Zanetor Rawlings: Accountability is Crucial to Eradicating Impunity

At the 43rd anniversary celebration of the 31st December Revolution, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Klottey Korle, emphasized the importance of accountability as the newly elected National Democratic Congress (NDC) government prepares to “reset and recalibrate” the direction of Ghana. She made a passionate call for the country to embrace accountability at all levels, focusing on the need for consequence management as a means to eradicate impunity.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings stressed that a culture of accountability is crucial in ensuring that individuals are held responsible for their actions, whether positive or negative. She expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs, where impunity prevails in many areas of public life. According to her, it is vital to celebrate those who make decisions in the best interest of the country and its citizens, while at the same time, shaming those who misuse their power for personal gain, especially when it comes at the expense of the people. “The resources of this country are not meant for one family, one ethnic group, and certainly not for one political party,” she declared firmly. She conveyed that the country’s wealth should be distributed equitably, benefiting all citizens, and not monopolized by a select few.

Reflecting on her late father, the former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings expressed sorrow that he was not around to witness the dawn of a new era for Ghana. She described the mandate given to the NDC as a “sacred and solemn” responsibility, acknowledging the trust the people of Ghana had placed in the party. She emphasized that the NDC’s new leadership must work towards restoring hope, promoting unity, and rebuilding the country after years of division and hardship.

At a time when many countries around the world are experiencing democratic setbacks, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings underscored the significance of Ghana demonstrating its commitment to progress and a brighter future for its people. She stressed that the NDC’s leadership must reflect righteousness and integrity, both within the country and in the international arena. “We need to show that we are on the path of righteousness and a sustainable future where the dignity of Ghanaians is assured,” she said, reiterating that these principles are central to the NDC’s vision.

The Klottey Korle MP called for unity among Ghanaians, urging the citizens to come together in order to move the country forward. She warned that after an electoral victory, it is easy to fall into the traps of arrogance and pride. “We must not allow arrogance, pride, and hubris to fill our hearts,” she cautioned. She acknowledged the country’s deep divisions, caused by partisanship, cronyism, and corruption, and stated that the NDC is inheriting a nation that has been severely affected by these issues. “The NDC is inheriting a broken family and a wounded nation,” she said, adding that the previous administration’s actions left a polarized society where every aspect of the nation, from its leadership to its institutions, had been harmed.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings stressed the importance of doing what is right for the people of Ghana, not just for the current generation, but for those who fought for the country’s liberty and for future generations. “We are duty-bound to do what is right by the people of Ghana, for the sake of those who died in the pursuit of our liberty and for those yet unborn,” she emphasized. She also reminded Ghanaians of the resilience demonstrated by the country in the 1980s when millions of Ghanaians were forcibly expelled from Nigeria. Despite the challenges, Ghana did not collapse, she said, thanks to both strong leadership and good followership. She noted that good governance requires active participation from the people as well as the leaders.

The MP urged Ghanaians to be vigilant, keeping both their leaders and themselves accountable. She argued that only through mutual accountability could Ghana be restored to its former glory, enabling the country to become a beacon of success once again. She also criticized the previous government for undermining democracy, referring to the abuse of democratic processes as a “weaponization” against the people. She emphasized the importance of restoring the power of the people and safeguarding democratic principles.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings concluded her speech by urging Ghanaians to reflect on the state of the nation and think about how they can contribute to a brighter future. She encouraged the citizens to unite in a shared vision of making Ghana a better place for future generations. “We must share a vision of making Ghana a better place for ourselves and for those yet to come,” she said.

The event, held at the Nungua Town Park, was also attended by NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey, and Member of Parliament for Krowor, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, among other prominent speakers.