Ghana’s Constitutional Crossroads: A Call for True Devolution and Regional Empowerment
Ghana’s post-independence development has been marked by periods of progress interspersed with stagnation. While the Nkrumah era witnessed significant advancements, subsequent periods have fallen short of their potential. A key factor contributing to this uneven trajectory is the 1992 Constitution, which centralizes power in the presidency, effectively rendering other branches of government advisory. This concentration of power has stifled local initiative and hindered the nation’s overall development. Ethnic diversity, rather than being viewed as a strength, has often been sidelined in national discourse. This reality must be acknowledged and harnessed for the collective good. A constitutional reform process is crucial to address this imbalance and unlock Ghana’s true potential.
A stark manifestation of the current system’s shortcomings is the mass migration from the North to the South. This movement depletes the North’s workforce, hindering its economic development, while simultaneously contributing to unemployment in the South, as exemplified by the situation in Kumasi. This migration underscores the urgent need for a genuine devolution of power. The UK’s devolution model, while complex and facing its own challenges, provides a valuable example. By granting greater autonomy to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the UK government has attempted to address regional disparities and strengthen national unity. Ghana’s constitution, drafted under different circumstances, has failed to implement true devolution, leaving local governments disempowered and hindering regional development.
Addressing this requires a thorough examination of the 1992 Constitution, particularly concerning decentralization, local government, chieftaincy, public services, and political parties. While the constitution contains provisions for the transfer of power to lower levels of government, these provisions have not been effectively implemented. This lack of true devolution must be rectified to unlock local potential and drive national progress. The current system’s failures are further exemplified by instances of presidential overreach, such as the dismissal of employees of state corporations and the allocation of resources to projects that fall outside the president’s purview. These actions, coupled with a lack of apparent awareness of constitutional limits and international norms, highlight the need for a system of checks and balances to ensure responsible governance.
Furthermore, the current administration’s handling of critical issues, such as the HIV epidemic and the Anti-LGBTQ+ law, reveals a lack of understanding of the complexities of these issues and their implications. This lack of comprehension, coupled with a perceived disregard for legal and constitutional processes, underscores the urgent need for informed and responsible leadership. The economic hardships facing Ghanaians stem from either a deliberate refusal to understand and abide by the 1992 Constitution or a willful misinterpretation of its provisions. Either way, the result is the same: years of economic suffering for the Ghanaian people. A constitutional reform is not merely desirable, it is essential.
The current state of healthcare in Ghana demands a comprehensive overhaul. Adopting principles similar to those recommended by the US Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry is a starting point. These principles emphasize patient-centered care, safety, effectiveness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity. A national framework focused on these aims, combined with regional autonomy in healthcare financing and research, is crucial for creating a 21st-century healthcare system. This system should prioritize local needs and empower regional authorities to tailor services to their specific contexts. Furthermore, a transparent and accountable pay structure for medical professionals, based on hourly rates and consultant fees, will incentivize quality care and attract skilled practitioners. This new structure should also incorporate clear complaint procedures and disciplinary mechanisms to ensure high standards of professional conduct. Decentralizing healthcare management, with regional health services agencies responsible for planning and implementation, will empower local communities and improve responsiveness to local needs.
Beyond healthcare, addressing the issue of street vending is paramount. The prevalent image of women carrying heavy loads, often with children on their backs, highlights the need for dignified and productive employment opportunities. Mobile markets, equipped with refrigeration and other amenities, offer a potential solution. These mobile units would allow vendors to display goods in a controlled and hygienic environment, while also enabling local authorities to regulate and monitor their operations. This initiative, combined with a broader push for skill development and entrepreneurship, can transform street vending into a viable and respectable livelihood. In addition, revamping Ghana’s markets is essential. Modern, well-equipped facilities with proper sanitation and storage facilities will improve food safety, enhance the working conditions of vendors, and create a more appealing environment for consumers. This modernization effort should be coupled with stringent hygiene regulations enforced by health officers to ensure the safety and quality of food products. Housing initiatives should prioritize locally sourced materials and sustainable practices, such as incorporating photovoltaic panels for electricity generation. Supporting local real estate companies and fostering innovation in affordable and aesthetically pleasing housing designs will stimulate the construction sector and improve living standards.
Tourism holds significant potential for economic growth. Investing in a clean environment, coupled with targeted advertising campaigns on international media platforms, will attract tourists and boost revenue. Regional governments should be empowered to develop tourism strategies tailored to their unique attractions and cultural heritage. Empowering cocoa farmers to sell their products independently of the Cocoa Marketing Board is crucial. Encouraging diversification into other cash crops, such as coffee and tea, will enhance agricultural productivity and create additional income streams for farmers. Regional Ministries of Agriculture should have the authority to manage and regulate agricultural activities within their respective regions, fostering local expertise and responsiveness. Security reform is essential. Regional police forces, accountable to their respective Prime Ministers and composed of members from the local ethnic group, will enhance community relations and improve security effectiveness. Financial incentives for accommodation should replace the outdated practice of providing housing, freeing up resources for other critical needs. Similarly, military personnel should be stationed in their regions of origin, fostering a stronger sense of local belonging and responsibility.
Addressing public health challenges requires a comprehensive approach. Regional Ministries of Health should be responsible for tackling issues such as drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis. Implementing clinical guidelines for drug abuse treatment, based on best practices from countries like the UK, will provide a framework for effective intervention. GPs should be trained and equipped to provide medical services to drug users, and efforts should be made to prevent drug-related overdoses. Regional health authorities should also prioritize the management of infectious diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections. Specialized hospitals and clinics should be established to address these specific health concerns.
Finally, addressing the challenges facing public services requires a fundamental shift in approach. Curtailing privileges in the civil service, such as government-provided accommodation and utilities, will free up resources for more essential services. Regional governments should have the autonomy to manage their own public services, including security, health, sanitation, energy, education, mobility, and migration. This decentralization will improve responsiveness to local needs and enhance accountability. Furthermore, allocating funds to regions based on their population and needs will ensure equitable distribution of resources. Public services should be tailored to the specific requirements of each region, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility. Regional courts and police forces will enhance local control and improve law enforcement effectiveness.
In conclusion, a comprehensive constitutional reform is essential to address the systemic issues hindering Ghana’s progress. Devolution of power to the regions, coupled with a focus on local empowerment and accountability, will unlock the nation’s true potential. Empowering local governments, strengthening healthcare systems, promoting sustainable development initiatives, and fostering a culture of responsibility and efficiency will pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable Ghana. The time for change is now.
