Founder and Fellow of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr. Hene Aku Kwapong, has proposed a bold 10-point reform agenda aimed at reshaping Ghana’s governance, strengthening institutions, and accelerating national development.
Dr. Kwapong emphasized the urgent need for structural and cultural reforms to position Ghana for long-term success.
“These reforms are essential for building the right frameworks, enhancing social cohesion, and preparing Ghana for the future,” he stated.
Below are the 10 key reforms Dr. Kwapong outlined:
1. Community Classification for Smarter Decentralisation
Dr. Kwapong called for the clear classification of communities into villages, towns, and cities to guide planning and local governance. This, he said, would help streamline infrastructure development and service delivery.
2. Give Real Power to Local Authorities
He advocated for decentralising financial control by reforming the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to give local governments greater autonomy over development funds.
3. Relocate Ministries to the Regions
To decongest Accra and align governance with regional needs, Dr. Kwapong proposed relocating some ministries to relevant parts of the country. For example:
- Ministry of Agriculture – Northern Region
- Ministry of Fisheries – Western Region
- Ministry of Tourism – Volta Region
- Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources – Ashanti Region
4. Transform the Council of State into a ‘Senior House’
He proposed replacing the Council of State with a bicameral “Senior House” made up of 50 traditional leaders, experts, and regional reps. This body would serve as a bridge between traditional authority and political governance.
5. Strengthen the Link Between Tradition and Modern Governance
Dr. Kwapong stressed the need to integrate cultural leaders, professional managers, and administrators with MPs to create a more cohesive governance system.
6. Reform the Ghana News Agency (GNA)
He called for reforms to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to restore its credibility, professionalism, and relevance in Ghana’s media landscape.
7. Rethink Religious and Moral Education (RME)
Dr. Kwapong proposed revising Religious and Moral Education into Civic and Moral Education (CME) to emphasize citizenship, national values, and civic responsibility in schools.
8. Redefine Hometown Identity to Reduce Tribalism
To combat ethnic division, he suggested that a person’s “hometown” be defined by their place of birth, not ancestral origin, promoting inclusivity and national identity.
9. Develop a National Language for Unity
Dr. Kwapong emphasized the importance of creating or adopting a national language to foster national cohesion and reduce linguistic and ethnic divides.
10. Overhaul the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC)
He recommended restructuring the NDPC into a National Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) focused on economic strategy, execution, and results.
“The NDPC doesn’t serve the demands of our modern world,” Dr. Kwapong noted.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Kwapong believes that bold, systemic changes—not cosmetic fixes—are needed to move Ghana forward. His proposals touch on governance, cultural identity, institutional reform, and national unity, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
