Former Speaker of Parliament Aaron Mike Oquaye warns young people against entering politics for financial gain, calling it misguided and contrary to public service principles.

He posited that politics should be driven by a commitment to good governance, integrity, and service to the public rather than personal financial gain.He commended the dismissal of former Deputy Communications Minister Victoria Hammah over claims of amassing $1 million while in office, citing her remarks as a troubling mindset that undermines public confidence in leadership.

He made the remarks while speaking at the inception workshop of the European Union-funded WYDE Project in Ghana on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

“There was a young lady who was, some time ago, in this country, appointed a deputy minister by the president. In a few months, she was heard saying that she was getting ready to make a few million dollars. The president removed her, and appropriately so, because the purposive inclination was inherently wrong and unfortunate.

“What is your purpose for entering politics? If it is to make money, you will be in the wrong business, and your peers must all agree that this person is not fit to be a political leader of our people.

“In other words, the basic issues in politics must be those that you all basically agree upon and be in qualitative governance. Governance is not just about being a member of parliament.

“Governance is being an effective, knowledgeable, participatory member of parliament, because that is where you can really contribute to debates and for issues and for policies and development of our people,” Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye added.