Alfred Mensah-Onumah Writes First Letter to President John Dramani Mahama

Dear Mr. President,

I wish to state that “Time Answers Everything” and that God makes things beautiful in His time.
I write to first congratulate you on your election and swearing-in as the first gentleman of our Motherland, Ghana, for the next four (4) years, ending on January 7, 2029.

As a proud Ghanaian and someone who believes in positivity and hard work, I strongly believe in individuals’ contributions to achieving the desired state that we (Ghanaians) wish to see Ghana attain.

The following twenty (20) highlights/pointers are my inner convictions to help build our homeland Ghana into a self-sufficient nation in the medium to long term.

POINTERS

1. Redevelopment/Realignment of the Tema Free Zone enclave: Take a relook at the Free Zones Act 1995, Act 504.
2. Develop the Western Free Zones enclave and the Kumasi Industrial Park: These initiatives will be economic saviors in creating jobs in the medium to long term and a hallmark of economic excellence when implemented.
3. Enhance cohesion between the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI).
4. Address sectorial/industrial deficits: Start with “low-hanging fruits” and develop actionable plans to reduce deficits for long-term self-sufficiency.
5. Revive import substitution strategies: Initiate comprehensive stakeholder engagements to limit the importation of certain items industry-by-industry.
6. Reassess the Boankra Inland Port Project: Conduct a value chain assessment, as this project is crucial for economic expansion into West Africa.
7. Support local construction firms: Build capacities for local construction firms, following the example of awarding the Motorway rehabilitation project to Maripoma Enterprise Limited.
8. Sync policies with the AfCFTA blueprint: Leverage the AfCFTA headquarters in Ghana by creating a specialized unit within MOTI to transition effectively.
9. Evaluate foreign policies: Implement results-based mandates for High Commissioners and Ambassadors linked to GDP growth and foreign direct investments (FDIs).
10. Railway sector development: Adopt a phased approach to enhance intra-city and inter-city transport systems, linked to the Boankra Inland Port project.
11. Reassess Ministries, Agencies, and SOEs: Ensure realignment and productivity in the medium to long term.
12. Strengthen the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA): Conduct a comprehensive audit of facilities and integrate GIDA with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).
13. Assess the 1D1F program: Evaluate its potential with robust Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within two years.
14. Transform the energy sector: Engage experts and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to achieve energy self-sufficiency with minimal political interference.
15. Revamp the National Sports Authority (NSA): Establish a comprehensive 5-10 year development plan with measurable targets.
16. Ignite patriotism: As President, lead efforts to instill patriotic and nationalistic attitudes among Ghanaians through education and mindset change.
17. Revamp education: Reform the basic school curriculum and invest in teacher capacity-building programs with a long-term development plan.
18. Decentralize development: Align the decentralization agenda with the 1D1F program to create jobs at the district level.
19. Review the National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO): Assess its mandate to ensure food security and efficiency.
20. Expand the tax net: Increase the number of contributors and improve the tax-to-GDP ratio beyond the current 12.4%.

Conclusion

It saddens me to see where countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea have advanced compared to our economic and governance structures. Less than 40% of items sold in our malls are locally produced.

I believe the twenty (20) pointers above will push us closer to our desired destination. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy should inspire us to realize that achieving this goal is difficult yet possible.

A country becomes self-sufficient when real sustainable wages and salaries are rooted in an economy built on a solid industrial foundation.

Long live Ghana. Long live Mother Africa.

Yours Sincerely,
SIGNED:
Alfred Mensah-Onumah
Citizen of Ghana