Mr Kwaku Kwarteng, Member of Parliament for Obuasi West, has described the country’s persistent political leadership crisis as not merely a failure of the political class but a symptom of a bleak generational future if the leadership status quo was not changed.
As such, Mr Kwarteng also a former Deputy Minister of Finance, called on Ghanaians to rally behind a leader with exceptional skills required to unlock and transform the economic potential of the country towards real progress and prosperity for all but not a privilege few.
Addressing the Tertiary Education Confederacy Network (TESCON) meeting at the University of Cape Coast on Saturday, he said: “The country’s leadership meltdown over the years indicates that we need a radical leadership to transform our ailing economy from the doldrums.
“A bold leadership is what we need to confront and disrupt this unhealthy status quo that has retarded economic progress.
“As for the suit wearing leaders, we have seen them and seen them, but the time has come for a change by leaders with the conviction to confront and disrupt the status quo and return the country to growth and prosperity,” he said.
The meeting held on the theme: “Navigating the entrepreneurial journey and social networking,” assembled stalwarts of the New Patriotic Party, particularly current and former Members of Parliament and parliamentary candidates, some Central Regional executives and a host of the party’s former ministers and appointees.

Mr Kwarteng said he was living in pain, having to see wrongs being perpetrated with impunity in successive governments, saying “I see a more difficult future if we do not do what is necessary to change our bad ways as a political class, and yes, we can.”
He said if governance was all about leading for leading’s sake, awarding contracts, and taking kickbacks, then anyone could lead with ease.
He said governments are to play crucial role in nation-building by creating and maintaining political, economic, security, and social institutions that unify the people and ensure political stability and viability.
It should act as a steward with collective interest, mediating between public, private, and civil society, and provides public goods and services that foster social harmony and economic growth.
In fostering economic growth and sustainability, he said governments must foster entrepreneurship by creating a supportive environment and implementing initiatives that encouraged business growth and job creation, particularly for young people.
However, he said it was “sad” that over the years, across governments, the political class had failed its duties towards the people.
“…Post independence style of governments have been to borrow and borrow and borrow and award contracts with kickbacks, consequently crowding out entrepreneurs,” he noted.
“I say this without any apologies that we the political class have been inefficient, such that government procurement for something that costs GHC10.00 will end up for GHC20.00, draining the economy of revenue meant for development.”
“Sometimes, politicians with very high interest set out to do their best, but fail along the way by joining the loot,” he noted.
Dr Stephen Amoah, former Deputy Finance Minister and current MP for Nhyiaeso, urged students to embrace technology and use the Internet wisely for self-improvement.
He emphasised that leveraging digital tools could enhance education and personal growth, preparing students for future opportunities.
With expertise in computer science and finance, Dr Amoah advocates for youth empowerment through education and technology, supporting initiatives like building classrooms and providing computers in his constituency.
Mr Emmanuel Essel, UCC TESCON President, reiterated their commitment to political mobilisation, advocacy, and community engagements, aiming to strengthen the party’s presence and impact among the youth.