A leader without ethics is useless – Kwesi Botchwey

Professor Kwesi Botchwey, Head of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) election 2016 fact-finding committee, has called on politicians in the country to exhibit a high sense of selflessness if they hope to win the trust of the public.

According to Professor Botchwey, the penchant of the ruling class to over focus on themselves at the expense of the general well-being of the people is the reason for lack of better attitude of the public towards development in the country.

Prof. Botchwey called on Ghanaian politicians to take a cue from the humility, candor and selflessness exhibited by the late Mills if the country wants to be successful in rallying the support of all for rapid development .

He added that a leader without a sound ethical base is bound to fail as he will not be able to achieve the real objective of leadership which is improving the wellbeing of the masses or followers.

Governance decisions, he added must also be tailored in addressing the concerns of the people and not empower the few elite in the country.

Prof. Botchwey made the heavy talk when he spoke at the 6th John Evans Atta Mills Commemorative Lecture at the University of Cape Coast in the Central Region on Monday.

The lecture was on the theme: “Ethicality, Democracy and National Development: The Legacy of President Atta Mills.”

He also used the opportunity to talk about the ideals of Prof. Mills of blessed memory. He as well spoke about the personal ethical character of late President Mills that helped him deal with whistle-blowing in the fight against corruption and political misbehavior.

About the Kwesi Botchwey report

Dr Kwesi Botchwey, former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, who has campaigned for the position of flag-bearership position of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His aim has been on the focus of unity and cohesion, define and give content to its social democratic policy.

Dr Botchwey is also a member of several boards and committees focused on international and African development. He has also consulted widely and continues to consult for major international institutions, including the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He has been advisor to the World Bank’s Development Report and the UNDP’s Human Development Report-the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), among others.

Dr Botchwey recently served as Chairman of a Panel of Eminent Persons appointed by the UN Secretary-General to review the UN-New Agenda for Africa’s Development in the 1990’s (UN-WADAF).