Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana and a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has emphasized the urgent need for visionary leadership in Ghana to harness the nation’s abundant natural resources for sustainable development.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ultimate FM in Kumasi, Dr. Duffuor lamented the disconnect between Ghana’s resource wealth and the widespread poverty among its citizens.
He pointed out that Ghana, as a leading producer of gold and other valuable minerals in Africa, should not be grappling with issues of poverty. “We have everything — gold, lithium, bauxite, and oil — yet we are considered a poor country.
This is due to leadership problems,” he stated. Dr. Duffuor attributed the nation’s economic challenges to mismanagement and a lack of strategic planning by successive governments.
A Call for Selfless Leadership
Dr. Duffuor called on Ghanaians to reflect on the upcoming elections and choose leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people over personal gains. “We need leaders who think about the mission and the people. Leadership is about sacrifice, not greed,” he urged.
He highlighted the importance of investing in education and local development, noting that students and young professionals require better opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
Dr. Duffuor further stressed that a focus on sustainable resource management and development would secure a brighter future for future generations.
Ghana’s Untapped Potential
The former Finance Minister underlined Ghana’s potential to become a global powerhouse in resource production. “Ghana is one of the biggest gold producers in Africa, and we have untapped resources like lithium and bauxite. Why are we poor? It’s time to fix leadership,” he said.
He also expressed disappointment in how Ghana’s wealth has been underutilized, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in resource allocation.
Dr. Duffuor suggested that leadership failure has created a wealth gap, leaving the majority of citizens in economic hardship despite the country’s vast natural endowments.
Message to Voters
As the nation approaches another election cycle, Dr. Duffuor called for introspection among voters.
“Think about the future, not just today,” he advised. He urged citizens to prioritize electing leaders who are committed to long-term national development and the well-being of future generations, rather than short-term political gains.
Dr. Duffuor concluded the interview by expressing hope that Ghana would rise above its challenges with the right leadership and collective effort. “We have everything we need to prosper. All we need is leadership that works for the people,” he said.
He further called on Ghanaians to vote for chnage describing the NDC campaign manifesto and economic policies as hope for Ghanaian if the NDC is elected.
