Presidential candidate for the Movement for Change, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has reiterated his commitment to reform the Constitution and combat corruption if elected in the 2024 December election.
Speaking at Asewa in the Bosomefreho constituency in the Ashanti region on Saturday, October 5, 2024, Mr Kyerematen outlined his vision to amend the 1992 Constitution to foster development and reduce the excessive powers of the president, which he argued have contributed to inefficiency in governance.
Mr Kyerematen, who is on a 19-day tour of the Ashanti Region, visited several communities in the Bosomefreho Constituency, including Asewa, Anyinase, Danso, Nsuaem Number 1, Nsuaem Number 2, Amomorso, and Abosamaom, where he addressed large crowds.
He attributed some of the challenges Ghanaians are facing to constitutional flaws, particularly those that concentrate too much power in the hands of the president.
“Another problem of this country is the constitution. The suffering we are going through is partly because of it,” he stated.
His plan includes decentralising more power to local authorities to ensure that development is evenly spread across the country.
“We cannot continue with a system where all decisions are concentrated at the top. We need to empower local governments to bring development closer to the people,” Mr Kyerematen explained.
One of the key areas of reform will be the appointment of public officials. Mr Kyerematen intends to amend the constitution to make certain key positions, such as heads of anti-corruption agencies, independent of presidential influence.
“To fight corruption, we need to reduce the influence of the president over these institutions. That way, they can do their jobs without fear or favour,” he stated.
Corruption, according to Mr Kyerematen, has been the bane of the country’s economic development, siphoning billions of cedis that could have been used to improve infrastructure and public services.
“When I come, I will stop corruption outright. We will make this country great again,” he assured, stating that he plans to consolidate all anti-corruption institutions into one body, headed by a corruption Czar with independent prosecutorial powers.
Mr Kyerematen's determination to fight corruption is rooted in his belief that without addressing the problem, no development plan can succeed.
"Corruption is the reason why we are not developing as we should. It's the reason why our roads, schools, and hospitals are in poor condition," he noted, adding that his administration will make transparency and accountability its watchwords, ensuring that public officials are held to the highest ethical standards.
Mr Kyerematen called on the people of Bosomefreho to support his bid for the presidency, promising them a new era of governance built on transparency, accountability, and fairness.
“With your support, we will reform the constitution and rid this country of corruption. Together, we will make Ghana great,” he added.
Credit: myjoyonline.com