Too much partisanship dividing Ghana's Parliament

Read Article

Comments (63)

This article is closed for comments.

Read Comments Comments (63)

Vuvuzela 10 years ago

Has he changed now, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu? He isn't different.

Blame NPP for the problems.

Has he changed now, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu? He isn't different.

Blame NPP for the problems.
Kwesi Agbenu 10 years ago

The partisanship is in every institution:

Judiciary.

Supreme Court

GBA

GMA

TUC

CHRAJ

GPRTU

the BANKS

Military

Police

SECURITY AGENCIES

EOCO

BNI

GHANA IS DOMMED

The partisanship is in every institution:

Judiciary.

Supreme Court

GBA

GMA

TUC

CHRAJ

GPRTU

the BANKS

Military

Police

SECURITY AGENCIES

EOCO

BNI

GHANA IS DOMMED
OLD SOLDIER 10 years ago

Author: Gye Nyame...
This is the way the administration flows, they are only apologizing because the 91 year old decided that she was not going to take it lying down, other wise they would have rolled over her and done the c ...
read full comment

Author: Gye Nyame...
This is the way the administration flows, they are only apologizing because the 91 year old decided that she was not going to take it lying down, other wise they would have rolled over her and done the change. Shame on Vanderpuije and the whole administration. You did it to Ohene Djan and now to this sweet old lady. Hurray to Theodosia for standing up and speaking up.
Ghanaians should take a cue from this old lady and protest the evil, corruption, and hardships in the society. BRAVO Theodosia!!!!!!
GHFUO, be serious & change ur thinkin 10 years ago

WHO IS THE STUPID MP WHO SAID GBSTAR JERSEY SHOULD HAVE A PIC OF JOHN MAHAMA? THIS FOOL MUST BE STRETCHED N GIVEN 10 STRONG LASHES LIVE ON NATIONAL TV. WAT A FOOL....
INFACT, FROM NOW ON. ANY MP WHO MAKES A STUPID COMMENT MU ...
read full comment

WHO IS THE STUPID MP WHO SAID GBSTAR JERSEY SHOULD HAVE A PIC OF JOHN MAHAMA? THIS FOOL MUST BE STRETCHED N GIVEN 10 STRONG LASHES LIVE ON NATIONAL TV. WAT A FOOL....
INFACT, FROM NOW ON. ANY MP WHO MAKES A STUPID COMMENT MUST HAVE HIS/HER SALARY REDUCED BY 10%. FINE THEM N USE THAT MONEY TO DEVELOP OUR INFRASTRUCTURE. U WILL PAY FOR YOUR STUPIDITY...NKWASIAFUOR!
ATSU, HO 10 years ago

WE VNEED TO FACE THE TRUTH AND CALL GOOD GOO AND BAD BAD

WE VNEED TO FACE THE TRUTH AND CALL GOOD GOO AND BAD BAD
Kofius 10 years ago

Isn't Mahama the president of ALL Ghanaians ?. Whilst he is President his picture is equivalent to the Ghana flag. For ALL of us. Kwasi Appiah is Kotoko but Hearts fans support Blackstars. So SHUT UP

Isn't Mahama the president of ALL Ghanaians ?. Whilst he is President his picture is equivalent to the Ghana flag. For ALL of us. Kwasi Appiah is Kotoko but Hearts fans support Blackstars. So SHUT UP
Emperor D 10 years ago

Too much partisanship is killing the country. This is true because most of the MPs we elect do not understand politics. It is my suggestion that, there should be a special mass education in the country on how to chose a befit ...
read full comment

Too much partisanship is killing the country. This is true because most of the MPs we elect do not understand politics. It is my suggestion that, there should be a special mass education in the country on how to chose a befitting leader and a representative to guide the people in all elections. REMEDIAL CLASSES MUST also be organized for our MPs to understand politics. why they are there, how to serve the country better, and what the country expects from them as wll as needs from them. I belief this is one sure way to educate our MPs and to reduce too much partisanship in our parliament.
KOFFI 10 years ago

