Kennedy Agyapong, a prospective presidential contender in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2018 presidential primaries, claims that one of the causes of our problems is the degree of dishonesty among Ghanaians.
The legislator claims that taxpayers and business owners are dishonest when filing their tax returns or when reporting the duty they pay after importation.
He explained that because there is such a high level of dishonesty, some hospitals that import medical equipment or get gifts only donate a portion of the equipment and sell the remainder.
He remarked that this was horrible since it implied that hospitals were abusing the system to avoid paying customs on the goods they sold.
These, in his opinion, are some of the causes for the government’s introduction of policies that strike business owners in the nation as severe.
He pointed out that the Lebanese and Indians hired their citizens to work for them because they were aware of how dishonest Ghanaians were, depriving Ghanaians of possibilities.
He claimed that Ghanaians have no conscience and only care about robbing their bosses, not even considering their dependents when they are at work.
According to him, “there is some mindset regarding Ghanaians where people who are honest and work as their employers want are castigated and humiliated for doing the right thing.”
Mr. Agyapong reiterated his desire to contest the presidential race and has promised to use his first 100 days to conscientize Ghanaians on the need, to be honest.
“I have expressed interest in contesting as President. If elected as President, I will use my first 100 says to conscientize Ghanaians to uphold and defend the good name of Ghana. If you are wealthy and cross the shores of Ghana, nobody respects you. So why can’t we develop Ghana? Some Ghanaians travel abroad to work and are adjudged the best workers. Why can’t we do the same here?
This is because the systems there work. Out there, you do not get your parents, an uncle, and your pastor to go and beg for you. When you are late for work, you will be sacked. If you fail to pay your rent, you dare not give your landlord an excuse, he or she would evict you. Why can we not do the same here?”
Meanwhile, he has opined that division is another major threat to Ghana’s development.
He lamented that there is no unity in this country because the country is so polarised.
He expressed his readiness to share his vision as president with the opposition NDC if elected as president so they can help him in developing the country.
“There is no unity in this country. The country is so polarised. If we don’t have unity, we can’t develop this country. I will share my vision with the NDC and let them understand what I can’t do so they will support me. That does not mean I don’t know what I want to do. That is what I call collective support. We want collective support and when we unite to develop Ghana, we can make a difference in this country,” he said.