Integrity and accountability are essential for Ghana's democracy. This is according to Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah, former Member of Parliament for New Juaben South. He spoke about the importance of selfless leadership. This leadership is needed to restore public confidence in how the country is run.
Dr. Assibey-Yeboah highlighted a growing problem. Many people are losing trust in leaders. This is a serious danger to national unity and progress. He believes public office should be about serving citizens. It should not be a chance for personal enrichment. These statements were made at the Osahene Excellence Lecture. The event took place at the University of Education, Winneba. It was organized by the Effutu Traditional Council.
The lecture focused on "Selfless Leadership and Public Service: Building Integrity, Trust, and Accountability." Dr. Assibey-Yeboah stated that many young Ghanaians feel disappointed with political leaders. They feel there is a lack of honesty and responsibility. Citizens want leaders they can rely on, not just intelligent ones. Trust is key for societies to thrive. It allows people to believe in their institutions. Good governance depends on this trust.
Accountability should be seen as a foundation. It is not a hurdle for leaders. Dr. Assibey-Yeboah explained that true leaders welcome scrutiny. They accept responsibility. They know that public trust must be earned constantly. This happens through good conduct, openness, and being consistent. He also mentioned that leadership is temporary. However, a leader's legacy lasts forever. History will judge leaders by whether they united or divided society.
Selfless leadership means putting citizens' welfare first. It means thinking about future generations. Personal ambition and convenience should come second. Dr. Assibey-Yeboah called for courage, humility, and discipline. He praised Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu. Mr. Afenyo-Markin's career shows resilience and hard work. He has advocated for transparency and good governance. Dr. Assibey-Yeboah also urged young people to be disciplined. They should focus on service over status. He stressed that true leadership is measured by responsibility.
The former MP also advised leaders to build strong institutions. They should not depend too much on individual personalities. Strong institutions are vital. They ensure democratic stability and long-term development. The lecture was attended by many leaders. These included traditional rulers, MPs, and religious figures. Students and residents of Effutu also attended. The discussion underscored the critical link between ethical leadership and a functioning democracy in Ghana.