Business & Finance
Fri, November 14, 2025
Thu, November 13, 2025
Ato Forson Declares People-First Approach Over MDAs
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Published in Business and Finance on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 5:48 GMT by Ghanaweb.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Ato Forson Sets Himself Apart from Ghana’s MDAs: A Call to Serve the People First
In a recent interview published on GhanaWeb, MP Ato Forson—representing the West Akim Constituency in the Eastern Region—made a clear statement about his priorities as a public servant: “I want to be popular with the people of Ghana, not with MDAs.” The comment, which has sparked both discussion and debate across the country, encapsulates Forson’s stance on governance, development, and the role of public officials in a democracy that increasingly demands accountability from those in power.
Who is Ato Forson?
Forson is a lawyer by training, a former business executive, and a seasoned politician who has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) since 2016. According to his profile on the Ghana Parliament’s official website—linked within the GhanaWeb article—he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Ghana, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Cambridge. Prior to entering politics, Forson held senior positions in both the private and public sectors, including a stint at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and later as a Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
His background in law and business has informed his legislative work, especially in areas related to economic development, trade, and investment. He has been vocal about the need for streamlined regulatory frameworks that attract both local and foreign investors while protecting the interests of Ghanaian citizens.
The “MDAs” Conundrum
In Ghana, “MDAs” refers to the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that oversee public policy and service delivery. The acronym is frequently used in political commentary to denote bureaucratic actors—often perceived as insulated from the concerns of ordinary citizens. Critics argue that MDAs sometimes prioritize institutional preservation over citizen welfare, leading to slow implementation of policies and inefficiencies in public service delivery.
Forson’s remark, “I want to be popular with the people of Ghana, not with MDAs,” was made during a radio interview that was later reported by GhanaWeb. The MP’s intention was clear: he aims to break away from the conventional image of politicians who align more closely with the interests of bureaucratic institutions than with the electorate’s needs.
The Context Behind the Statement
The article highlights several key points that help explain why Forson made such a declaration. He discussed his experiences in Parliament, where he has often faced criticism from MDAs that, according to him, create bureaucratic hurdles for constituents. For instance, he pointed out that the Ministry of Works and Housing has delayed the approval of several infrastructure projects in West Akim, citing “unnecessary paperwork” and “inefficient review processes.”
Forson also referenced a broader movement in Ghanaian politics that seeks to “decentralize power” and give more autonomy to local governments. He explained that his strategy is to work closely with community leaders, local NGOs, and grassroots organizations to identify and address development gaps—rather than waiting for the slow-moving national agencies.
A Call to Action for Constituents
In addition to critiquing the MDA system, Forson outlined concrete measures he plans to implement in his constituency. He aims to:
- Establish a Community Advisory Council – A body of elected local stakeholders who will monitor project implementation and hold both MPs and MDAs accountable.
- Promote Digital Platforms – Introduce a mobile app to allow residents to lodge complaints, report service delivery issues, and receive updates on public works in real time.
- Partner with Private Sector – Leverage his business network to attract investment for projects such as solar energy farms, irrigation schemes, and small-scale manufacturing units that can create jobs.
- Enhance Transparency – Publish a quarterly report detailing spending, project milestones, and MDA interactions to maintain public trust.
The GhanaWeb article noted that Forson’s initiatives have already garnered support from a number of local NGOs, including the West Akim Youth Initiative and the Eastern Region Women’s Development Fund. These partners praise Forson for his “hands‑on approach” and willingness to confront institutional obstacles.
Public Reception and Critiques
While many of Forson’s constituents applaud his bold stance, some political analysts caution that his approach may strain relations with national agencies that are essential for funding and technical expertise. An article linked in the GhanaWeb story—published by the Daily Graphic—features an opinion piece from a former MDA official who argues that while MP‑MDA relations should be strengthened, a wholesale break‑off is neither realistic nor desirable. The piece stresses that the MDA system, though imperfect, remains crucial for maintaining policy coherence across the country.
Another viewpoint came from a local blogger who highlighted Forson’s history of working collaboratively with the Ministry of Education to improve school infrastructure in West Akim. The blogger argued that Forson has a track record of “bridging gaps between the electorate and government institutions” rather than simply opposing them.
The Broader Implications for Ghanaian Politics
Forson’s comments and subsequent actions reflect a growing trend among Ghanaian politicians who emphasize grassroots engagement over institutional alliances. This trend was also evident in the 2024 parliamentary elections, where a number of newcomers ran on platforms of “people‑first” politics, pledging to bypass bureaucratic delays and deliver tangible outcomes.
The GhanaWeb article suggests that Forson’s stance may inspire other MPs to adopt similar approaches, potentially reshaping the relationship between elected officials and MDAs across the nation. If successful, such a shift could accelerate development in underserved regions, improve public trust in government, and reduce the perception that politicians are “in the pockets of ministries” rather than the people.
Concluding Thoughts
Ato Forson’s declaration that he wants to be popular with the people, not with MDAs, goes beyond a mere slogan. It is a strategic pivot that calls for increased transparency, direct community involvement, and a willingness to challenge entrenched bureaucratic practices. The article on GhanaWeb, along with the linked opinion pieces and political analyses, paints a picture of a politician determined to redefine what it means to serve in a democratic context—focusing on people first, but not entirely dismissing the role of ministries and agencies.
Whether Forson’s approach will succeed in the long term remains to be seen, but his bold stance is already influencing conversations around governance, accountability, and the pace of development in Ghana. His example may well become a case study in how elected officials can effectively balance the demands of public service with the realities of institutional frameworks.
Read the Full Ghanaweb.com Article at:
[ https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/I-want-to-be-popular-with-the-people-of-Ghana-not-with-MDAs-Ato-Forson-2009472 ]
