Private legal practitioner and member of the Operations Recover All Loots [ORAL] Committee Martin Kpebu has strongly defended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against claims that the party lacks ideas due to its ongoing consultations on major policy proposals.
Speaking on the issue, Kpebu criticized members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who have ridiculed the NDC’s consultative approach, describing such remarks as ignorant and misleading.
Kpebu began by emphasizing that before major policies or taxes are introduced, countries with well-established democracies engage in years of consultations. Using the United States as an example, he noted;
“You look at the US, years of consultation. So, I found it very strange when the NPP came out that it shows that the NDC doesn’t have ideas. I said ah, this is laughable. It means that people are not even reading.”
Martin Kpebu Private Legal Practitioner
He further questioned the competence of those making such claims, arguing that even a basic internet search would reveal that extensive consultations are a norm worldwide.
Kpebu insisted that even if a government is confident about a policy direction, failing to involve the public in the process reduces the chances of successful implementation.
“Sometimes, when you are very confident of what you are doing, remember that if the people behind you don’t support you, you won’t succeed. So, you do some of these things [consultations] to bring about a buy-in.”
Martin Kpebu Private Legal Practitioner
Referencing past national dialogue initiatives, such as the Senchi Consensus, Kpebu dismissed claims that the NDC’s consultative efforts indicate a lack of ideas. He called for an end to such arguments, stating that they only expose the ignorance of those making them.
While he acknowledged that not all recommendations from such engagements might be implemented, he stressed that public buy-in is crucial for governance.
He pointed out that President John Mahama’s establishment of the Operation Recover All Loots [ORAL] was an example of how consultations help address public concerns.
“When President Mahama saw that people were coming to him with complaints, he set up [ORAL]. And you see, at the end, more than 2,400 emails [came through]. Even today, people are still bringing in tips and complaints.”
Martin Kpebu Private Legal Practitioner
Kpebu stressed that social mobilization is often underestimated in governance, adding that inclusive policymaking strengthens democracy.
Genuine Leadership and Policy Implementation
Meanwhile, others emphasized that the real challenge lies not in the consultation process but in how policies are implemented. Thus questioning how differently the NDC government would approach key issues such as agriculture and corruption. However, Kpebu acknowledged such statements, saying;
“When Akufo-Addo came, he said he was going to change the Guggisberg economy. Is that not so? In eighteen months? We are here. It didn’t happen.”
“The emphasis should be on what we as citizens would do differently to make sure that this time it [Government promises] happens.”
Martin Kpebu Private Legal Practitioner
Kpebu warned that while leadership is crucial, it is not the sole determinant of a country’s progress. He asserted; “Citizens can’t sit back and say, oh, we elected you, fix it.’’
Kpebu further lamented the culture of greed among politicians, questioning how many enter politics solely for personal gain rather than for public service.
“Busia [former Prime Minister] complained about it—that in politics, what he had seen is that very greedy businessmen had become politicians.”
“The politicians are not the ones that Plato’s Republic discusses [as] the philosopher king. The one who is not mean, he doesn’t use power for personal aggrandizement. The one who loves wisdom [and] is forward-looking.”
Martin Kpebu Private Legal Practitioner
A Call for a ‘Mosaic Approach’ to Governance
Kpebu concluded by urging Ghanaians to embrace a holistic approach to governance, rather than depending entirely on political leaders. He warned against the simplistic notion that electing good leaders alone would fix the country’s problems. He said;
“In the social sciences, you always find that you can’t have just one adage answering everything. It’s a mosaic approach. We need a mosaic approach.”
Martin Kpebu Private Legal Practitioner
He cautioned the opposition NPP and politicians against making a mockery of consultations, reiterating that the world’s leading democracies prioritize engagement with their citizens.
His remarks serve as a reminder that democracy thrives on engagement, and policies are best implemented when citizens are actively involved in shaping them. By dismissing consultation as a weakness, political actors risk alienating the very people they seek to serve.
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