#GhanaPolitics #Governance #Democracy #Constitution #NationalInterest
In every democracy, the Constitution is supposed to be the supreme guide for governance, not a political tool that becomes important only when a party is in opposition. Ghana’s 1992 Constitution was created to protect the rights of citizens, strengthen institutions, and ensure accountability regardless of which political party is in power. That responsibility belongs to every government whether Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP, or John Dramani Mahama and the NDC.
Today, many Ghanaians are hearing strong statements from Dr. Bawumia and sections of the NPP about constitutionalism, governance, accountability, and the protection of rights. But this raises important national questions: why are some of these concerns being loudly raised today when many Ghanaians expected the same energy during the eight years the NPP was in power? Why did some leaders remain silent when controversial decisions were made under the administration of Nana Akufo-Addo?
These are not questions of hatred or political rivalry. They are questions of consistency, democratic accountability, and respect for the Ghanaian people.
One of the most significant examples came from the Supreme Court’s ruling on the removal of former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo. Ghana’s Supreme Court unanimously declared President Akufo-Addo’s directive ordering Domelevo to proceed on leave as unconstitutional. The court held that the directive violated the constitutional independence of the Auditor-General’s office, an institution specifically protected under the Constitution.
That ruling was not delivered by political commentators. It came from Ghana’s highest court.
So the obvious question to Dr. Bawumia becomes:
If constitutional governance is suddenly a major concern today, where was this strong public defense of constitutional principles when the Supreme Court itself ruled that actions under the government he served in were unconstitutional?
Another important example involved the Imposition of Restrictions Act during the COVID-19 period. The Supreme Court ruled that the law used to impose restrictions on citizens was unconstitutional because it gave excessive powers that conflicted with constitutional protections and checks and balances. Again, this was not opposition propaganda. It was a constitutional determination by the judiciary.
This does not mean every achievement of the Akufo-Addo administration should be ignored. Governments are complex, and every administration records both successes and failures. Ghana witnessed major infrastructure projects, digitalization efforts, social intervention programs, and improvements in some sectors during the NPP era. At the same time, many citizens also experienced severe economic hardship, rising debt, inflation, unemployment, and concerns about corruption and governance.
The real issue, therefore, is not whether one party is completely good or completely bad. The issue is whether political leaders apply the same standards consistently when in power and when in opposition.
Ghanaians must reject selective outrage.
When constitutional concerns arise under one government, they must be condemned. When similar concerns arise under another government, they must also be condemned. Democracy cannot survive if politicians defend constitutional principles only when convenient for their political interests.
Dr. Bawumia must answer difficult but fair questions:
Why were many constitutional concerns not strongly challenged internally while serving as Vice President?
If some actions were wrong, why did the government continue with them until the courts intervened?
Why should citizens believe current criticisms are based on principle rather than political strategy?
What lessons has the NPP learned from the Supreme Court rulings against some actions of the previous administration?
These are legitimate democratic questions.
Likewise, the NDC and every future government must also understand that citizens expect accountability from all sides. Ghana does not belong to any political party. The country belongs to the people.
Political power is temporary. National development is permanent.
The Constitution was not written for the convenience of politicians. It was written to protect ordinary Ghanaians the trader in Kumasi, the farmer in Tamale, the teacher in Cape Coast, the nurse in Wa, and the unemployed graduate struggling to survive in Accra.
That is why governance must move beyond propaganda and partisan loyalty. Citizens need leaders who will protect institutions, strengthen the rule of law, create jobs, improve healthcare, invest in education, and build infrastructure regardless of which party receives the political credit.
Ghana cannot develop if every administration spends more time attacking opponents than building the nation.
The future of Ghana will not be secured by slogans, political insults, or selective constitutional arguments. It will be secured by honesty, accountability, consistency, and leadership that places the country above party interests.
As citizens, Ghanaians must continue demanding better governance from every political party. Leaders must understand clearly that they are not managing private businesses or family property. They are custodians of a republic entrusted to them by the people.
And in a true democracy, the people will always ask questions.
By: Patrick Belebang Yagsori
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