In a passionate appeal, Hon. Abu K. Kansangbata, a former deputy minister under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called upon former President John Mahama and the leadership of the NDC to address a crucial policy direction that resonates with the expectations of many Ghanaians.
This call emphasizes the need to review the 1992 Constitution, particularly to reduce the excessive powers of the executive branch and enhance the separation of powers. He said such a review will ensure that Members of Parliament (MPs) serve their constituents more effectively by focusing on law-making and oversight rather than political appointments.
Abu K.K, as he is affectionately called, underscores the importance of MPs prioritizing national interests over personal ambitions.
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana has been the foundation of the country’s Fourth Republic, providing a stable framework for governance. However, over the years, concerns have emerged regarding the concentration of power in the executive branch. This concentration often undermines the principle of checks and balances, which is fundamental to a functional democracy.
Hon. Kansangbata argues that reviewing the constitution to dilute executive powers would enable a more balanced distribution of authority, enhancing accountability and governance.
A critical aspect of this review, he said, is the separation of powers. He contends that MPs often seek executive appointments, which can detract from their primary role of representing their constituents in Parliament. This dual role creates conflicts of interest and reduces the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight.
According to him, the government can foster a more robust system of checks and balances, ensuring that laws and policies reflect the people’s will by ensuring that MPs focus solely on their legislative duties.
Under the current constitutional framework, MPs are expected to represent their constituents’ views and aspirations in Parliament. However, as Hon. Kansangbata highlights, many MPs are more interested in securing political appointments than advocating for their constituencies. This trend is detrimental to Ghana’s democratic culture, as it sidelines the electorate’s needs in favor of personal advancement.
The 2020 parliamentary elections resulted in a hung parliament for the first time in Ghanaian history. This situation was expected to enhance bipartisan collaboration and ensure that both sides of the political divide work together for the nation’s benefit. However, the anticipated benefits have not materialized as expected. Instead, partisan politics continue to dominate parliamentary proceedings, with minority members often failing to represent the broader interests of Ghanaians.
One significant example of this disconnect is the passage of the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) bill into law. The E-Levy was highly controversial, with many Ghanaians, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized, opposing it. Despite this opposition, the bill was passed, illustrating the gap between MPs’ actions and their constituents’ interests. This situation underscores the need for MPs to be more responsive to their constituents’ needs and to engage in meaningful dialogue before making critical decisions.
Abu K.K also pointed to the recent demonstrations against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana as an example of popular discontent with government actions. These demonstrations, supported by a significant proportion of Ghanaians, called for prudent and judicious use of the country’s resources. However, despite the large turnout and strong support, the outcomes of these demonstrations have been limited. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such actions and the role of MPs in ensuring accountability and responsiveness to public concerns.
He, however, acknowledged the efforts of MPs like Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Sam George, and Alhassan Suhuyini, who have demonstrated servant leadership by effectively advocating for their constituents and the broader populace.
Another critical issue raised by Hon. Kansangbata is the politicization of student leadership. Traditionally, student leaders have played a vital role in advocating for the youth’s interests and holding the government accountable. However, this role has been compromised as political affiliations increasingly influence student leadership. This politicization undermines the ability of student leaders to act independently and advocate for genuine change.
Hon. Kansangbata’s call to action emphasizes the need for the youth to carry out their civil responsibilities and fight for their fundamental rights. By doing so, they can enhance the prospects of future generations and ensure that the government remains accountable to its citizens. The youth, as future leaders of Ghana, have a crucial role in shaping the country’s democratic culture and ensuring that it reflects the values and aspirations of all Ghanaians.
