Dr. Tony Aidoo stressed the need for structural reforms, accountability, and civic engagement to address Ghana’s parliamentary and democratic challenges.
According to Dr. Aidoo, Parliament has a Herculean task ahead, necessitating bold steps to enhance its effectiveness.
His remarks follow the recent vetting scuffle, the suspension of four MPs, and what he called the NPP and Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin’s boisterous reactions to the three affected NPP MPs.
Accordingly, Aidoo stressed that Members of Parliament (MPs) must undergo rigorous training to strengthen their legislative, oversight, and policy-making skills.
He argued that effective governance demands well-equipped lawmakers who can critically analyze policies, engage in informed debates, and hold the executive accountable.
“We need physical decentralization. Let the money go down there. The money belongs to the people. And therefore, you cannot centralize the physical regime and then come and lie that you are giving $1 million to every constituency when what you have constructed won’t come up to even $100,000.
“So, the politician needs re-education and re-orientation. The electorate needs the same thing, attitudinal change, and don’t look at your MP as the one who is coming to save you”.
Dr. Tony Aidoo
Beyond parliamentary reforms, Dr. Aidoo further underscored the urgent need for an attitudinal shift across all levels of political participation, from grassroots activists to voters.
He maintained that fostering a culture of accountability, civic responsibility, and ethical leadership is essential for strengthening Ghana’s democracy.
Additionally, he called for institutional reforms to ensure that democratic structures function efficiently and serve the interests of the people.
Dr. Aidoo emphasized that for Ghana to progress, both elected officials and the electorate must embrace a mindset change that prioritizes national development over partisan interests.
Without such changes, he warned, the country’s political landscape would continue to be plagued by inefficiencies, weak governance, and a lack of genuine accountability.
Reforms Needed for Accountable Governance
Additionally, Dr. Tony Aidoo stressed the importance of reforms that focus on honest, accountable governance, prioritizing the genuine welfare of Ghanaians over empty rhetoric and blame-shifting.
He criticized the recurring trend in parliamentary proceedings, particularly from the 8th Parliament to the current 9th Parliament, where political maneuvering and superficial debates have taken precedence over meaningful policymaking.
According to him, this style of governance has left ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of ineffective leadership and unfulfilled promises.
“The current NDC government must know that the electorate punished the NPP for the 8 years of the administration of this country.
“If the same thing occurs in the NDC, then all politicians must find a hole and go and hide in it. Because come 2028, it is going to be booty-booty”.
Dr. Tony Aidoo
Dr. Tony Aidoo further criticized what he described as the NPP’s hostile and domineering approach in Parliament, particularly within the Appointments Committee.
He argued that the party often conducts itself with an air of superiority, acting as though it possesses absolute knowledge and authority over parliamentary proceedings.
According to Aidoo, this attitude stifles constructive debate, undermines consensus-building, and ultimately hinders the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight and governance.
Meanwhile, the NPP has faced accusations of deliberately spreading falsehoods to defend the actions of its members in Parliament, particularly on the Appointment Committee during recent vetting sessions.
Critics contend that the party has sought to rationalize questionable conduct with misleading claims, attempting to justify their positions instead of addressing legitimate concerns.
This narrative has found some backing in a recent Global InfoAnalytics poll, which showed that over 50 percent of Ghanaians disapprove of Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin’s stance during the vetting process.
The poll’s results reflect a significant public outcry over the handling of the vetting proceedings and growing dissatisfaction with the NPP’s approach to governance and accountability.
Reacting to the situation, Dr. Aidoo expressed deep concern over the apparent lack of qualification and genuine commitment among many Members of Parliament.
He questioned the underlying motives behind individuals seeking parliamentary positions, emphasizing the need for structural reforms to eliminate these inappropriate motivations.
Aidoo noted that for many, the primary goal seems to be securing a ministerial appointment and gaining access to the associated financial rewards. “The money will flow”.
According to Dr. Aidoo, this pursuit of personal enrichment, rather than a genuine desire to serve the public, undermines the integrity of the parliamentary process.
He also noted that this has contributed to a disconnect between lawmakers and the needs of the citizens they are meant to represent.
READ ALSO: Bulls Retreat as Bears Lead First Session of February on GSE
