Accra: Mr Tsatsu Tsikata, a legal practitioner and statesman, has urged the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to uphold higher standards of governance and avoid complacency in public service. He emphasized the importance of accountability, probity, discipline, and national transformation to sustain public confidence in Ghana's democracy and preserve the ideals associated with the party's founding traditions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Tsikata delivered his remarks during the keynote address at the 79th birthday lecture and exhibition of former President Jerry John Rawlings in Accra. The event, themed 'From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy,' highlighted the enduring influence of Rawlings' leadership on Ghana's democratic trajectory. Mr Tsikata asserted that the legacy of the late President should guide future governance efforts rather than be viewed as mere nostalgia or political symbolism.
Mr Tsikata warned against measuring the NDC's performance solely against previous administrations, suggesting that such comparisons could lower national expectations and detract from the party's foundational values. He referenced the period from 2017 to 2024 under President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia as a cautionary tale, stressing that the NDC should not aim to be just marginally better than its predecessors. Instead, he urged the party to aspire to meet the aspirations of the Ghanaian people and honor the NDC's illustrious traditions.
Reflecting on the outcome of the 2024 general election, Mr Tsikata noted that Ghanaians continue to prioritize accountability, integrity, and anti-corruption principles, which he described as central to the NDC's political tradition. He praised the late President Rawlings as a transformational leader who inspired national action, encouraged grassroots participation, and advanced democratic governance during challenging periods in Ghana's history. Mr Tsikata highlighted Rawlings' belief in democracy as encompassing more than just elections, with a focus on economic empowerment for ordinary citizens and rural producers.