In recent times, Ghana has witnessed a surge in public dissatisfaction and distrust towards its governance system, marked by growing allegations of corruption, state capture, abuse of power, and impunity against political leaders.
Leading activists and concerned citizens have consistently voiced their concerns, lamenting the apparent failure of political leaders to address pressing socio-economic problems, which has fueled social agitation and protest against the ruling government.
Professor Stephen Kweku Asare, Democracy and Development Fellow at Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), in a scathing critique of Ghana’s governance system, underscored the severity of the crisis.
Professor Asare articulated the profound disillusionment among the populace, emphasizing that the country’s Constitution intended to safeguard democracy, justice, and equality has been manipulated to serve narrow political agendas.
This manipulation, according to him, has not only bypassed accountability but has also entrenched a corrupt status quo, further eroding public trust in governmental institutions.
Professor Asare further posited that such actions have severely undermined the foundational principles upon which the country’s democracy is built, leading to a palpable erosion of public trust in the country’s governance system.
“Rather than extolling the virtues of the Constitution, we’ve deployed it as a ruse to advance political agendas, bypass accountability, and maintain the corrupt status quo.
“The economic agenda has also focused on enriching a few connected people at the expense of the masses. The result is joblessness, hopelessness, and widespread economic disenfranchisement, leaving too many citizens struggling to make ends meet and losing faith in the nation’s future”.
Professor Stephen Kweku Asare, Democracy and Development Fellow at Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
According to the renowned good governance advocate, the once-promised economic prosperity appears to be a distant dream, replaced by a harsh reality where opportunities are scarce and the cost of living continues to rise.
Socially, Professor Asare noted that the situation is equally dire, pointing to a declining valuation of human life, illustrated by harrowing incidents such as ambulances abandoning patients by the roadside, leading to preventable fatalities.
This alarming neglect, he noted is paralleled by environmental degradation, particularly through illegal mining activities known as “galamsey”, which according to him has wreaked havoc on the country’s environment and local communities.
Systemic Decay of Societal Values
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development D&D Fellow, while decrying the failure of the country’s governance system, attributed what he described as the systemic decay of societal values to a collective failure.
He emphasized that it is not the time for citizens and political leaders to blame individuals but to recognize and address the broader systemic issues confronting the country.
“The path we are on is not sustainable. But this is not the time to blame Kwaku Manu or Haruna Atta. We have ourselves to blame for allowing this systemic decimation of our values”.
Professor Stephen Kweku Asare, Democracy and Development Fellow at Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
In a passionate call for reset and change, Professor Stephen Kweku Asare urged political leaders and citizens alike to recommit to the principles of probity, accountability, and respect for human dignity enshrined in the country’s Constitution.
According to him, it is imperative to insist on virtues that foster a just, equitable, and prosperous society, highlighting the importance for all citizens to join in this crucial effort.
As public protests and social agitation continue to rise, the message from a leading good governance advocate and civil society leader like Professor Asare becomes increasingly relevant.
It is time for a collective effort to rebuild trust, uphold democratic values, and work towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all Ghanaians.
The responsibility as earlier intimated by Professor Asare lies with both leaders and citizens to steer the country back on the path of integrity and justice, ensuring that the constitutional promises are not just words, but guiding principles for good governance and social conduct.
