A renowned author and retired security intelligence chief, Kofi Bentum Quantson, has called for a return to patriotism and national values to address the moral and political decline threatening Ghana’s development.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at the launch of his latest book; “Ghana Politics: Some Harsh Words” in Accra on Friday, he said aid the country’s major challenges stemmed from the loss of love for the nation and the erosion of traditional values that once defined Ghanaian identity.
“All our problems stem from the fact that we don’t love our country. If we love our country, we will not do the things we are doing,” Mr Quantson said.
“Be patriotic, protect our national assets, and work for your country — that’s all.”
In the 268-page book, the writer examines Ghana’s political and democratic landscape, raising concerns about corruption, indiscipline, poor leadership, and “national hypocrisy” that undermines progress.
Through the 23 episodes, he offers a candid reflection on the country’s governance, national security, and accountability gaps, while urging citizens to choose change through action and integrity.
He lamented the gradual but steady loss of the nation’s values and dignity, adding; “If you lose your dignity as a nation, you perish.”
Mr Quantson called for a collective return to honesty, hard work and national pride, which he described as “the values that make us Ghanaians.”
On Ghana’s political system, he argued that the country’s current democratic structure had deepened division and acrimony rather than promoting unity.
“We have to readjust our architecture,” he said.
“The system we are running doesn’t suit us. It’s making us more divided and acrimonious. We have to find what will suit us, and not the imposition of this Western ideology of democracy. It’s not working here.”
The book launch adds to the author’s extensive body of work on governance, ethics, and national security.
“Ghana Politics: Some Harsh Words” presents what the writer describes as “a mirror of Ghana’s political journey,” exposing corruption and moral decline while proposing a rediscovery of civic responsibility.
Kofi Bentum Quantson is a distinguished author, journalist, criminologist, and retired public servant who served as Director of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) and Executive Secretary of the Narcotics Control Board.
A nonagenarian, Mr Quantson is credited with several works on crime, governance, and ethics.
These include “Ghana: Peace and Stability,” “National Security: The Dilemma,” and “The State, Security and Governance.”
GNA
