Beware of Political Smokescreen: Dr. Tom Asiseh, Founder of Ghanaian Diaspora Movement writes – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction: Ghana at a Crossroads

Ghana, a nation rich in human and natural resources, faces systemic stagnation despite its potential. Dr. Tom Asiseh, founder of the Ghanaian Diaspora Movement (GDM), argues in his piece for *Life Pulse Daily* that the country’s challenges stem not from a lack of ideas or effort but from a loss of “systemic course.” This article dissects Asiseh’s critique of Ghana’s governance, his proposal for a “reset” through decentralization, and the ethical and cultural reforms he envisions to revive national progress.

Analysis: The National Reset Agenda

The Lost Blueprint: Why the Reset System Failed

Asiseh traces Ghana’s struggles to the collapse of President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset System,” launched in April 2019. Initially hailed as a “model for national reawakening,” the policy aimed to rebuild Ghana’s moral, structural, and financial foundations. However, it was overshadowed by short-term fixes like the 24-hour economy—a politically convenient slogan that diverted attention from deeper systemic reforms.

Decoding the Reset System

The Reset System, Asiseh clarifies, is not a partisan agenda but a governance philosophy. Its pillars include:

• Decentralization: Empowering Ghana’s 16 regions to self-govern through advisory councils and independently elected regional administrators.
• Ethical Leadership: Prioritizing institutional integrity and community-driven decision-making over technocratic policies.
• Diaspora Engagement: Leveraging Ghanaian expatriates’ resources and insights to fuel development.

Summarizing the Core Argument

Ghana’s Governance Crisis

Asiseh positions Ghana’s current state as one of policy fragmentation. The country, he argues, has prioritized campaign-driven promises (e.g., the “24-hour economy”) over durable systems. Without a cohesive framework, progress remains cyclical and unsustainable.

The Case for Systemic Transformation

The author contrasts Ghana’s approach with developed nations that built their success on governance structures emphasizing accountability, shared responsibility, and long-term planning. Ghana’s “reset” must mirror this model, transitioning from reactive policies to proactive systems.

Key Points: Pillars of the Reset System

Decentralization: Breaking Centralized Cycles

Asiseh advocates for devolving power to regional administrators chosen for merit, not political loyalty. He envisions advisory councils comprising paramount chiefs, women, men, and youth to ensure inclusive development. This model, he claims,

Ethical Governance and Cultural Revival

Central to the reset is the revival of “God-centered values” and consensus-based leadership—echoing precolonial governance systems. Chiefs and community leaders should be reintegrated into decision-making, bridging the gap between politicians and citizens.

Security and Anti-Corruption

Decentralization, Asiseh contends, enhances national security by fostering local accountability. Empowered regional governance can combat corruption by making bureaucratic malfeasance more visible and traceable.

Practical Advice: Implementing a National Reset

Steps for Regional Autonomy

1. Amend the constitution to recognize regional advisory councils with budgetary authority.
2. Codify criteria for selecting regional administrators based on expertise, not party affiliation.
3. Establish legal frameworks for interregional collaboration to prevent fragmentation.

Engaging the Ghanaian Diaspora

Asiseh urges policies to incentivize diaspora investment, such as tax breaks for tech hubs or diaspora-run businesses. He highlights the movement’s role in mobilizing resources and global advocacy.

Reclaiming Chieftaincy

Reviving traditional leadership structures requires constitutional recognition of chiefs as formal partners in governance. This could involve advisory roles in regional councils or dispute resolution mechanisms.

Points of Caution: Challenges Ahead

Political Resistance

Decentralization risks opposition from entrenched central authorities. Asiseh acknowledges the difficulty of shifting power away from Accra’s bureaucratic hub, which benefits from concentrated control.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Reintegrating chieftaincy must avoid romanticizing precolonial systems. Asiseh emphasizes the need for transparency mechanismshtml

Introduction: Ghana at a Crossroads

Ghana, a nation rich in human and natural resources, faces systemic stagnation despite its potential. Dr. Tom Asiseh, founder of the Ghanaian Diaspora Movement (GDM), argues in his piece for *Life Pulse Daily* that the country’s challenges stem not from a lack of ideas or effort but from a loss of “systemic course.” This article dissects Asiseh’s critique of Ghana’s governance, his proposal for a “reset” through decentralization, and the ethical and cultural reforms he envisions to revive national progress.

Analysis: The National Reset Agenda

The Lost Blueprint: Why the Reset System Failed

Asiseh traces Ghana’s struggles to the collapse of President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset System,” launched in April 2019. Initially hailed as a “model for national reawakening,” the policy aimed to rebuild Ghana’s moral, structural, and financial foundations. However, it was overshadowed by short-term fixes like the 24-hour economy—a politically convenient slogan that diverted attention from deeper systemic reforms.

