Ghana’s democracy is often lauded as one of the most stable in Africa. Our parliament, despite its shortcomings, has long been a forum for robust debate, critical oversight and articulation of the people’s will.
But recent events in the vetting of ministerial nominees have exposed a House that increasingly resembles a poorly-run circus, where personal vendettas, political showmanship and outright hooliganism have displaced the solemn duty of governance.
This should be a moment for serious interrogation. The people of Ghana, grappling with an economic downturn, an underfunded health sector, an education system in distress and a digital economy struggling to take off, expect nothing less than a rigorous, policy-focused vetting process.
Instead, we are treated to an embarrassing spectacle of power-play, abuse of process and antics that serve nothing but the egos of a few elected officials.
Ghanaians all the world have watched the process and the Paper is convinced that they are disappointed.
Let us be clear: This is not parliamentary democracy. This is political thuggery wrapped in procedure. Ghana deserves better.
The people who wake up every morning to brave the traffic on our terrible roads (since we do not have sirens), work, pay taxes and entrust their fate to elected officials do not deserve to see their parliament descend into a pitiful spectacle of petulance and self-indulgence.
The Paper salutes the leadership of the House for the swift manner in which it has responded to this shameful act and suspended some members of Parliament.
We hope this will serve as a deterrent to others who think they can do anything and get away with it.
Enough. If our MPs cannot rise to the occasion, if they cannot carry out their duties with the seriousness the moment demands, then perhaps they should step aside.
The sad reality is that we are no longer shocked by these performances. That is the true tragedy of our democracy.
