There are many people who want to be heard right now, but not many of them are worth listening to. Only a handful possess the wisdom gained from real-life experiences, the modesty in selflessness, and the unique combination of foresight and competence that our nation sorely requires. Today, as the New Patriotic Party stands at the edge of crucial choices to make the party attractive to the youth, two personalities rise not from the wings of political convenience but from a lifelong journey of meaningful impact. You would enjoy my insight if you just took a stroll with me. Although my narratives may seem anecdotal at first glance, they could nonetheless serve as a starting point for a broader conversation. I would want to clarify that I am neither affiliated with the New Patriotic Party nor do I subscribe to its ideology. As an academic, I aim to express my perspectives on various issues, and this instance is no exception.
I recently read the proceedings from a panel of experts from the Fletcher School in the buildup to the 2016 presidential election in the United States of America on the topic, “Can a Business Head Make a Good Head of State?” This transcript from the proceedings caught my attention as I tried to juxtapose it with the political happenings in Ghana. As I will share with you some of the fallouts from the proceedings, I am of the utmost conviction that Ghana could try a businessperson as a president. After all, Ghana is looking for transformative leadership. Professor Daniel Drezner led the discussion by giving a qualified answer to the central question. He contended that theoretically, a business leader could serve as an effective head of state. Both positions require rising to the top of large organisations and overseeing vast and complex bureaucracies. Presumably, a chief executive officer would have some leadership qualities that could translate to the public sphere. This struck a chord, prompting me to reflect on Ghana’s political history. The presidency of Ghana has demonstrated that while we have had leaders from many fields, such as law, academia, communication, and the military, there has been a scarcity of presidents with commercial experience and, by extension, a business background.
In the past, some distinguished individuals had contested elections in a bid to become the head of state. A notable example is Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, and I had no doubt that he would have been a wonderful president (emphasis mine). That said, I believe Ghana still stands a chance of getting another president with a business background. As I write, two names keep coming up: thus, Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyepong and Hon. Dr Bryan Acheampong, both with the New Patriotic Party. I have not yet reached a similar conclusion with the National Democratic Congress.
These two individuals have distinguished themselves in their various business ventures. I believe that they could be interesting candidates for the National Patriotic Party (NPP). I would want to try as much as possible to relax my bias, as I do not know these distinguished individuals in person but happen to chance upon their businesses and political lives.
Hon. Dr Bryan Acheampong possesses a marginal age advantage over Hon. Kennedy Agyapong. Secondly, with the current trend, the Ghanaian voter is tilted towards a presidential candidate in the youth-age bracket after what many voters think the aged could not serve any better. This makes Hon. Dr Acheampong a viable candidate over Hon. Ken Agyapong. In terms of the political space, Hon. Ken Agyapong ranks higher than Hon. Bryan Acheampong.
This contest is fierce because it pits youth against experience. I leave this up to the members who run their political party. Hon. Ken Agyapong has outlined his political visions and remains resolute about them. Hon. Dr Acheampong could possibly come out with his vision and philosophy. Considering that I have also suggested, they might think about grooming more young people as they are known for. Interestingly, the men in the New Patriotic Party are near extinction; new men are needed. With this, Hon. Ken Agyapong should rethink reviewing and adjusting his vision and philosophy. I wish them well.
A study by Florian Neumeier of the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich in 2016 on the economic performance of U.S. state governors who came to the position from a business background (CEO governors) concluded that the tenures of CEO governors are associated with a 0.6 percentage point higher annual income growth rate, a 0.4 percentage point increase in the private capital stock, and a 0.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate than are the tenures of non-CEO governors. The study concluded that income inequality decreases when CEO governors hold office. Hon. Dr Bryan Acheampong, with his business background and private-sector experience, with age on his side, is success-orientated and so far, has been successful with previous portfolios.
The quality of politicians is key to a country’s economic success. Besley (2005:44) put it, “Almost every major episode of economic change has been associated with key personalities coming to power with a commitment to these changes. Extensive business experience could be a valuable asset. Judging by their private-sector success, CEO governors should know what is key to growing business and jobs. The skills acquired in the business world, their expertise in managing firms, and their insights into the business community may enable CEO governors to make more sensible economic policy choices to improve the effectiveness of economic policies. “Being a successful CEO, where I have driven the bottom line, assembled teams, and driven results – that’s a critical benefit to running the state government.” “A CEO’s job is leadership, problem solving, and team building. I have done that my whole career” (Bruce Rauner, Governor of Illinois since 2011).
As the party weighs its future, the decision before them must rise above petty issues and political theatre. Their decision must rest on substance, track record, and the undeniable fact that leadership is not declared; rather, it is demonstrated. Has Hon. Dr Acheampong demonstrated it? Has Hon. Agyapong demonstrated it? Over to you, NPP!
By
Felix Oppusu Paapa Agyiri (PhD. Candidate)
[email protected]
