<<Print>>

The misapplication of multiparty democracy has stagnated Ghana�s growth. Political blame games are gradually becoming the order of the day as it guards the flow of political discussions. But the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II fears of dire consequences if politics continue to take the place of issues affecting nation building. Delivering his address as Special Guest of Honour at the 19th Ghana Journalists Association Awards, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II observed that when it come issues discussed in the media, the misapplication of multiparty system fuels the dominance of petty politics. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II humbly called on Ghanaians to focus on the ultimate issue of national interest rather than those that hindered our progress. Just like the people in the West have done, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to pursue �the national interests derived from their common values and above all their vital economic interests�. �Who can deny that where those interests are at stake, there is no Conservative or Labour [Britain], no Republican or Democrat [USA], no SDP or FDP [Germany]? There is just the British, the American or the German interests and those interests prevail regardless of who occupies 10 Downing Street or the White House. ��I suggest to you that we are in danger of misapplying the multiparty system to the detriment of the nation and your initiative provides an appropriate platform to begin the quest for change. �We should forever bury the supremacy of the party and install and entrench in our minds that the nation is supreme and the national interest overrides everything else. So back to the old question, what constitutes the national interest for us? We may tum to the Derivative Principles of the Constitution for guidance. But from that broad canvas, let us focus on the ultimate issue of national interest,� the Asantehene directed the media. He urged the media to critically examine government policies that seek to better the lot of the masses else, they risk misconstruing development to mean �a list of infrastructural projects that can be easily monitored.� �Development is a product of the policies pursued by our governments. We cannot have sustainable development without sound sustainable economic policies. So we cannot presume to focus attention on development only by monitoring the implementation of projects without coming to grips with the broad policies driving or hindering development. �It stands to reason that while project monitoring may serve a useful purpose, on its own, it could also be an unintended diversion from the crux of our problem. Therefore, you can do no better than brace yourselves not only for the impartial monitoring of projects but also for the objective analysis and evaluation of public policies affecting the economy�.