I Am the Bridge Between Ghana’s Past and Future – Kwabena Agyepong Declares
New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful Kwabena Agyei Agyepong has described himself as “the bridge between Ghana’s past and future”, citing his long-standing political journey and deep understanding of the country’s democratic evolution.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, the former Press Secretary under President John Agyekum Kufuor highlighted how his life and career cut across Ghana’s military rule, democratic transition, and today’s fast-changing technological era.
Agyepong on His Political Journey
“I am lucky enough to have transitioned the changes in politics in this country from the military era through the civilian transition to now, and also the technological advances.
“I see myself as a bridge, because I’m old enough to have seen what happened in 1980 through 1992 to the handover in 2001 and to now, where a lot of things are happening that our fathers never could have dreamed of,” he explained.
Mr. Agyepong emphasized that the roots of the NPP were built on values such as courage, sacrifice, dedication, and selflessness, forged during some of the country’s most difficult years.
Protecting Democracy Despite Challenges
While admitting that Ghana’s democracy has not yet produced the expected economic dividends, he cautioned against disillusionment and political deception.
“It’s important for young people to understand that democracy, despite its challenges, is far better than autocracy or military dictatorship. It took the sweat, toil, blood, and tears of many well-meaning Ghanaians to get us this far.”
He added that politics should not be about personal gain but about the welfare of the ordinary citizen, especially the underprivileged.
Social and Economic Concerns
Agyepong also raised concerns about Ghana’s rapid population growth, warning that the country’s infrastructure has not expanded enough to meet the needs of its estimated 35 million citizens.
“If we are not careful, we will be sitting on a time bomb. The nation must find solutions for the army of disappointed and disillusioned youth,” he cautioned.
Beyond economics, he stressed the importance of tackling Ghana’s growing social problems, which he said are gradually eating away at the fabric of the nation.
Personal Values and Upbringing
Reflecting on his upbringing, the NPP presidential aspirant credited his strong Methodist background for instilling discipline, respect, and integrity.
“It doesn’t mean you cannot disagree with your elders, but disagreements must always be expressed in a respectful manner,” he noted.
Conclusion
Kwabena Agyepong’s declaration as the bridge between Ghana’s past and future comes at a time when the New Patriotic Party is seeking strong leadership ahead of the next general elections. His message is expected to resonate with both older generations who witnessed Ghana’s political struggles and the younger population eager for change.
Source: My News Ghana
