Ghanaian entrepreneur and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edith Dzigbordi Baku, has declared her intention to contest for the presidency, saying the country needs fresh leadership to tackle corruption, unemployment and poverty.
Baku made the declaration in a statement issued on Tuesday, in which she criticised political leaders for allegedly making campaign promises without fulfilling them and prioritising personal interests over public service.
“Many Ghanaian leaders today keep making big promises, but don’t follow through. They say things will get better, but after the elections, nothing changes,” she said.
Baku alleged that some leaders “live off Kwame Nkrumah’s laurels” while ordinary Ghanaians continued to face hardship.
“Most of these leaders were born with silver spoons in their mouths and do not understand the struggles that the ordinary Ghanaian goes through.
“These same leaders steal money meant for the development of the country. This money belongs to the people of Ghana and is supposed to be of benefit to them,” she said.
“Our leaders live in luxury while the ordinary Ghanaian struggles with poor health care, poverty, and unemployment. It is wrong and unfair,” she added.
The businesswoman said Ghana needed leaders who genuinely cared about citizens and called for a woman to occupy the presidency.
“Ghana needs a bold woman as president. One who is not afraid to speak the truth and take action.
“A woman who will stand for honesty, fight corruption, and work hard to clean up the system that has been filled with lies and corruption,” she said.
Baku said the country deserved leadership anchored on discipline, fairness and development.
“Ghana deserves a leader who puts the people first, not her pocket. A woman who will bring discipline, fairness, and real development.
“It is time for fresh leadership, new ideas, and serious change. Ghana needs a mother of the nation who will clean the country thoroughly,” she declared.
She said her decision to seek the presidency was motivated by a desire to effect change rather than pursue political power.
“I am stepping forward not because I want power but because I want to change.
“I want to see a country where leaders serve and take action, not just make mere promises. We are tired of watching our leaders make empty promises, steal from the people, and leave our country behind,” she said.
Baku also pledged to promote equality before the law, saying political office holders should be held accountable for their actions.
“I want to build a Ghana where no one is above the law. Not ministers, MPs, or even the president.
“For too long, we have watched powerful people break the law and walk away freely, while ordinary citizens suffer for small mistakes. This must stop,” she said.
On labour reforms, Baku proposed a system under which workers would be remunerated according to the hours they work rather than solely on fixed monthly salaries.
“If Ghanaians give me the chance, I will introduce policies that reward hard work.
“I believe it is time for a woman to rise and lead our motherland. I am that woman,” she said.
