Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare, a Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, has expressed concern over the growing trend of political vigilantism and its implications for governance.
He pointed to recent incidents, including the storming of state-owned enterprises like the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) by party supporters, as clear signs of a dangerous sense of entitlement and disregard for the rule of law.
According to Prof. Azar, such actions undermine the integrity of public institutions, disrupt their operations, and threaten the stability of democratic governance.
“Winning an election is not a license for disorder, but a call to serve the nation with humility, competence, and integrity.
“Electoral victory is not an entitlement to jobs, contracts, or scholarships for party supporters. It is not a time for appointees to boast on social media about securing benefits for party loyalists”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
However, Prof. Asare emphasized that electoral victory should be seen as a mandate from the people to address the nation’s challenges and improve the well-being of all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliation.
He argued that governance must be grounded in the principles of meritocracy, where appointments and opportunities are granted based on competence, integrity, and a proven commitment to national development.
He contended that by prioritizing merit over partisan loyalty, the government can foster inclusive development, promote accountability, and ensure that public service remains focused on advancing the nation’s collective interests. “Achieving this requires a commitment to the politics of decency, not only from elected leaders but also from their supporters”.
The development expert emphasized that for leaders, decency entails managing public affairs with humility, transparency, and fairness.
He explained that true decency in leadership requires a commitment to ethical conduct, where decisions are guided by principles of justice and the greater good, rather than short-term political convenience or personal gain.
Prof. Asare further highlighted that decent leadership involves resisting the temptation to abuse power, sideline opponents, or engage in acts of vindictiveness.
Instead, leaders must demonstrate moral courage by prioritizing the collective welfare of the people over partisan interests.
Such leadership, he noted, fosters public trust, strengthens democratic institutions, and promotes a culture of accountability and inclusiveness in governance.
Prof. Asare Warns Against Betrayal of Public Trust
Furthermore, Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare emphasized that political party supporters must uphold decency by respecting the rights of others, refraining from intimidation, and avoiding the misuse of political connections for personal benefit.
He stressed that true victory lies not in conquest but in cooperation and collective progress.
Prof. Asare noted that the recent election serves as a clear reminder that voters do not hesitate to punish leaders who betray their trust.
“Political goodwill is fleeting. When trust is betrayed, the people will impose a heavy cost. No government is immune to the consequences of broken promises or lawlessness committed in its name.
“GOGO strongly urges an immediate end to all forms of violence, raids on state institutions, and acts of intimidation. Law enforcement must rise to its constitutional duty to protect every citizen, not just the politically favored”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
He further asserted that for Ghana to become “great and strong,” it must draw vital lessons from history’s harsh realities.
According to him, when leaders squander political goodwill through misconduct, corruption, or a disregard for public welfare, the people inevitably respond — often with irreversible consequences at the ballot box.
Prof. Asare stressed that public trust is not a limitless resource, and once it is lost, regaining it becomes exceedingly difficult. “True victory lies not in the spoils of power but in the shared prosperity of all Ghanaians”.
Meanwhile, he welcomed SALL to the 9th Parliament, highlighting that their representation in the House symbolizes the correction of the 8th Parliament’s most significant oversight.
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