This type of party politics is proving to be unhelpful to the Ghanaian. Let us be bold to reconsider UNIGOV which will be devoid of partisanship. Let our political scientists work at it and fashion out a workable system along ...
read full comment

This type of party politics is proving to be unhelpful to the Ghanaian. Let us be bold to reconsider UNIGOV which will be devoid of partisanship. Let our political scientists work at it and fashion out a workable system along those lines. Many of the leaders who kicked against that system, I dare say, did so simply to benefit themselves by taking positions in the existing system but as we can all see they have woefully failed us! With UNIGOV, the country Ghana will be our party and all we do is to the benefit of all and not to any parochial institution or party.The partisanship and corruption plaguing this country now is beyond redemption and our salvation only lies in a non-partisan system as UNIGOV in which all facets of the body-politic will be playing its part towards the advancement of the nation state.
DKB 10 years ago

There you go again! Some of you just don't get it. It is the attitude of people like Vuvuzela who find themselves in parliament that has got us to this stalemate position. It takes two to tango. Only a sensible person would r ...
read full comment

There you go again! Some of you just don't get it. It is the attitude of people like Vuvuzela who find themselves in parliament that has got us to this stalemate position. It takes two to tango. Only a sensible person would realise both parties are the problem. The minute you start blaming one side, that is where the division and partisanship begins. This is not the time to blame one side so Vuvuzela wise up and make sensible comments to help move us all forward.
KKK 10 years ago

LET NO ONE PARTY GET THE MAJORITY IN PARLIAMENT.

LET NO ONE PARTY GET THE MAJORITY IN PARLIAMENT.
Vuvuzela 10 years ago

I know exactly what I am talking about. Don't you think I know NDC wears the same dark partisan cloak?

What I mean is simple: Those who fuel most the partisanship shouldn't be those talking about it at all, including NPP. ...
read full comment

I know exactly what I am talking about. Don't you think I know NDC wears the same dark partisan cloak?

What I mean is simple: Those who fuel most the partisanship shouldn't be those talking about it at all, including NPP. Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

When did those people first notice the partisanship anyway, since Mahama came to power? I bet, it wasn't discernible when Kufuor came firing from office all those who were not from NPP folk. Or it didn't matter that much?

I want this discussed and in fact I want superlative emphasis on it, like a public debate convened to draw sincere attention to it with more objectivity and focus. Passive outbursts in parliament where you have a band of unintelligent representatives forever behaving like childish idiots won't help anything a wee bit.

You ought to understand the ideal is not just talking about it but practically fighting the irresponsibility and the overbearing and ubiquitous indiscipline that prompt the attitude.
insight to the bone 10 years ago

ndc is trying to make us all foolishly believe that this is all about partisan politics but in reality its a feudal system of governance based on tribalism and ethnic affiliation . there is no partisan politics rather anti Ak ...
read full comment

ndc is trying to make us all foolishly believe that this is all about partisan politics but in reality its a feudal system of governance based on tribalism and ethnic affiliation . there is no partisan politics rather anti Akan movements , north/ south and east/ west divisions . it is the truth and everyone first asks what tribe does someone belong to before they even consider the substance of what was said . yes we have gone back not decades but centuries . personally i do not care who rules as long as they endeavor to do some good and secure sustainable development and jobs for our people irrespective of tribe , ethnic pedigree , religion or social status but that being said i know its impossible due to hegemony and chauvinistic religious tribalism not forgetting the opportunism of the satellite groups like the Gas and krobos. no matter how good the plan i remain pessimistic and realize everything will fail in this climate of greed , selfishness and no direction . ITS ALL ABOUT TRIBAL POLITICS SO WATCH YOUR BACK
GHFUO, be serious & change ur thinkin 10 years ago

THIS LEBANESE FOOL. HW3, GO TO LEBANON WITH UR DIVISIVENESS U HEAR. HOW DID THIS FAT FOOL EVEN BECOME A DEP MINISTER IN GH. I WANT STAB HIM IN THE BELLY. ABOA FUNU. THIS GUY WILL MAKE SURE GH IS SUSPENDED BY FIFA. FIRST HE BR ...
read full comment

