to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth.

Health and Infrastructure Development: The health and well-being of Ghanaians remain critical. I appeal to you to:

• Ensure universal access to quality healthcare by improving the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and expanding health infrastructure in underserved areas.
• Address the pressing need for clean water, proper sanitation, and reliable electricity supply across the country.
• Invest in critical infrastructure such as roads, affordable housing, and transportation networks to support socio-economic growth.

Good Governance and Accountability: Transparency and integrity are essential for building trust in government. I urge you to:

• Strengthen anti-corruption institutions and ensure that public officials are held accountable.
• Streamline public service delivery to eliminate inefficiencies and improve responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
• Engage citizens regularly through town halls and digital platforms to promote inclusiveness in governance.

Agriculture and Rural Development Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, yet farmers face numerous challenges. I recommend:

• Modernizing agriculture through mechanization, improved irrigation systems, and access to high-quality seeds and fertilizers.
• Enhancing market access for farmers by investing in transportation and storage infrastructure.
• Introducing policies that ensure fair pricing for agricultural produce, protecting farmers from exploitation.

Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sustainable development must guide our nation’s progress. We ask that you:

• Expand renewable energy initiatives to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and ensure energy sufficiency.
• Strengthen policies to combat deforestation, illegal mining, and other environmental issues that threaten our natural resources.
• Promote community-led reforestation programs and sustainable waste management practices.

 Strengthening Ghana’s Global Role As a regional leader, Ghana must continue to play an influential role in African and global affairs. I encourage you to:

• Strengthen ties within ECOWAS and the African Union to drive regional economic integration and peace.
• Attract foreign investments by promoting Ghana as a hub for innovation and trade.
• Advocate for fairer trade agreements that benefit the Ghanaian economy.

A Call to Action: Your leadership represents a renewed hope for a brighter future. We count on your commitment to making decisions that prioritize the welfare of all Ghanaians, regardless of their background or political affiliation. These specific areas are not just challenges; they are opportunities for transformation that will define your legacy as a leader.

Ghanaians stand ready to support your vision, but we also hold you accountable to deliver on the promises that inspired this trust. Together, we can create a nation where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

As you take the oath of office, I urge you to lead with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving the people. Let Mama Lee’s story be a constant reminder of why you chose this path—to uplift the lives of those who have placed their trust in you.

May your tenure bring prosperity and unity, and may you be guided by the voices of the people you serve. Congratulations once again on this monumental achievement.

Yours sincerely,

Enock K Akuffu-Djobi

[PhD Candidate]

Enoch is a Chartered Accountant / Certified Banker with a deep passion for accounting, banking, and governance. His expertise spans both education and practice reflecting a commitment to research and knowledge sharing. He can be reached via [email protected]). Contact: 233244201383.

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