Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, University of Ghana
The year 2025 is here. As we begin the new chapter of the year, I extend to you and your loved ones my warmest wishes for a joyous, peaceful, and prosperous 2025.
May this fresh start bring us renewed hope, revitalized spirits, and a deeper sense of purpose as we work together to build a brighter future for our beloved Ghana
As Ghana embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of John Mahama, the air is thick with anticipation and high expectations.
The promise of a 24-hour economy has ignited hope in the hearts of Ghanaians, who are eager to see a transformation in their country’s fortunes.
However, as we begin this journey, it is essential to exercise patience and understanding, recognizing that the road to recovery will be long and arduous.
It is natural for citizens to have high expectations from their leaders, especially in the wake of a challenging economic environment. The realities we face are significant: rampant unemployment, widespread poverty, and a general decay of our national institutions.
The previous administration’s reckless mismanagement has left Ghana in a precarious position, with many citizens feeling disillusioned and frustrated. However, it is crucial to remember that meaningful change takes time.
Mahama’s plans cannot be executed overnight; they require careful planning, execution, and the collective effort of all Ghanaians
The state of our economy is a stark reminder of the recklessness and mismanagement that characterized the previous administration.
The NPP’s tenure was marked by profligacy, corruption, and a blatant disregard for the well-being of the Ghanaian people.
Our national institutions are in decay, our coffers are depleted, and unemployment has reached alarming levels. The once-disciplined Ghanaian society is now plagued by indiscipline and lawlessness.
The task ahead is daunting, and it will require time, effort, and collective support to restore our country to its former glory.
John Mahama’s vision for a 24-hour economy is not a mere campaign promise; it is a well-thought-out plan to revitalize our economy and create opportunities for all Ghanaians.
However, this ambitious project cannot be achieved overnight. It requires meticulous planning, careful implementation, and a sustained effort to yield the desired results.
We must acknowledge that the damage inflicted on our economy and institutions over the years cannot be reversed in haste.
What John Mahama needs from us is not haste, but patience, support, and prayers. We must rally behind him, offering constructive criticism and suggestions, rather than condemnation and skepticism.
We must recognize that the challenges he faces are not of his making, but rather a legacy of the previous administration’s incompetence.
As he rolls out his plans to revitalize our economy, we must be prepared to make sacrifices, to adjust to new policies, and to work together towards a common goal.
The benefits of a 24-hour economy are undeniable. It will create new opportunities for businesses, stimulate economic growth, and provide jobs for the teeming youth.
It will also improve the overall quality of life, as Ghanaians will have access to essential services and amenities around the clock.
However, to achieve this, we must be willing to make short-term sacrifices, invest in our future, and trust in the leadership of John Mahama.
As we embark on this journey, let us not forget the significance of our collective role in shaping Ghana’s destiny. We are not mere onlookers but active participants in the development of our country.
We must take ownership of our problems and work together to find solutions. We must eschew partisanship and put the interests of Ghana above all else.
One cannot deny the immense suffering and hardship that Ghanaians have endured over the past eight years.
The struggles, the sacrifices, and the disappointments have been real. It is understandable to feel frustrated, disillusioned, and uncertain about the future.
However, let’s be assured that we are on the cusp of a new chapter in our nation’s journey. With patience, perseverance, and a collective commitment to progress, we shall turn the corner and put Ghana back on the path to prosperity.
We will work tirelessly to restore the economy, create opportunities, and ensure that every Ghanaian has access to the resources and services they need to thrive.
As we embark on this new chapter, let me urge each and every one of you to approach it with a sense of purpose and responsibility.
Instead of asking what you can get from Ghana, I ask you to think about what you can contribute to building the Ghana of our shared dreams.
What skills, talents, and expertise can you bring to the table? What positive attitude, energy, and enthusiasm can you share with your fellow citizens?
The time of harvest will come, but for now, it is planting time. Let us all put our shoulders to the wheel and work together to sow the seeds of progress, unity, and prosperity.
Let us strive to create a Ghana where every citizen has the opportunity to grow, to succeed, and to reach their full potential. Together, we can achieve greatness.
Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our nation. Let us march forward with hope, with faith, and with a deep commitment to our shared vision of a better Ghana for all.
Finally, as John Mahama sets out to realize his vision for a 24-hour economy, let us be patient, supportive, and prayerful. Let us acknowledge the enormity of the task ahead and the need for a collective effort to overcome the challenges we face.
Let us rally behind our leader, offering constructive criticism and suggestions rather than condemnation, cynicism, and skepticism. Together, we can reset and restore hope in our country, and create opportunities for all Ghanaians to thrive.
The journey ahead will be long and arduous, but with patience, support, and prayers, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.
