Ghana needs a power-sharing system – Emile Short

Former Commissioner for the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) Justice Francis Emile Short has suggested that a power-sharing system should be formulated for political coexistence in the country.

He stated, in effect, that the winner-takes-all system, which seems to be characteristic of the current political system, should be done away with.

Justice Emile Short made the suggestion on Wednesday, June 11 on TV3’s New Day.

He was speaking on the upcoming consultative meetings of the advisory body of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) regarding reforms on the 1992 Constitution.

He said the Institute will begin the three-month nationwide meetings in Tamale, Northern Region.

The retired Supreme Court judge, among other suggestions, stated that if a political party goes beyond a certain threshold "like 40 per cent of valid votes" in an election, some key privileges like ministerial and ambassadorial appointments should be given even if it loses the presidential race.

Justice Short said one major cause of polarization in the country is the feeling of loss harboured by a party, which loses an election.

The deepening of polarization too can result in conflict, Justice Short said.