THIS LEBANESE FOOL. HW3, GO TO LEBANON WITH UR DIVISIVENESS U HEAR. HOW DID THIS FAT FOOL EVEN BECOME A DEP MINISTER IN GH. I WANT STAB HIM IN THE BELLY. ABOA FUNU. THIS GUY WILL MAKE SURE GH IS SUSPENDED BY FIFA. FIRST HE BROUGHT THE ISSUE OF NDC HAS BROUGHT MORE SOCCER ACCOMPLISHMNT TO GH THAN NPP. WHO GIVES A DAMN. WE DONT WANT POLITICS ANYWHERE NEAR OUR SPORTS TEAMS, KWASIA. DO U SEE QUEEN ELIZABETH PICTURE ON THE ENGLAND JERSEY? DO U EVEN SEE HER PICTURE WITH THE FANS? SO WHY PRINT T SHIRTS WITH MAHAMA'S PIC? MAHAMA, FIND OUT IF YAMIN IS RESPONSIBLE N TERMINATE HIM THE SAME WAY YOU DID WITH UR SWEETOS HAMMAH...AH...CHALE WE HVE BIGGER THINGS TO DISCUSS. YAMIN THIS MOTHERFUCKER MUST GO FOR POST IN LEBANON, NOT GH....U FUCKING MUSLIM TERRORIST!
Apraku 10 years ago

Everything in Ghana is Partisanship, Press , Parliament,Radio Stations,Tribes
etc. question is where is the patriotism for mother Ghana? Unless that attitude is changed, we can't dream of a better Ghana.

Everything in Ghana is Partisanship, Press , Parliament,Radio Stations,Tribes
etc. question is where is the patriotism for mother Ghana? Unless that attitude is changed, we can't dream of a better Ghana.
Aden 10 years ago

Here we go again, Vuvuzela in parliament, the same old narrow minded partisan division.You need to broaden your thinking, your ideas and perspective. Your ideas are not any different from "blame the NPP". You blame your self ...
read full comment

Here we go again, Vuvuzela in parliament, the same old narrow minded partisan division.You need to broaden your thinking, your ideas and perspective. Your ideas are not any different from "blame the NPP". You blame your self for being narrow minded.
Vuvuzela 10 years ago

My post above responds to you as well, ^^ (° _ °).

My post above responds to you as well, ^^ (° _ °).
oba nyansani baako Pe in Ghana! 10 years ago

According to scriptures from proverbs chapter 12 to chapter 15 the Bible mentioned A FOOL AND FOOLISH 25 TIMES l want everyone to check that. So as our politicians are in Ghana now. Nkwaseado Sika ama won nyinaa abobo dam. ID ...
read full comment

According to scriptures from proverbs chapter 12 to chapter 15 the Bible mentioned A FOOL AND FOOLISH 25 TIMES l want everyone to check that. So as our politicians are in Ghana now. Nkwaseado Sika ama won nyinaa abobo dam. IDIOTS.
GTV-TV3 on WWW.OFMTV.COM 10 years ago

GHANA NEWS LIVE ON TV3, UTV Ghana, Metro TV, TV AFRICA, JOY NEWS, GTV, ADOM TV, Ghana Movies, Nigeria Movies,
Twi Movies etc plus HD Sports TV AND OVER 7500 TV - RADIO CHANNELS FREE ONLINE AT WWW.OFMTV.COM

GHANA NEWS LIVE ON TV3, UTV Ghana, Metro TV, TV AFRICA, JOY NEWS, GTV, ADOM TV, Ghana Movies, Nigeria Movies,
Twi Movies etc plus HD Sports TV AND OVER 7500 TV - RADIO CHANNELS FREE ONLINE AT WWW.OFMTV.COM
VAVIOTO 10 years ago

THIS IS A VERY USELESS INSTITUTION IN THE COUNTRY. DEMOCRACY IS NOT GOOD FOR GHANA. WE NEED MILITARY DICTATORSHIP RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! POLITICIANS AND DEMOCRACY HAS FAILED THIS NATION.

