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Prof Agyeman-Duah on JoyNews’ PM Express emphasised the need for a collaborative approach, suggesting the adoption of the 40-year national development plan crafted by the National Development Plan Commission as a blueprint.

According to the former UN Governance Advisor, implementing the content and recommendations outlined in the 40-year plan is the most effective way to address Ghana’s development deficit and stabilize the economy.

He highlighted the common political practice of making promises without detailing implementation strategies, noting that such a trend hampers genuine progress.

“It is the way we run politics; all the parties seeking power would want to demonstrate to the populace that, in fact, we can do ABCD without telling the people how they’re going to do it.

“… so your development is going to depend on the charity of the international organizations; the multi and the bilaterals, then we’re going to have a time when everything will collapse on our face. And that is exactly what we’re experiencing,” he said on Monday.

Advocating for a unified national manifesto, Prof Agyeman-Duah argued that the 40-year development plan could serve as a consensus document for all political parties.

Such a collective approach, he believed, would enable civil society organisations to monitor and hold political parties accountable for their promises.

Drawing parallels with successful developing nations like Rwanda and Malaysia, Prof Agyeman-Duah underscored the importance of aligning political agendas with long-term development goals.

He acknowledged the criticisms of countries like Rwanda for perceived shortcomings in democracy but pointed out their significant strides in development.

The former UN Governance Advisor concluded by highlighting the close relationship between development and politics, cautioning against the pitfalls of political competition that often lead to unfulfilled promises and abandoned projects when parties come into power.

He urged Ghana to prioritise a unified vision to overcome development challenges and propel the nation forward.

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While acknowledging that there are people more qualified for the position, he said his deep love for the country would not permit him to turn his back on Ghana if the mantle was given to him.

He said this in a one-on-one interview on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday.

“I’m not too sure the people of Ghana will want somebody like me for all kinds of reasons, but I said if the opportunity comes and I have to offer myself as President, why not? I’ve loved this country for a long time,” he told Evans Mensah.

The former UN Advisor also expressed disappointment in the current governance of the nation.

According to him, there is a need for a “third force” in the nation’s leadership landscape.

He believed this new force would reset the political scape of the country since the two major parties are failing to bring about substantial development and transformation.

“I seriously believe that we need a third force. Not necessarily a political party but a movement that can come to reset the path of progress for this country because the path we’re treading currently is not going to take us anywhere,” he said.

Prof Agyemang-Duah further noted that his comrades would throw their weight behind this third force should it ever emerge.

“Anytime there is a strong sense that there is a need for my services in any way that would support the country, I will offer myself. But if you’re talking about the presidency, I believe there are some capable people among those who have not entered politics who can emerge.

“And if such people emerge, people like us should throw our whole weight behind them.”

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According to him, Ghana’s system now corrupts any good character that enters governance, therefore, a more principled leader is what the country needs to turn things around.

Citing the late President Jerry John Rawlings’ revolution, the former UN Advisor said it kept people in line and ensured that rules and regulations were upheld by all and sundry.

While acknowledging that he does not want a revolution, Prof Agyemang-Duah stressed the importance of a principled leader in changing Ghana’s trajectory.

“We do have many good people, but the system we have created in this country will destroy you. But I think a combination of a strong principle and if we get a leadership that has that principle and you show the way, I think we can make a breakthrough.

“I am not calling for any revolution and I would hate for us to go back to Rawlings’ revolution because I am not a supporter of that but the fact is that when they used guns and violence to put people in line, people fell in line.”

He further added, “He was able to get Ghanaians to go to bed at 6:00 pm and wake up at 6:00 am for three years and nobody complained. I am not saying it was a good thing but when people ask how you do make a breakthrough, this is an example of a leader. Whoever, it may be, the person’s character, the person’s strength is sticking to principles,” he said on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday.

Corruption has been one of the problems the country is battling. According to the auditor general’s report, Ghana loses at least $3 billion to corruption annually.

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Prior to assuming office in 2017, President Akufo-Addo who touted himself as an anti-corruption campaigner pledged to rid the country of any graft incidents and hold government officials who were found culpable to account.

It has been six years since the President took over, however, a section of Ghanaians believe the President has done very little to fight the canker.

While some believe the President should be held responsible for failing citizens, others believe the system being operationalised in the country makes it difficult for graft to be curbed.