Independent presidential candidate George Twum-Barimah-Adu, has vowed to bring a groundbreaking vision to Ghana if elected, promising the nation’s first “Development Consensus” with the support of his running mate, Nyaaba-Aweeba Azongo.

The non-partisan leadership approach seeks to unify citizens and policymakers in shaping Ghana’s developmental future through shared responsibility and a cooperative vision.

In a statement, Twum-Barimah-Adu introduced Azongo as his vice-presidential pick for the December election, highlighting Azongo’s extensive experience as a renowned development consultant.

The Twum-Barimah-Adu-Azongo ticket aims to revolutionize governance by fostering a collaborative, community-led approach to national development.

“To Ghana, this is our choice for your future to build prosperity for all,” the statement read, emphasizing the duo’s commitment to steering Ghana towards sustainable growth and unity.

The proposed “Development Consensus” approach seeks to remove political divisions from socioeconomic and developmental projects, allowing various stakeholder groups across the country to engage in policy discussions.

This new model prioritizes the voices of communities, encouraging them to take ownership of projects that will directly impact their lives.

By doing so, it is hoped that projects will gain community support and avoid becoming casualties of political change, ensuring that initiatives started by one administration are completed and sustained by the next.

Azongo’s Credentials and Accomplishments Nyaaba-Aweeba Azongo, who brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the ticket, holds an MPhil in Development Planning and a Bachelor’s degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

His professional career is steeped in national and international accolades. Notably, he served as a development consultant to the National House of Chiefs from 2003 to 2011, where he authored numerous publications on chieftaincy and development, including the influential “System Approach to Development Planning in the Chieftaincy Sector.”

Azongo’s pioneering work in the Root-Based Economic Development (r-BED) model, developed with Daasebre Prof. (Emeritus) Oti-Boateng, drew international recognition when presented at the 79th session of the UN International Civil Service Commission in Rome.

The model advocates for sustainable, community-centred development and was recognized by the State University of New York (SUNY) with an award celebrating its innovative approach. Azongo’s ongoing commitment to health advocacy led to the founding of the Save Your Liver Foundation, which promotes liver health across Ghana and extends to several African nations, including Nigeria, Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia.

Beyond his health advocacy, Azongo has been instrumental in assembling a coalition of influential Ghanaian leaders to promote African leadership and development.

His work with the MOSES Foundation has gathered eminent figures such as Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa, Dr. K.E. Mensah-Abrampa, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Nana Kwame Duah, and Ishmael Agyekumhene to support regional cohesion and inspire global standards in African governance.

His most notable legacy, however, is the establishment of the Suame Magazine Industrial Development Organization (SMIDO), which has gained widespread international recognition and is now seen as a model for informal sector development.

The vision for Ghana: A Break from the status quo

With Ghana facing what Twum-Barimah-Adu describes as a “development crisis,” the Twum-Barimah-Adu – Azongo campaign is focused on moving the country away from the traditional two-party dominance.

“Ghana is at a crossroads that requires a non-partisan approach to governance,” Twum-Barimah-Adu emphasized, adding that this moment presents an opportunity to transform the economic crisis and address pressing environmental threats through collaborative, community-led solutions.

In what is expected to be a highly competitive election, with eleven presidential candidates vying for leadership, Twum-Barimah-Adu and Azongo’s non-traditional platform has resonated with voters disillusioned by decades of partisan gridlock.

Their vision is to overcome the challenges of the past 32 years and forge a path that promises growth, unity, and prosperity for all Ghanaians.

With this innovative model, they hope to create a Ghana where projects are seen not as political promises but as commitments to be upheld and advanced by successive administrations, bringing consistent progress to communities across the nation.

As Ghana heads to the polls on December 7, 2024, Twum-Barimah-Adu and Azongo’s message offers voters an alternative path rooted in unity, resilience, and shared prosperity.

The Development Consensus vision presents an opportunity for Ghanaians to engage in a new era of governance that bridges divides and places the country’s future firmly in the hands of its people.