The Dzaasetse of the Asere Kotopon Division of the Ga State in the Greater Accra region, Nii Amarkai III, has lamented over the severity of the economic hardship Ghanaians are currently going through as unbearable.
He noted that Ghanaians have been confronted with unprecedented hardships due to the rising cost of petroleum products and transport fares and has reduced the general standard of living of the citizens.
Nii Amarkai III, in his New Year message to Ghanaians, especially the government stated that Ghanaians have been confronted with unprecedented hardships never experienced under the fourth republic adding that; the democracy and patience of Ghanaians have been tested to their elastic limits.
He reiterated that the cost of living has increased due to higher transport fares owing to petroleum price hikes and has reduced the general standard of living since there is no corresponding increase in incomes to compensate for the increasing fares and higher prices of general goods and services.
Nii Amarkai III, also entreated Ghanaians to be resolute in promoting positive ethical values to help shape our society and the nation as a whole.
According to him patriotism, honesty and truthfulness should be a priority of Ghanaians and eschew any form of pessimism.
The Dzaasetse also seized the opportunity to call on the Chiefs and people of the various traditional areas within Greater Accra to put aside their differences and unite.
This Nii Amarkai III, said will put an end to rampant chieftaincy disputes in the various Ga states which according to him the constant chieftaincy disputes within the region are hindering socio-economic developments in the area.
The Dzaasetse of the Asere Kotopon Division of the Ga State also bemoaned the “Winner Takes All” nature in Ghana’s politics, saying there is the need to take a second look at it.
The ‘Winner Takes All’ is the practice in Ghana where all public or official posts are given to members of a party that wins an election.
He condemned that system of governance in the country adding that continuity of such governance practice is a threat to the country’s democracy as it will not help Ghana to get to the heights of its desired development.
Nii Amarkai III, therefore called for an end to the system, so that positions would be given on meritorious basis to deserving and competent non-party members who can better promote the national interest.
In his conclusion, the Chief said “may this new year 2023 open the pathway and bring us to the cusp of building our country with opportunities for all and one in which our individual and collective aspirations are achieved. I wish you all, my fellow Ga Chiefs and all GaDangmes a very Happy and Prosperous New Year”. He concluded.