Decoding the Reset System

The Reset System, Asiseh clarifies, is not a partisan agenda but a governance philosophy. Its pillars include:

• Decentralization: Empowering Ghana’s 16 regions to self-govern through advisory councils and independently elected regional administrators.
• Ethical Leadership: Prioritizing institutional integrity and community-driven decision-making over technocratic policies.
• Diaspora Engagement: Leveraging Ghanaian expatriates’ resources and insights to fuel development.

Summarizing the Core Argument

Ghana’s Governance Crisis

Asiseh positions Ghana’s current state as one of policy fragmentation. The country, he argues, has prioritized campaign-driven promises (e.g., the “24-hour economy”) over durable systems. Without a cohesive framework, progress remains cyclical and unsustainable.

The Case for Systemic Transformation

The author contrasts Ghana’s approach with developed nations that built their success on governance structures emphasizing accountability, shared responsibility, and long-term planning. Ghana’s “reset” must mirror this model, transitioning from reactive policies to proactive systems.

Key Points: Pillars of the Reset System

Decentralization: Breaking Centralized Cycles

Asiseh advocates for devolving power to regional administrators chosen for merit, not political loyalty. He envisions advisory councils comprising paramount chiefs, women, men, and youth to ensure inclusive development. This model, he claims,

Ethical Governance and Cultural Revival

Central to the reset is the revival of “God-centered values” and consensus-based leadership—echoing precolonial governance systems. Chiefs and community leaders should be reintegrated into decision-making, bridging the gap between politicians and citizens.

Security and Anti-Corruption

Decentralization, Asiseh contends, enhances national security by fostering local accountability. Empowered regional governance can combat corruption by making bureaucratic malfeasance more visible and traceable.

Practical Advice: Implementing a National Reset

Steps for Regional Autonomy

1. Amend the constitution to recognize regional advisory councils with budgetary authority.
2. Codify criteria for selecting regional administrators based on expertise, not party affiliation.
3. Establish legal frameworks for interregional collaboration to prevent fragmentation.

Engaging the Ghanaian Diaspora

Asiseh urges policies to incentivize diaspora investment, such as tax breaks for tech hubs or diaspora-run businesses. He highlights the movement’s role in mobilizing resources and global advocacy.

Reclaiming Chieftaincy

Reviving traditional leadership structures requires constitutional recognition of chiefs as formal partners in governance. This could involve advisory roles in regional councils or dispute resolution mechanisms.

Points of Caution: Challenges Ahead

Political Resistance

Decentralization risks opposition from entrenched central authorities. Asiseh acknowledges the difficulty of shifting power away from Accra’s bureaucratic hub, which benefits from concentrated control.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Reintegrating chieftaincy must avoid romanticizing precolonial systems. Asiseh emphasizes the need for transparency mechanisms to prevent misuse of traditional authority.

Economic Risks of Local Empowerment

While localized governance could attract diaspora investment, Asiseh warns of uneven development if regions lack the capacity to manage resources effectively. Training and oversight are critical.

Legal Implications: A Path Forward

Asiseh’s proposals necessitate constitutional amendments to formalize decentralization. He notes that legal frameworks for advisory councils and regional autonomy would require legislative consensus, a hurdle given Ghana’s tradition of centralized governance.

Conclusion: Renewal Through Systemic Change

Ghana’s path to sustainable progress lies not in partisan slogans but in systemic overhauls. Asiseh’s vision—anchored in decentralization, ethical leadership, and cultural revival—offers a blueprint for rebuilding national cohesion. The reset demands collective will, but as the writer stresses, “Ghana belongs to all of us.”

FAQ: Addressing Key Questions

What is the Ghanaian Diaspora Movement?

The GDM, founded by Asiseh, advocates for diaspora-led development and policy reforms. It seeks to bridge the gap between Ghana and its expatriates through collaborative governance models.

How would decentralization reduce corruption?

By localizing power, communities gain visibility into governance, reducing opportunities for bureaucratic abuse. Asiseh cites examples from developed nations where regional accountability bolstered transparency.

Are there legal barriers to implementing this reset?

Constitutional amendments would be required to devolve power formally. Asiseh highlights the need for cross-party dialogue to overcome political resistance.

Sources: Expert Insights and Existing Frameworks

The article references:

• Mahama’s Reset System (2019), focusing on accountability and economic reforms.
• Academic studies on decentralization in post-colonial African states.
• Ghana’s Chieftaincy Act (2022) and challenges in integrating traditional leadership.

About the Author

Dr. Tom Asiseh, founder of the Ghanaian Diaspora Movement, is an independent presidential aspirant advocating for value-based governance. His work emphasizes diaspora engagement and systemic reforms to address Ghana’s developmental gaps.

This article reflects the views of the writer and not necessarily those of the publication.