Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for increased accountability in Ghana to eliminate the culture of impunity. Speaking passionately at the 43rd anniversary of the 31st December Revolution on Tuesday, she emphasised that the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government must focus on resetting and recalibrating the direction of the country.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings underscored the importance of consequence management as a tool to hold individuals accountable for their actions, whether right or wrong. "This will help us rid ourselves of the psyche of impunity that some people have," she said.

Winning her third parliamentary election on December 7, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings urged adherence to the principles of humility, integrity, and accountability, which were foundational to the Revolution that gave rise to the Fourth Republic.

"If the foundation on which this Fourth Republic was built was not strong enough, Ghana would have descended into chaos by now," she remarked.

She further stated, "It is time we celebrated our heroes for doing the right thing and shamed those who use their positions to destroy and amass wealth at the expense of the people of this country. The resources of this country are not meant for one family, one ethnic group, and definitely not for one party."

A Sacred Mandate

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings expressed sadness over the absence of her father, the late Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, to witness what she described as the dawn of a new era in Ghana.

She described the mandate given to the NDC by the people of Ghana as "sacred and solemn," particularly at a time when democratic reversals and unrest are rampant globally.

"We need to show that we are on the path of righteousness and towards a sustainable future where the integrity and dignity of Ghanaians are assured," she said. "That is what the NDC represents, and that is what the people of Ghana are expecting of us."

She implored Ghanaians to see themselves as part of the solution, urging citizens to join hands in steering the country back on track. "We must not allow arrogance, pride, and hubris to fill our hearts because of an electoral victory," she advised.

A Wounded Nation

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings lamented the state of Ghana, describing it as a "broken family and a wounded nation" polarised by partisanship, cronyism, and corruption.

She noted that no sector of society had been spared from what she termed "the tsunami of the NPP government over the past eight years."

"We are duty-bound to do what is right by the people of Ghana for the sake of those who died in pursuit of our liberty and for the sake of generations yet unborn," she said.

Reflecting on Ghana's resilience, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings recounted how, in the 1980s, when millions of Ghanaians were forcibly expelled from Nigeria, the nation defied expectations of collapse due to strong leadership and good followership.

"Good followership is as essential as good leadership for good governance," she asserted.

Restoring Ghana’s Glory

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings stressed the need for collective accountability, stating, "It is not enough to have good leaders. We as citizens must also ensure we are keeping our leaders—and ourselves—accountable and on the straight and narrow path."

She added, "This is the only way we can restore Ghana to her former glory and make her truly the pride of this continent once again.

"We have, unfortunately, been presided over by a government that has weaponised our democracy against us. That is not what democracy is about, and we have a solemn duty to restore the power of the people."

A Call for Introspection

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings urged Ghanaians to engage in deep introspection, considering how, as a collective, they could work towards making Ghana a better place for current and future generations.

The event, held at the Nungua Town Park, featured other prominent speakers, including NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, NDC General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey, and the Member of Parliament for Krowor, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.