Author: Mr. Emmanuel Oppong Boakye-Yiadom (Prof OBEY)
I must admit that I am deeply disappointed by the recent comments of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu. I had always regarded him as one of the more thoughtful and experienced public officials in government, but his remarks have left me questioning that perception.
At a time when Ghanaians are mourning the loss of lives, homes, businesses, and livelihoods as a result of devastating floods and related disasters, the nation expects empathy, leadership, and practical solutions not political blame games.
Why bring the New Patriotic Party into the discussion? Your government is currently in office. Leadership is measured not by how effectively one assigns blame but by how proactively one prevents problems, responds to crises, and restores public confidence.
If the failures of the previous administration were among the reasons Ghanaians voted them out of office, then surely the expectation is that the current government would demonstrate a better approach. The slogan “Aban Papa Aba” carried with it a promise of improved governance, accountability, and effective leadership. Citizens deserve to see tangible evidence of those promises being fulfilled.
It is also important to reflect on history. During the administration of H.E. John Dramani Mahama prio to the leadership of H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Ghana experienced the tragic events of the 2015 Accra floods and fire, where more than 150 lives were lost following severe flooding and a fuel station explosion. That heartbreaking incident should have served as a lasting lesson for every political leader, regardless of party affiliation.
The question therefore is not who should be blamed, but what lessons have been learned over the years. What proactive measures have been implemented to improve drainage systems, enforce planning regulations, strengthen emergency response mechanisms, and protect vulnerable communities? If two years in office is insufficient to complete these interventions, what concrete steps have already been taken? The Ghanaian people deserve evidence of progress, not comparisons with past governments.
Today, families are grieving. Businesses have been destroyed. Homes have been submerged. Many citizens have lost everything they worked for. In such moments, the public expects reassurance, compassion, and a clear roadmap for preventing future tragedies not political rhetoric.
As the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu occupies a position that demands wisdom, responsibility, and exemplary leadership. The attitudes and values demonstrated by those entrusted with public office inevitably influence public discourse and inspire the next generation of leaders. At a time when our young people are looking to national leaders for guidance, we should all strive to model accountability, empathy, and solution-oriented leadership.
Ghana deserves leaders who rise above partisan politics during moments of national tragedy. The focus should always be on protecting lives, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that preventable disasters become increasingly rare.
May God have mercy on our nation, comfort every bereaved family, and grant our leaders the wisdom, humility, and courage to place the interests of Ghana above political considerations.