LOOK!!! POLITICIANS HAVE NOT LEARNT FR ...
read full comment

THIS IS A VERY USELESS INSTITUTION IN THE COUNTRY. DEMOCRACY IS NOT GOOD FOR GHANA. WE NEED MILITARY DICTATORSHIP RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! POLITICIANS AND DEMOCRACY HAS FAILED THIS NATION.

LOOK!!! POLITICIANS HAVE NOT LEARNT FROM THEIR MISTAKES. A REVOLUTION MUCH MORE HARSHER THAN RAWLINGS ONE IN 1979 IS BOUND TO HAPPEN AND POLITICIANS WHO ARE NOW FOOLING SHOULD GET READY FOR THE CONSEQUENCE. THEY SHOULD CONTINUE WITH THE CORRUPTION AND DISPLAY OF AFFLUENCE TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF THE POOR IN SOCIETY.
Aden 10 years ago

Who is this idiot?

Who is this idiot?
GHFUO, be serious & change ur thinkin 10 years ago

THESE EGOTISTIC FOOLS THINKS ITS ABOUT THEM. REDUCE THEIR SALARIES...

THESE EGOTISTIC FOOLS THINKS ITS ABOUT THEM. REDUCE THEIR SALARIES...
Elijah 10 years ago

I sincerely hope you people are coming to your senses and will start to put Ghana ahead of any political party. The way partisanship is permeating our society is not only bad for parliament, it is dangerous for society if not ...
read full comment

I sincerely hope you people are coming to your senses and will start to put Ghana ahead of any political party. The way partisanship is permeating our society is not only bad for parliament, it is dangerous for society if not curtailed and those who engage in in must be ashamed of themselves. The way certain members of parliament, especially members of the main opposition behave when parliament is in session is absolutely disgraceful and I hope their constituents punish them heavily at the next elections by voting them out. In this day and age where electronic media basically rules it is shcocking to see our parliamentarians behaving like bad school children, heckling and showing placards almost drowning the main business going on on a regular basis. Have they any idea how the world perceives them? That nonesense needs to stop and the sooner the minority leader realises that he needs to call his "school children" to order the better they are likely to save face. We must all learn to put Ghana ahead of partizan politics. I have said this several times and it looks like the "culprits" themselves are beginning to see that they are way off course. Thank goodness some sence is starting to prevail.
KOFFI 10 years ago

You are right but it seems you are also falling into the partisan trap as that behaviour did not start today. The present ruling party did same in opposition therefore let us condemn all of them for that appalling behaviour w ...
read full comment

You are right but it seems you are also falling into the partisan trap as that behaviour did not start today. The present ruling party did same in opposition therefore let us condemn all of them for that appalling behaviour which they always try to justify as being part of parliamentary practice.
Pelicles 10 years ago

The partisanship bickering and the foolishness going on in the "lion's den" is the fault of NDC because they think that Ghana is in their hands and can act anyway no matter how reckless their actions are. They want the oppo ...
read full comment

The partisanship bickering and the foolishness going on in the "lion's den" is the fault of NDC because they think that Ghana is in their hands and can act anyway no matter how reckless their actions are. They want the opposition to listen to them while they will "never" listen to them. Make sense? Ghana is for all and is bigger than any political party. Political parties will come and go but Ghana will still remain.
DKB 10 years ago

Boss like i said to Vuvuzela, blaming one side does not help the matter. When you attempt to resolve a problem by blaming one side, you will never make any progress sicne they will take a defensive stance. Both NPP and NDC ne ...
read full comment

Boss like i said to Vuvuzela, blaming one side does not help the matter. When you attempt to resolve a problem by blaming one side, you will never make any progress sicne they will take a defensive stance. Both NPP and NDC need to grow up, these are the two main parties in the country and i don't see that changing anytime soon so the earlier commentators on Ghana web also wise up and stop winding each other up, the better it will be for all of us.
MY PISTOL NEVER JAM 10 years ago

NDC AND NPP IS NOTHING BUT TRIBAL HATRED . VOTE FOR A PARTY THAT CAN UNITE US ONE PEOPLE PPP .

