According to Mussa Dankwah of Global InfoAnalytics, Ghanaians should urgently require political parties to commit to de-politicizing state institutions in their manifestos, as the current politicization is having a devastating impact on the country.
Mussa Dankwah emphasized that citizens are clamoring for profound reforms in institutions and governance, and therefore, political candidates must commit to delivering these reforms as a priority in their manifestos.
Dankwah warned that Ghana’s challenges extend far beyond economic woes, joblessness, and educational struggles and that the country’s deeper problem lies in its dysfunctional systems and processes, which urgently need an overhaul to break the vicious cycle of inefficiency and stagnation.
“Woodrow Wilson, a leader of the Progressive Movement and the 28th President of the United States (1913-1921) is credited with the politics-administration dichotomy via his theories on public administration in his 1887 essay, ‘The Study of Administration’”.
“Wilson came up with a theory that politics and administration are inherently different and should be approached as such. I hope this theory is still being taught in our tertiary institutions because it is more relevant than ever”.
Mussa Dankwah
Mussa Dankwah revealed that during his studies for his HND in Accounting, he was instilled with Woodrow Wilson’s principles, which he still firmly believes in and adheres to 100 percent, highlighting the enduring impact of these teachings on his perspective.
Dankwah credited Woodrow Wilson’s principles with facilitating the development of numerous countries and establishing robust institutions by promoting the political neutrality of civil and public services, allowing them to flourish and operate effectively.
He expressed dismay that the government has excessively politicized the public service, extending to crucial positions such as medical directors, which should be based on merit and professionalism rather than political affiliation. “Why should we expect improved public services?”, he questioned.
Mussa Dankwah emphasized that unless citizens take action to reverse this trend, the prioritization of political party interests over the nation’s well-being will persist, perpetuating a harmful “party first, Ghana last” mentality.
Ghanaians To Demand Clear Commitments From Leaders
Mussa Dankwah further stressed that Ghanaians need to be precise and explicit in demanding commitments from presidential candidates regarding this issue, clearly outlining what specific promises and actions they expect from their leaders to address the politicization of public service.
Mussa Dankwah urged citizens to be clear and specific about the reforms they expect from politicians, demanding concrete commitments to depoliticize state institutions and ensure a merit-based public service, rather than vague promises or generalizations.
Mussa Dankwah pointed out that Ghana’s challenges go beyond mere economic revitalization and job creation, requiring a more comprehensive transformation that addresses the deep-seated issues of institutional politicization, corruption, and governance flaws.
Moreover, Dankwah lamented that the politicization of state institutions has rendered many boards of state organizations ineffective, merely serving as rubber stamps for executive decisions, rather than fulfilling their statutory roles of providing oversight, guidance, and accountability, thereby undermining good governance and institutional effectiveness.
“Reforms should include the prohibition of appointing card-bearing politicians to the board, fusing private and public servants into state own institution boards, and the board should be chaired by non-executive members of the board”.
Mussa Dankwah
Mussa Dankwah emphasized the urgent need for robust corporate governance reforms in state institutions, which may necessitate constitutional amendments to ensure effective oversight, accountability, and independence, thereby strengthening institutional integrity and performance.
Dankwah weighed in on the controversy surrounding sold state assets, pointing out the irony of discussing share buy-backs while expressing skepticism about the feasibility of such a move in Ghana, implying that the country’s track record on such matters is not encouraging.
Mussa Dankwah suggested that if share buy-back is a viable option, the management of SSNIT, if genuinely independent, could exercise this right to repurchase shares if the Trust decides to divest its interests, allowing SSNIT to regain control over the assets.
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