Professor Stephen Adei, former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has issued a strong warning against the potential repercussions of removing key institutional leaders, particularly the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, following a change in government. He believes that such actions, especially if undertaken by the incoming President-elect John Dramani Mahama, would be detrimental to Ghana’s democratic stability, setting a dangerous precedent for future administrations and jeopardizing the independence and credibility of crucial state institutions. Adei argues that replacing these figures simply due to a change in political power would signify the consolidation of a damaging practice where each incoming president handpicks leaders for these independent bodies, essentially transforming them into political appendages rather than autonomous entities.
Adei’s concerns stem from the potential erosion of public trust in these institutions. The Electoral Commission and the judiciary are cornerstones of a functioning democracy, responsible for ensuring free and fair elections and upholding the rule of law, respectively. If their leadership is perceived as politically motivated or subject to the whims of the ruling party, public confidence in their impartiality and integrity will inevitably diminish. This erosion of trust can lead to increased political polarization, social unrest, and ultimately, instability. The independence of these institutions is crucial for maintaining a level playing field for all political actors and ensuring that decisions are made based on merit and the law, not political expediency.
The former GIMPA Rector emphasizes the long-term damage this practice could inflict on Ghana’s governance and national development. He argues that constant changes in leadership, particularly in institutions meant to provide stability and continuity, disrupt institutional memory, hinder effective policy implementation, and create an environment of uncertainty that discourages long-term planning and investment. This cyclical pattern of restructuring leadership with each change in government can lead to institutional decay and a decline in the quality of governance. Instead of focusing on nation-building and addressing critical development challenges, political energy and resources are wasted on restructuring and power consolidation, hindering progress and undermining the country’s development trajectory.
Adei’s cautionary message underscores the importance of strengthening, not weakening, these crucial institutions. He advocates for a system where appointments to these bodies are based on merit, competence, and integrity, not political affiliations. The selection process should be transparent and involve broad consultations to ensure that the chosen individuals command public confidence and are perceived as impartial arbiters. Security of tenure for these leaders is also crucial, allowing them to operate independently without fear of political reprisal and ensuring continuity and consistency in their work. This would foster a culture of professionalism and impartiality within these institutions, shielding them from the vagaries of political cycles.
The potential removal of the Electoral Commission Chairperson and the Chief Justice has sparked widespread debate and speculation about the incoming administration’s intentions. While some argue that a new government has the right to appoint individuals who align with its vision, Adei contends that such an approach, especially in the context of independent institutions, can be detrimental to democratic consolidation. He urges the President-elect to prioritize the long-term interests of Ghana by respecting the independence of these institutions and refraining from actions that could undermine public trust and create a perception of political interference. This, he believes, is essential for fostering a stable and prosperous democratic future for the nation.
Adei’s call for strengthening institutions rather than undermining them for partisan gain serves as a timely reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles and safeguarding the integrity of institutions that are critical for good governance and national development. He emphasizes that the true test of a mature democracy lies in the ability of its institutions to function independently and impartially, regardless of which political party is in power. By resisting the temptation to manipulate these institutions for short-term political gains, political leaders can contribute to building a stronger, more stable, and more democratic Ghana. This requires a commitment to respecting the rule of law, promoting transparency and accountability, and prioritizing the long-term interests of the nation over partisan considerations.