NDC AND NPP IS NOTHING BUT TRIBAL HATRED . VOTE FOR A PARTY THAT CAN UNITE US ONE PEOPLE PPP .
NAANA 10 years ago

MPS ARE THE MOST USELESS PEOPLE IN GHANA AND I MADE MY MIND NOT TO VOTE ANY PERSON TO BECOME AN MP.THEY SIT THERE TO MAKE USELESS THINGS LIKE CLASS ONE CHILDREN .

MPS ARE THE MOST USELESS PEOPLE IN GHANA AND I MADE MY MIND NOT TO VOTE ANY PERSON TO BECOME AN MP.THEY SIT THERE TO MAKE USELESS THINGS LIKE CLASS ONE CHILDREN .
Kate 10 years ago

people who are hungry for power will do everything to get it even if it will require betraying the whole country or considerable number of people dieing to make the ruling the party unpopular. That is the NPP for you

people who are hungry for power will do everything to get it even if it will require betraying the whole country or considerable number of people dieing to make the ruling the party unpopular. That is the NPP for you
DKB 10 years ago

Same comment to you Kate as i said to Vuvuzela and Pelicles above. This attitude of blame game does not help anyone. The duty of opposition is to challenge the ruling Govt on decision that they deem not to be in the interest ...
read full comment

Same comment to you Kate as i said to Vuvuzela and Pelicles above. This attitude of blame game does not help anyone. The duty of opposition is to challenge the ruling Govt on decision that they deem not to be in the interest of Ghana. Unfortunately we have a majority in parliament who will rubber stamp anything the Govt puts before them and an opposition who will challenge anything the Govt puts forward whether good or bad. The people in parliament are like you Kate, Vuvuzela and Peliclies who comment on issues based along political lines. With people like you who are quick to blame others without taking the time to look within yourself to ask what you can do to make the situataion better, What you can do to bring about unity and harmony, we will continue marking time with such baised attitudes with no proper progress.
Komla Agbeshie (Ho) 10 years ago

Who is this prostitute? Where in thus world that their parliament don't practice partisan? If the ruling party is incompetent and want to introduce something which will not benefit the nation,do you want the opposition to su ...
read full comment

Who is this prostitute? Where in thus world that their parliament don't practice partisan? If the ruling party is incompetent and want to introduce something which will not benefit the nation,do you want the opposition to support them ? Aboafunu ! Prostitute and aimless Kate
Kwesi Agbenu 10 years ago

The partisanship is in every institution:

Judiciary.:--

Supreme Court::

GBA

GMA:==

TUC:===

CHRAJ

GPRTU

the BANKS

Military

Police

SECURITY AGENCIES:

The Christain Chueches:

Muslims:
...
read full comment

The partisanship is in every institution:

Judiciary.:--

Supreme Court::

GBA

GMA:==

TUC:===

CHRAJ

GPRTU

the BANKS

Military

Police

SECURITY AGENCIES:

The Christain Chueches:

Muslims:

EOCO:---

BNI:---

GHANA IS DOOMED:
K. Asamoah 10 years ago

Osei Kyei said the budget is useless. How can he debate about it constructively. Until NPP stop this Tobia and Sanbalat behaviour they will never see the light.

