Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has urged political leaders to honour the promises they make to voters, warning that failure to do so could undermine public trust and weaken their political credibility.
Speaking at the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, stressed that the success of any government is measured by its ability to transform campaign commitments into tangible benefits for citizens.
“Governance is to ensure that what leaders say is reflected in the lives of the people. Those who are leaders or aspire to leadership must ensure that their words carry meaning and are backed by action,” he stated.
The former Energy Minister highlighted the implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy as an example of how fulfilling a major campaign promise can strengthen public confidence in government and reinforce trust in political leadership.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh noted that leadership comes with significant responsibility, particularly under Ghana’s constitutional framework, which grants extensive executive powers to the presidency. He emphasised that the success of any president depends not only on personal leadership but also on the competence of ministers and the effectiveness of institutions responsible for implementing government policies.
According to him, national resources and governance structures are entrusted to elected officials, making it essential for leaders to demonstrate accountability and commitment to public service.
He cautioned that while political parties may secure electoral victories, their long-term relevance depends on their ability to meet the expectations of the people.
“Winning an election is only the beginning. Sustaining public trust requires delivering on promises and ensuring that citizens experience real improvements in their daily lives,” he added.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh further called for greater investment in leadership development and stronger governance systems that promote accountability, transparency and effective service delivery.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
