By Anthony Kofituo MORRISON
Ghana’s parliamentary vetting process has long been a topic of national debate, often criticised for prioritising political affiliations over competency.
Recent vetting exercises have exposed systemic flaws, with nominees sometimes being endorsed based on party loyalty rather than their qualifications and experience. This approach undermines the principles of good governance, accountability, and national development.
The need for reform
The current system lacks a structured framework for objectively assessing nominees. Instead, it frequently turns into a partisan spectacle, where tough questions are reserved for opposition nominees, while ruling party candidates often receive a free pass. This imbalance threatens the credibility of the vetting process and erodes public trust in governance.
To address these shortcomings, Ghana must adopt a competency-based assessment model that emphasises merit over political connections. One such approach is the United Nations Competency-Based Interview Guide (UN-CBIG), a globally recognised framework used to evaluate candidates based on their skills, experience, and past performance.
How the UN-CBIG can improve Ghana’s vetting process
The UN-CBIG is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and effectiveness in the selection process. It does so by:
- Assessing Core Competencies: Candidates are evaluated on skills relevant to their roles, including leadership, problem solving, integrity, and technical expertise.
- Standardising Interview Questions: Structured interviews prevent bias by ensuring all nominees face the same rigorous assessment criteria.
- Fostering Transparency: A well-documented vetting process reduces political interference and enhances public trust.
- Providing Post-Vetting Feedback: Nominees receive insights on their performance, encouraging professional development.
Key steps for implementation
To successfully integrate a competency-based approach into Ghana’s vetting process; the following measures should be adopted:
Legislative Reforms: Parliament should amend vetting procedures to include competency-based assessments.
Training for Vetting Committee Members: Lawmakers must be trained in structured interview techniques to ensure fair evaluations.
Independent Expert Involvement: Subject-matter experts should be engaged to provide technical insights into nominees’ qualifications.
Public Participation: Citizens and civil society organisations should have a role in scrutinising nominees.
Conclusion
A reformed vetting system will strengthen Ghana’s democracy by ensuring that only the most competent individuals are appointed to leadership positions. By prioritising merit over political allegiance, Ghana can foster a governance structure that is transparent, accountable, and truly representative of the people’s interests.
The time for change is now. Ghana must move beyond partisan vetting and embrace a competency-based approach that guarantees quality leadership for national development
The writer Anthony Kofituo Morrison is the chief Executive Officer for the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Chairman Ghana Agriculture Sector Skills Body of TVET Commission (Industry Representative) Sectoral Advisory Board Member West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement University of Ghana, Advisory Board Member Farm Radio International Ghana, former School of Agriculture Management Committee University of Ghana.
He is an International Agribusiness and Skills Development Specialist, TVET Expert and a Development Consultant
Email: [email protected]