Osei Kyei said the budget is useless. How can he debate about it constructively. Until NPP stop this Tobia and Sanbalat behaviour they will never see the light.
MP on retirement 10 years ago

Objective- retrieve all stolen cash, woyome, gyeeda, subah and all all .Ban NPP and NDC, dissolve parliament, NO KILLING, form new political parties banning ALL politicians of the past 10 years and beyond from p ...
read full comment

Objective- retrieve all stolen cash, woyome, gyeeda, subah and all all .Ban NPP and NDC, dissolve parliament, NO KILLING, form new political parties banning ALL politicians of the past 10 years and beyond from participating. Organise new elections in 3 months. Creste new constitution, put all Ghanaians on single spine including mps and president. take away ALL roles involving CASH from government. Change entry qualification for MP and president to include more value adding skills and some expirience in finacial/ people management. must have minimum one house and car to qualify so u dont come with an objective to acquire 1 million dolar before quitting? special court to be set up for any form of embezzlement of state funds with a maximum time per case not exceeding 3 months and minimum prison sentence of 5 years. Must have power to seize all known assets of such criminals and dispose same off through an autioneer before 3 months of sentencing . politics must be made a least rewarding job so that it can attract only people who genuinely want to serve country(there definately are still such people around). Nobody apart from the president or his vice must fly business class? and no politician should be paid more than 20% of his last paid job outside politics as a starting pay for at least the first 2 years in whatever political position. Every politician must attend an independent equiry handled by a private accounting firm paid by government to justify his wealth every 5 years. if he fails the test he should be disqualified. We must stop buying V8 vehicles for politicians unless they can prove that they have themselves been able to work hard to buy a vehicle at the price of 50% that of a V8. pOLITICS is not where to make money in Africa else then we must a party MUST be allowed to rule for only 4 years every 20 years or COUPS MUST BE ENCOURAGED so the cash can circulate. If u relate ET MENSAH or ALBAN babin OR THE aHWOIS u may not have any problem in this country because they have been at the helm of affairs for more than 20 years!! i hope u understand wher i am coming from.Africa is not like the Western world where u dont need to know somebody to progress. Here u can only go up when u know somebody. As low as passing JSS exams very well u may not enter the school of your choice where u have passed because the kids or relatives of some politician who did not pass has to enter the same school as a PROTOCOL candidate!! there is something VERY WRONG WITH OUR DEMOCRACY. For those in parliament i can only say they are over priviledged to be in heaven on earth, but in practice their ways and thinking are no different from the corporal in a military JUNTA. We all have to be careful for this level of mediocrity and cheating in governance may not be sustainable in the long run.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

Your radical, draconian prescription for dealing with the problem sadly isn't new. Nigeria tried it, leading up to their new system of parties currently running the show - It simply doesn't work and I don't see it working in ...
read full comment

Your radical, draconian prescription for dealing with the problem sadly isn't new. Nigeria tried it, leading up to their new system of parties currently running the show - It simply doesn't work and I don't see it working in Ghana.

A leopard can do everything, except change its spots. People will simply regroup under new names, and even if certain individuals are 'disqualified' from holding political office e.g. following investigations into corruption, their surrogates and frontmen will be at the helm and they will be behind, influencing matters.

What we need is a sea change in our political discourse, language, mentality, complexes and a focus on our NATION, national unity, oneness oif purpose with a view to improving the situation for all, and encouraging people in all fields to belive in Ghana and make their contribution to our national development.

We need a new breed of youth who are not tainted by, or influenced by party colours (and other linked considerations) to nurture leadership skills and help develop. If what is happening in NUGS is anything to go by, then we are a very long way from having such a prepared and mature youth to take the nation forward. It is regretable that even the studen movement has become so embroiled in partisan nonsense, they simply have lost their way and cannot be trusted as a genuine, neutral, Ghana-centric force to help move the nation forward. A real pity!!!
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

Surely the bottom line must be that people go into Parliament not simply to represent their parties' views and entrenched positions but above all to SERVE their constituency! The fact that we continue to have what appears to ...
read full comment

Surely the bottom line must be that people go into Parliament not simply to represent their parties' views and entrenched positions but above all to SERVE their constituency! The fact that we continue to have what appears to be a dysfunctional, disparate, confused parliament divided along party lines is a sign of the immaturity of those we send there and the fundamental faults with our system of electing people to the legislative assembly, not based on substance but more based on party, personality and MONEY!!!

