Ghana’s constitution prioritizes national development and the seamless continuation of governance. A key aspect of this vision is ensuring that every administration continues projects initiated by its predecessor.
This principle is not just a legal obligation; it reflects the collective goal of advancing the nation. Yet, over the years, successive governments have failed to honor this commitment, often abandoning or delaying projects they inherit. This trend has wasted resources, delayed progress, and undermined the nation’s development agenda.
During a wide-ranging conversation at the MSC YouTube studio during the 2023 Munich Security Conference, popular Ghanaian YouTuber Wodemaya engaged with now-President-elect John Mahama on key issues affecting Ghana and Africa. Among the topics discussed was the challenge of sustaining national development plans across successive administrations.
Wodemaya expressed concern over the frequent discontinuity of development projects whenever there is a change in government. He cited examples from Ghana’s Volta Region, where infrastructure projects initiated during Mahama’s previous administration were abandoned by the succeeding NPP government.
However, he lamented that this plan was shelved by the incoming NPP government. Mahama pledged that if given the opportunity to lead Ghana again, he would work to ensure stronger measures are in place to safeguard and sustain long-term national development projects, irrespective of political transitions.
While the 1992 Constitution does not explicitly require successive governments to continue developmental projects, the principle is implied in the broader framework of good governance and responsible use of public resources. Article 35(7) of the Directive Principles of State Policy emphasizes that development must maximize the efficient use of resources to achieve balanced national progress.
Abandoning projects contradicts this principle, leading to waste and inefficiency. Similarly, Article 36(2)(d) requires the state to ensure the development of essential infrastructure and public services—a responsibility best fulfilled through project continuity. Furthermore, the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) underscores the importance of using public funds effectively, which inherently supports the need to complete ongoing projects.
Why Discontinuity Has Hurt Ghana
The abandonment of projects has caused widespread harm. In many cases, schools, hospitals, roads, and other infrastructure projects remain unfinished for years.
These abandoned projects deteriorate, requiring significant additional funds to restart or rebuild. Meanwhile, the public suffers—children are left without classrooms, communities lack access to healthcare, and businesses struggle with poor infrastructure.
This practice often stems from partisan politics. Governments seek to claim credit for new initiatives rather than completing the work of their predecessors, regardless of how vital those projects might be. In some cases, this behavior is motivated by corruption. By abandoning ongoing projects, politicians create opportunities to start new ones, awarding fresh contracts that provide avenues for looting public funds.
The Role of the Incoming Administration
The incoming Mahama administration has a unique opportunity to set an example. It can show Ghanaians that governance is not about political rivalry but about continuity and service to the people. By completing abandoned projects, the administration will demonstrate its commitment to national development over partisan interests.
Moreover, completing ongoing projects saves money. The government avoids the higher costs of restarting or rebuilding neglected infrastructure. It also ensures that the public quickly benefits from investments already made with taxpayer funds.
Upholding Articles 35(7) and 36(2)(d) of the Constitution would align the administration with its legal obligation to promote development in a resource-efficient manner.
How to Ensure Development Continuity
To achieve this, the NDC administration must take decisive steps:
1. Prioritize Existing Projects: Before initiating new projects, the administration should assess and complete those already underway. This approach will maximize the impact of public resources.
2. Increase Accountability: Officials responsible for abandoning projects without valid reasons must be investigated and held accountable. Forensic audits should be conducted to identify and address any instances of corruption.
3. Strengthen Laws on Continuity: Parliament should pass clear laws mandating project continuity. A transparent system for tracking and reporting project progress will ensure public oversight and prevent neglect.
4. Engage the Public: Civil society, the media, and citizens must play an active role in holding the government accountable. Public awareness campaigns can highlight the cost of project abandonment and demand continuity.
A Call for Leadership
Ghanaians are watching. The incoming NDC administration has the chance to inspire trust and confidence by doing what is right. Completing abandoned projects is not just a constitutional obligation; it is a moral duty.
It will ensure that the resources of this country are used efficiently and that the people see the benefits of development initiatives, regardless of which party started them.
President Mahama and his team must reject the temptation of partisan politics and personal gain. Instead, they must lead with integrity, proving that governance is about service to the people, not political games. Leaders who undermine this process for personal or party interests must face the consequences, as their actions harm the entire nation.
By adhering to the principle of development continuity, grounded in Articles 35(7) and 36(2)(d) of the Constitution and supported by the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, the Mahama administration can set a precedent for future governments. This commitment will pave the way for sustainable progress, improved public trust, and a stronger Ghana.
