10/08/2019
Mobilizing for Development
Hon. Dr. Augustine Tawiah, 2020:
It is amazing what we can do together when we harness all our resources! Since pre-colonial times, our societies were communally engaged to clear the path, to dig a well, or to build a palace. In modern times, it appears there is a shift towards waiting for the government to do things for us. The stark reality is that the government is unable to do so many things for us, and indeed, what we would like to have the government do for us should emanate from our own interests, needs and desires. Essentially, it requires mobilizing for development.
The process of mobilizing for development means that the entire society: elders, women, youth, students, political leaders, and chiefs are all involved in a dialogue that qualitatively improves life for everybody. Therefore, where these key stakeholders are involved, they also become a pressure group on the State to ensure that a school is built, roads are constructed, markets have toilets and are clean and there is no arbitrariness. There is also an internal mechanism from the collective efforts of these groups, so that deviant behaviors are checked, compliance is rewarded, and ways to forge ahead are articulated.
I find myself immensely blessed to have been a part of the traditional society and also the modern centralized political system. I have utilized the cumulative force of these two traditions to serve the people of Bia West in the areas of health care, security, education, water and sanitation, agricultural programs, and effective activities on our roads. I put my name, my integrity, my skill set and my passion for transformation of Bia West up in 2019 as an aspiring candidate of the NDC in the parliamentary elections. I am keenly aware of the needs of my people and the collective solutions that we seek to bring together to engage the government, multinationals, NGOs, and other stakeholders. I pray that I will get yet another opportunity to expound on these ideals and to create a better society in Bia West for all.
