Ghana, a nation with a rich history of overcoming adversity, faces a new and formidable challenge: the pervasive and debilitating influence of partisanship. This internal struggle, according to legal scholar Kwaku Azar, poses a greater threat to the nation’s progress than the historical battles against colonialism, military coups, and constitutional instability. While Ghanaians have demonstrated resilience in the face of external pressures and internal conflicts, this insidious form of political tribalism threatens to unravel the very fabric of the nation, undermining its institutions and hindering its development. Azar argues that partisanship has become so entrenched that it has superseded national loyalty, creating a climate where political allegiance trumps competence, integrity, and the collective good. This prioritization of party over country has weakened Ghana’s democratic foundations and jeopardizes its future.
Partisanship has warped the ethical landscape of Ghana, distorting the very definition of right and wrong. Acts of corruption, once universally condemned, are now rationalized and even celebrated when committed by individuals aligned with one’s political party. This moral relativism has eroded public trust and created a culture of impunity. Furthermore, key institutions designed to uphold fairness and impartiality have become susceptible to political manipulation. The judiciary, once the bastion of justice, is increasingly perceived as being influenced by partisan interests, compromising its ability to deliver unbiased verdicts. The media, too, has become a battleground for political propaganda, with certain outlets abandoning journalistic integrity to serve as mouthpieces for specific parties.
The corrosive effects of partisanship extend beyond the political arena, permeating various sectors of Ghanaian society. The civil service, responsible for implementing government policies, is plagued by appointments based on political affiliation rather than merit, hindering efficiency and effectiveness. Parliament, the legislative body entrusted with representing the interests of the people, has devolved into a forum for partisan bickering and political maneuvering, impeding constructive debate and policy-making. Even academia, religious institutions, security services, and student activism, traditionally considered independent spheres, have been infiltrated by partisan divisions, eroding their credibility and effectiveness. The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), once a powerful voice for youth advocacy, is now fragmented along party lines, weakening its ability to champion the concerns of students.
This pervasive partisanship manifests in tangible ways that impede national development. Successive governments routinely abandon projects initiated by their predecessors, prioritizing political point-scoring over continuity and the efficient use of resources. State contracts and scholarships, intended to benefit the most deserving, are often awarded based on political connections rather than merit, fostering cronyism and undermining the principles of fairness and equal opportunity. Ultimately, the pursuit of electoral gains takes precedence over the long-term interests of the nation, sacrificing sustainable development for short-term political victories.
To counter this destructive trend, Kwaku Azar calls upon Ghanaians to prioritize national unity over partisan loyalty. He urges citizens to advocate for policies based on merit and to hold their leaders accountable for upholding the principles of integrity and good governance. He emphasizes the need to restore the independence of key institutions, particularly the judiciary, shielding them from political interference. Judicial reforms are crucial to ensure impartial justice and restore public trust in the legal system. Azar stresses that history will judge Ghanaians not by their unwavering allegiance to political parties, but by their commitment to defending the nation and its interests.
Azar draws parallels between the current struggle against partisanship and Ghana’s past triumphs over colonialism and military dictatorships. He reminds Ghanaians that patriotism, the unifying force that propelled the nation to victory in those earlier struggles, must now be wielded as a weapon against the internal threat of political division. The ability of Ghanaians to unite for a common cause has been demonstrated time and again. Azar believes that by rekindling that spirit of national unity and prioritizing the collective good over partisan interests, Ghana can overcome this challenge and secure a brighter future. The choice, he argues, is clear, and the time for action is now.
