Ghana’s Constitution prioritizes national development and continuity of governance. An important aspect of this vision is ensuring that each government continues the projects initiated by its predecessor.
This principle is not just a legal obligation; it reflects the collective goal of moving the nation forward. However, over the years, successive governments have failed to live up to this commitment, often abandoning or delaying inherited projects. This trend has wasted resources, slowed progress, and undermined the nation’s development agenda. During a wide-ranging conversation at the MSC YouTube studio during the 2023 Munich Security Conference, popular Ghanaian YouTuber Wodemaya discussed with President-elect John Mahama on important issues affecting Ghana and Africa. Among the issues discussed was the challenge of maintaining national development plans across successive governments.
Wodemaya expressed concern over the frequent discontinuity of development projects when there is a change of government. He cited examples from Ghana’s Volta Region, where infrastructure projects initiated during Mahama’s previous administration were abandoned by the subsequent NPP government.
In response, Mahama acknowledged the problem and stressed the importance of continuity in national development. He recalled that during his presidency, he initiated a 40-year comprehensive national development plan aimed at providing a long-term framework for the country’s growth.
However, he lamented that this plan had been shelved by the incoming NPP government. Mahama promised that if he were to lead Ghana again, he would work to ensure stronger measures to protect and sustain long-term national development projects, irrespective of political transitions.
Although the 1992 Constitution does not explicitly require successive governments to pursue development projects, the principle is implicit in the broader framework of good governance and responsible use of public resources. Article 35(7) of the Directive Principles of State Policy stresses that development should maximise the efficient use of resources to achieve balanced national progress. Project abandonment contradicts this principle and leads to waste and inefficiency. Similarly, Article 36(2)(d) requires the State to ensure the development of essential public infrastructure and services – a responsibility that can be better fulfilled through project continuity. Furthermore, the Public Finance Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) underscores the importance of efficient use of public funds, which inherently supports the need to complete ongoing projects.
Why Discontinuity Has Hurt Ghana
Project abandonment has caused considerable damage. In many cases, schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructure projects remain unfinished for years. These abandoned projects deteriorate, requiring significant additional funds to restart or rebuild. Meanwhile, the public suffers—children are left without classrooms, communities lack access to healthcare, and businesses struggle with poor infrastructure.
This practice often stems from partisan politics. Governments seek to claim credit for new initiatives rather than completing the work of their predecessors, regardless of how vital those projects might be. In some cases, this behavior is motivated by corruption. By abandoning ongoing projects, politicians create opportunities to start new projects by awarding new contracts that provide opportunities to loot public funds.
The role of the next government
The new Mahama government has a unique opportunity to lead by example. It can show Ghanaians that governance is not about political rivalry but about continuity and service to the people. By completing abandoned projects, the government will demonstrate its commitment to national development rather than partisan political interests.
Furthermore, completing ongoing projects saves money. The government avoids the higher costs of restarting or rebuilding neglected infrastructure. It also ensures that the public quickly benefits from investments already made with taxpayers’ money.
The implementation of Articles 35(7) and 36(2)(d) of the Constitution would bring the administration in line with its legal obligation to promote development in a resource-efficient manner.
How to ensure continuity of development
To achieve this, the NDC administration must take decisive steps:
1. Prioritize existing projects: Before initiating new projects, the administration must review and complete projects already underway. This approach will maximize the impact of public resources.
2. Increase accountability: Officials responsible for abandoning projects without valid reasons should be investigated and held accountable. Forensic audits should be conducted to identify and address corruption.
3. Strengthen continuity laws: Parliament must pass clear laws that require project continuity. A transparent system for monitoring and reporting project progress will ensure public oversight and prevent neglect.
4. Engage the public: Civil society, the media and citizens must play an active role in holding government to account. Public awareness campaigns can highlight the costs of abandoning the project and demand continuity.
A Call for Leadership
Ghanaians are watching. The incoming NDC administration has the chance to inspire trust and confidence by doing what is right. Completing abandoned projects is not just a constitutional obligation; it is a moral duty.
It will ensure that the resources of this country are used efficiently and that the people see the benefits of development initiatives, regardless of which party started them.
President Mahama and his team must reject the temptation of partisan politics and personal gain. Instead, they must lead with integrity, demonstrating that governance is about serving the people, not about political games. Leaders who undermine this process for personal or party interests must face the consequences because their actions harm the entire nation.
By adhering to the principle of continuity of development, enshrined in Articles 35(7) and 36(2)(d) of the Constitution and supported by the Public Finance Management Act, 2016, the Mahama government can set a precedent for future governments. This commitment will pave the way for sustainable progress, greater public trust and a stronger Ghana.
Source: 3news
