Former CEO of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Osei Kwame Griffiths, has urged government appointees and party members to prioritize unity and a collective sense of purpose to ensure the administration’s success.
In an interview with KMJ on Joy Prime, Griffiths emphasized the importance of managing public expectations, promoting inclusivity, and focusing on national progress.
Reflecting on interactions in the Ashanti Region during elections, he underscored the need to address voter concerns effectively.
“When you talk to people, like women selling plantain, you hear their expectations clearly,” he said, highlighting the critical role of managing these expectations for electoral and governance success.
Griffiths also spoke about the enthusiasm seen during election campaigns, which often diminishes post-elections when supporters are not appointed to influential positions.
He urged individuals to remember that only limited roles, such as Finance Minister, exist, and the president must prioritize efficiency.
Addressing political appointees, Griffiths called for focus on their responsibilities rather than personal ambitions, especially those eyeing the presidency.
“Should the president deal with those harboring presidential ambitions? That’s the million-dollar question,” he remarked.
He further discussed challenges within Ghana’s political parties, particularly succession planning, which he said has caused internal divisions since the Fourth Republic.
Griffiths cited the Rawlings era as an example, where perceptions of imposed candidates led to discontent.
Griffiths concluded by stressing unity in political parties, warning that the perception of division could harm electoral outcomes. “Politics is a game of perception. Even the idea of breakaways affects your margins,” he noted.