In a bid to bolster transparency and accountability, the Ghanaian government recently unveiled its much-touted “performance tracker.” However, amidst the fanfare, serious doubts linger about the tracker’s efficacy in addressing the nation’s pressing issues.
First and foremost, the question arises: What exactly is being tracked? Is it the government’s adherence to its own slogans and policies? Or perhaps it’s meant to monitor the rampant corruption and daylight thievery that have plagued the country for years. Unfortunately, the details surrounding this performance tracker remain vague, leaving citizens skeptical about its true intentions.
The tracker’s purported aim is to monitor various facets of governance, from adherence to policies to tackling corruption. Yet, glaring omissions in its scope raise skepticism about its true intent.
Will the tracker reveal the US$12m Agyapa scandals, where questionable deals and conflicts of interest have raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the government?
Will it reveal the source of Cecelia Dapaah $1 million stolen money scandal, shedding light on allegations of embezzlement and misuse of public funds by high-ranking officials?
Will it reveal the US$ 2 billion lost PDS scandal caused by the Vice President and his cronies uncovering the truth behind the controversial power distribution deal that ultimately fell through due to alleged irregularities and corruption?
Can it shed light on the corruption surrounding the construction of the National Cathedral, a project shrouded in controversy and costing taxpayers a staggering US$58 million hole?
Will it reveal the monthly gold smuggling scandal of $40m allegedly involving the President according to Al Jazeera report, exposing any illicit activities or abuses of power within the highest levels of government?
Will it track the Prof. Frimpong Report on illegal mining, where government officials are reportedly deeply involved in illegal mining activities especially Charlse Bissue and other NPP top government officials, highlighting the extent of corruption and lawlessness within the administration?
Will it track the stolen 10,000 bags of rice scandal attributed to the Vice President through his letterhead issued by his Director of Administration James Keck, providing insight into the misuse of official resources for personal gain?
Will it track the allegations of bribery involving the Vice President and the President, as mentioned by Kwesi Nyantakyi, former GFA president, and Charlse Adu Boahen, Deputy Minister for Finance, potentially exposing corrupt practices at the highest echelons of power?
Will it reveal the looting at BOST, a scandal involving the mismanagement and misappropriation of funds meant for developmental projects, highlighting systemic issues of corruption and incompetence?
Will the tracker reveal the $48m contract awarded by Ursula Owusu without PPA approval.
Will the tracker unveil the COVID-19 misappropriation scandal, where funds earmarked for pandemic relief were allegedly diverted and squandered by government officials, depriving citizens of much-needed support during a time of crisis?
Will the tracker reveal the unemployment level of 14.8%, providing a comprehensive picture of the economic challenges faced by ordinary Ghanaians?
What about tracking inflation of 25%+, shedding light on the rising cost of living and its impact on the everyday lives of citizens?
Will it track the debt-to-GDP ratio, revealing the government’s fiscal management and its implications for future generations?
Will the tracker reveal the dire state of the cocoa sector, which has already collapsed under the weight of debt, mismanagement and neglect, leaving farmers struggling to make ends meet?
Will it reflect the recent fuel and food inflation hikes, which have placed an unbearable burden on ordinary citizens already grappling with economic hardship?
Furthermore, does it have the capability to track the poverty level, providing a stark reminder of the pressing social and economic challenges facing Ghanaian society?
These crucial questions underscore the need for transparency and accountability in governance, yet it remains to be seen whether the government’s performance tracker will truly serve as a tool for meaningful change or simply another facade to mask deeper issues of corruption and mismanagement.
Ghanaians deserve more than hollow promises and smoke screens. They deserve a government committed to upholding the principles of democracy and serving the interests of its people.
Until then, initiatives like the performance tracker will continue to be met with skepticism, serving as a stark reminder of a system plagued by deceit and self-interest.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the performance tracker appears to be yet another deceptive tactic aimed at deceiving Ghanaians and diverting attention from the government’s failures. Instead of serving as a tool for genuine accountability and transparency, it seems to be a smokescreen designed to obscure the truth and perpetuate the cycle of corruption and mismanagement.
By failing to address critical issues such as corruption scandals, economic downturns, and social inequalities, the tracker falls short of its purported objective. Instead of building trust and fostering progress, it risks further eroding public confidence in the government and its ability to effectively govern.
The writer is NDC Essikado-Ketan Constituency Executive Member and Western Regional Communications Team Member