The Japanese Supreme Court has just ruled that the system of electing members of their legislative assembly in 2012 was FLAWED and UNCONSTITUTIONAL! Apparently the parliamentary seat allocation system has been designed (over decades) to favour RURAL, rather than urban voters. You see, many of the retirees tend to move to and live in the rural areas, and have such a powerful voice in deciding who gets into power that the party in power continues to enact laws and set in motion policies to favour this large (and growing constituency) who then hold them hostage, to the detriment of national economic and development policy!!!

Interestingly, although the ruling was that the ballot process was unconstitutional, the Japanes Supreme Court did not call for annulment of the results, otherwise there would have been absolute chaos and a recall because PM Sinto Abe's majority wouldn't hold anymore!!!

Without further digressing, it is worth noting that we have at least a system which allows for a failry broad base of people of all backgrounds having the chance to enter parliament but what do they do when they get in there? Those on the government side will not do their duty of scrutiny and applying due dilligence in the vetting of appointees. We end up with the wrong people being appointed into key positions and ministers for example who have no clue and use their offices an an 'extension of their family business' and others who choose to make cheap gossip their solace!!!

On the opposition side we end up with people who seem to think nothing good ever comes from the ruling party and that they are the ONLY ones who know how to run the show;

On both sides you end up with arrogant, empty-headed selfish louts whose interest is in self-preservation, characterised by trying to 'please' party instead of working in the interest of Ghana, just so they can remain relevant in their parties and maintain their positions.

Indeed many are those we have in the current Ghana legislature who in a million years, would never have dreamed of ever being parliamentarians yet they are, thanks to the flaws in our system and the weakness of our democracy in terms of the sophistication and maturity of our electorate and in most cases their powerlessness to hold the members of this 'Club' to proper account. This status quo allows them to be arrogant and sometimes some indulge in behaviours, actions and functions that leave much to be desired.

Sadly the leader of the house complaining about this divide in parliament has contributed to the situation and in my view, continues to do so. It is a very unfotunate situation we ifnd ourselves in, and instead of our Civil Society coming together to exert pressure on all sides to change their behaivour and attitudes, you find Civil Society Organisations also divided along Party lines and this is evidenced by their uttenrances, wiritings, position statements etc. that we read and here everyday in our national discourse.

We need a sea change in the way we see politics and the way we view our country. These were core tenets of the Nkrumaist vision which (love it or loathe it) sought (rather unsuccessfully) to shift our mindset to that of a SINGULAR - ONE NATION, and to diminish the power of tribe, creed and tradition in favour of a new Ghana, a modern Circular State which is forward looking and prepared for the 21st Century.

Until, and unless that happens, we will never move forward as a nation. It is not too late to revert to this way of thinking (which by the way is common sense and not Nkrumah's invention). Germany has remained a strong nation and continues to succeed because of that same philosophy. It does not do away with parties, but forces them to learn to work together and in the overall interests of the NATION!! What is stopping us from learning from their example?
DKB 10 years ago

Very good comment Paul. It's unfortunate we don't have many people with your kind of approach to national issues but rather a bunch of louts and empty headed people spewing all sort of nonsense on a daily basis and sadly thin ...
read full comment

Very good comment Paul. It's unfortunate we don't have many people with your kind of approach to national issues but rather a bunch of louts and empty headed people spewing all sort of nonsense on a daily basis and sadly thinking they are enlightened. God help us.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

Thanks DKB. You are right about that, and what worries me most is when you have such like and their surrogates opn social media 'attacking' those who seek to be fair, objective and factual, rather than add anything sensible o ...
read full comment

Thanks DKB. You are right about that, and what worries me most is when you have such like and their surrogates opn social media 'attacking' those who seek to be fair, objective and factual, rather than add anything sensible or tangible to debate.

I simply find it hard to 'stomach' that type of mentality which sadly is so entrenched, it is hard to get them to unwind and to begin to think and act rationally.

If we say we want to tackle corruption for example, what is wrong with an Opposition figure like Dr Arthur Kennedy (and other well meaning people) calling for a collective and concerted effort to tackle it even if that means working with the ruling government? He will be roundly condemned by his own side of the political divide, forgeting that what such a person says, equally applies when that party is in power the others are in opposition.

