In a candid discussion, Nana Yaa Jantuah, former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), emphasized her concerns over the sanitation issues plaguing Ghana, as well as the need for accountability in government offices.
Her reflections on these issues, along with her perspectives on the current political climate, highlighted both her hopes and frustrations regarding governance in the country.
Jantuah began by expressing her disappointment with the state of sanitation in Ghana, emphasizing the impact it has on the public’s quality of life.
“Last night, I was thinking about it. What work can be done to clean the city of all the filth.”
Nana Yaa Jantuah former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
She urged whichever party comes to power to prioritize cleanliness in urban centers and set a clear, actionable work plan for the ministers responsible.
She proposed a systematic approach, advocating for specific accountability measures such as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for ministers, particularly in the sanitation sector. According to Jantuah, these KPIs should be reviewed regularly.
“After six months, you should come back and do a PowerPoint presentation of what you have done.”
Nana Yaa Jantuah former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
This approach, she argued, would ensure ministers remain active and committed to their responsibilities, rather than becoming complacent once appointed.
The Cost of Living: A Reality the Government Must Address
“Things are expensive, but you always hear the NPP saying that things have improved.” Her remarks reflect a broader frustration among citizens who feel that the government has not been transparent about the challenges the country faces.
“I want to wake up one day and I’ll hear the NPP admit that we are going through some crisis. Some economic crisis.”
Nana Yaa Jantuah former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
For Jantuah, such transparency would represent a significant step forward in building trust between the government and the people, something she considers vital for effective governance.
Respect for the Speaker of Parliament
In her discussion, Jantuah also touched on the importance of respecting the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, a respected figure who she believes is often treated unfairly due to his party affiliation.
She underscored that Bagbin’s position as Speaker should transcend political biases, emphasizing that “the fact that Bagbin is NDC does not make him any less the position in which he is.”
“The first time I encountered Bagbin was in 1992, 93. I was working at the GIPC as a young girl. And he was on a talking points program. The kind of grammar this man weaved was so well put together.”
Nana Yaa Jantuah former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
However, she clarified that her admiration for Bagbin went beyond his eloquence, noting that his views were always rooted in sound reasoning and depth of thought.
A Need for Separation of Powers
Jantuah voiced her concern about the blurring of lines between the executive and legislative branches in Ghana. She observed that, in many cases, the executive appears to exert undue influence over the legislature, which she believes undermines the democratic principle of checks and balances.
She argued, “We need to go back and look at our constitution, [we] need to dichotomize [the roles of the ] executive from the legislature.”
One of her primary criticisms was aimed at the lack of respect for the Speaker’s authority, especially regarding parliamentary appointments and procedural decisions.
She referenced recent tensions, where the Speaker’s actions were questioned, stating, “We shouldn’t treat Bagbin as if he’s a small boy.” Her remarks underscored the importance of upholding the Speaker’s role as a neutral figure and allowing Parliament to function independently.
The Role of the Judiciary
Jantuah also touched on the judiciary’s role in the political landscape, expressing concerns over potential bias and interference.
She quoted the Speaker’s comments from a media encounter, where he suggested that “the executive and the judiciary were in collusion,” thereby undermining the legislature.
For Jantuah, these words were not merely a suggestion but rather an honest assessment of the state’s institutions, coming from someone with a deep understanding of governance. “He was categorical about it because of what he knows,” she explained, highlighting Bagbin’s credibility and experience.
Political Party Loyalty and the Role of Independent MPs
Finally, Jantuah discussed issues related to political loyalty and the status of MPs who operate independently of their party lines.
“If you go independent against the prescribed candidate automatically, you lose your membership.”
Nana Yaa Jantuah former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP)
She argued that loyalty to party policies is fundamental, but independent MPs could add a diverse range of perspectives to parliamentary discussions.
In conclusion, Jantuah’s reflections highlighted her deep concerns over critical governance issues in Ghana, ranging from sanitation to economic transparency and the need for respect within political institutions.
Her call for accountability and transparency, particularly among high-ranking officials, resonates as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership.
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