Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, a prominent legal scholar and social commentator widely known as Prof Kwaku Azar, has presented a comprehensive 20-point plan designed to bolster the strength and internal democratic processes of political parties in Ghana. His proposals aim to foster a more robust and accountable political landscape by empowering ordinary party members, enhancing transparency, and minimizing undue influence in public governance. Central to his argument is the belief that strong, internally democratic political parties are essential for a thriving democracy. He contends that reforms are crucial to ensure these parties are truly representative and responsive to the needs of both their members and the nation as a whole.
One of the most significant proposals put forth by Prof Azar is the call for an end to disciplinary actions against ordinary party members for expressing dissenting views or criticizing party leadership. He argues that such actions stifle internal debate and create a culture of fear and conformity, ultimately hindering the growth and evolution of political thought within the party. Instead, he suggests limiting disciplinary measures to party officials and leaders, and even then, prohibiting outright suspensions from the party. This, he believes, will encourage open dialogue and allow diverse perspectives to flourish, ultimately leading to more robust policy development and greater responsiveness to the concerns of the electorate.
Furthermore, Prof Azar advocates for increased transparency and accountability in party operations, including financial transparency. He proposes capturing party affiliation during voter registration. This data, he argues, would provide valuable insights into voter behavior and allow for a more nuanced understanding of the political landscape. He also suggests state financing of internal party elections to minimize the influence of moneyed interests and ensure a level playing field for candidates from all backgrounds. This move, he posits, would promote greater fairness and prevent the undue influence of wealthy donors who might exert pressure on party officials, thereby compromising the integrity of the political process.
Another key aspect of Prof Azar’s plan centers on limiting party influence in public offices. He argues that excessive partisan influence can undermine the effectiveness and impartiality of public institutions, leading to cronyism and inefficiency. By reducing the scope of party involvement in public appointments and policy decisions, he envisions a more meritocratic and professional public sector, better equipped to serve the interests of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation. This, he suggests, will foster greater public trust in government and enhance the overall quality of governance.
Prof Azar’s proposal also includes measures to strengthen internal party democracy, such as promoting greater participation of women and youth in party leadership, ensuring regular and transparent internal elections, and establishing clear and accessible mechanisms for resolving internal disputes. He emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity within political parties, arguing that a broader range of perspectives and experiences will lead to more effective and representative policymaking. He believes that by empowering marginalized groups within the party structure, parties can become more responsive to the needs of a diverse electorate and build a more inclusive political culture.
In essence, Prof Azar’s 20-point plan represents a comprehensive vision for strengthening political parties and deepening internal democracy in Ghana. His proposals aim to create a more transparent, accountable, and participatory political system, where ordinary citizens have a greater voice and political parties are more responsive to the needs of the people. He believes that by implementing these reforms, Ghana can strengthen its democratic institutions and create a more vibrant and inclusive political environment for the benefit of all citizens. His overarching goal is to foster a political system where parties are driven by principles and genuine commitment to serving the nation, rather than by the pursuit of power or personal gain.
