Visit Parliament or Edinburgh Castle
For decades, Ghana has grappled with a constitutional dilemma. Like the anxious traveller in Ama Ata Aidoo’s poignant question, the nation continually asks itself: should power reside in Parliament or the Executive? Should we prioritize legislation or governance? Should representatives focus on their constituents or seek favour near the President?
This persistent ambiguity, often presented as a sophisticated “hybrid system,” is defended with arguments of efficiency, stability, and judicial economy. Proponents claim it saves time and reduces friction. However, the reality is far simpler – and more troubling. It’s a convenient arrangement, a recurring patch for a fundamental issue we’ve avoided addressing honestly.
The Constitution Review Committee’s recent recommendation – that Members of Parliament should not simultaneously hold ministerial positions – resonates with many Ghanaians. This isn’t a radical proposal, but a necessary correction to end a long-standing confusion.
The core function of an MP is clear: to legislate, scrutinize the executive, and represent their constituents. Yet, a significant portion of parliamentary candidates are motivated not by legislative passion or community service, but by the prospect of a ministerial appointment. They view Parliament as a stepping stone, rather than a destination in itself.
This ambition inherently compromises the integrity of Parliament. A legislator eyeing a cabinet position is immediately conflicted. Their loyalty is divided between the demands of representation and the expectations of the executive. Parliament demands courage; the executive often rewards obedience. Serving both faithfully is an impossible task.
This situation fosters a sense of abandonment among constituents, leading to a timid Parliament where debates lack substance. Representation becomes a mere performance, oversight a formality, and lawmaking a waiting game.
While justified with claims of economic efficiency, this arrangement has demonstrably failed to reduce corruption, strengthen accountability, or deepen our democracy. Instead, it has normalized the pursuit of power disguised as public service.
Therefore, the constitutional provision allowing MPs to become ministers must be repealed entirely – not amended or reinterpreted. Ghana needs to make a definitive choice about its democratic path.
This reform is particularly crucial considering the potential contribution of the Ghanaian diaspora. Millions abroad support the nation through remittances, skills transfer, and innovative ideas. Many would willingly return to serve, driven by a genuine desire to solve problems, not by the allure of ex gratia or political patronage.
The existing political establishment often views the diaspora with apprehension. A system reliant on “godfathers,” party financiers, and loans cannot easily accommodate individuals who are financially independent and motivated by principle.
The true threat posed by diaspora participation isn’t disloyalty, but freedom. Resistance to dual citizenship is strongest where political indebtedness is most prevalent. A system built on financial dependence cannot tolerate those who arrive with clean slates and fresh perspectives.
I recently witnessed this dynamic firsthand. A friend, nominated as a Municipal Chief Executive, possessed integrity, competence, and a clear vision. However, he lacked the financial resources typically demanded for confirmation by assembly members. He refused to yield, and within days, party donors offered loans – ostensibly as support, but effectively as a means of control.
The question of whose interests he would ultimately serve answered itself. While politics is undeniably expensive, we must resist transforming public office into a vehicle for private gain. The cost of political participation is not accidental; it’s a structural flaw, and the MP-Minister hybrid perpetuates it.
If Parliament were recognized as the ultimate destination for aspiring leaders, the calibre of candidates would change. Lawmaking would cease to be a pathway to executive power, and those genuinely driven by service and reform would be empowered to contribute.
Ghana must move beyond this perpetual indecision, this hovering between competing centres of power. It’s time to choose a clear path forward.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