I simply just happen to believein Ghana and not party and like you, I pray God helps us to see more clearly and do the right thing for our country.
Kobena 10 years ago

Paul,
I have been advocating for a concerted effort to achieve a "Hung Parliament" in the next election, "skirt and blouse" voting if you wish. We also need to single out particularly useless MPs and work for their defeat wh ...
read full comment

Paul,
I have been advocating for a concerted effort to achieve a "Hung Parliament" in the next election, "skirt and blouse" voting if you wish. We also need to single out particularly useless MPs and work for their defeat whichever party they belong to.

If after an election, the President's appointees for ministerial positions are sent packing, he will be forced to look beyond his party for nominees. The current situation whereby known rogues are just waved through is really not helping us as a people.

We all have to get involved.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

Kobena, I like the idea of campaigning to weed out the useless MPs. I have also previously advocated an appraisal system in which ALL MPs and government appointees will be matched against their performance and the bad nuts go ...
read full comment

Kobena, I like the idea of campaigning to weed out the useless MPs. I have also previously advocated an appraisal system in which ALL MPs and government appointees will be matched against their performance and the bad nuts gotten rid of.

I also think if proper scrutiny was given to parliamentary committees which are supposedly bipartisan, to force them to work towards consensus in decision-making and for their consensus position to inform parliament and government decisions on issues (outside partisan considerations), that would also help.
ch 10 years ago

BLAME THE OPPOSITION(NPP) FOR THIS THEY STILL CANT ACCEPT THEY CANNOT WIN POWER IN GHANA NOW...

BLAME THE OPPOSITION(NPP) FOR THIS THEY STILL CANT ACCEPT THEY CANNOT WIN POWER IN GHANA NOW...
DKB 10 years ago

As a matter of fact, it is neither NPP nor NDC. It is people like you ch who has contributed to the current situation we find ourselves in as a country due to your partisan political approach to every issue. So blame yourself ...
read full comment

As a matter of fact, it is neither NPP nor NDC. It is people like you ch who has contributed to the current situation we find ourselves in as a country due to your partisan political approach to every issue. So blame yourself.
GHETTO YOUTH 10 years ago

FOOLISH OLD ILLITERATE DOGS ARE IN POWER SO WHAT DO YOU EXPECT...fools.. fools fools old fools.. ghetto youth gonna kill y'all one by one..

FOOLISH OLD ILLITERATE DOGS ARE IN POWER SO WHAT DO YOU EXPECT...fools.. fools fools old fools.. ghetto youth gonna kill y'all one by one..
BE SMART 10 years ago

YOU ARE INDEED SICK IN THE HEAD GHETTO,YOU,YOUR FAMILY AS WELL AS YOUR PARTY NPP,ARE SUFFERING FROM PSYCOLOGICAL TRAUMA,AND YOU NEED TO BE SEND TO HOSPITAL FORCHECK UP.NPP CLAIM THEY ARE ALL LAWYERS,BUT NO NOTHING,ONLY TO GO ...
read full comment

YOU ARE INDEED SICK IN THE HEAD GHETTO,YOU,YOUR FAMILY AS WELL AS YOUR PARTY NPP,ARE SUFFERING FROM PSYCOLOGICAL TRAUMA,AND YOU NEED TO BE SEND TO HOSPITAL FORCHECK UP.NPP CLAIM THEY ARE ALL LAWYERS,BUT NO NOTHING,ONLY TO GO TO COURT AND SAY YOU SND I WERE NOT THERE.HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN HOW KUFFOUR WAS COLLECTING KICK BACKS IN THE CASTLE.LEARN AND LEARN AND BECOME WISE LIKE GOD GIVEN PRESIDENT WHO WILL SLASH HIS SALARY FOR MATERNAL CARE BUT NOT SOMEBODY WHO WILL BUY ORNAMENT TO DECORATE HIMSELF.
analena 10 years ago

That is why there is so much corruption in the country.Cos everyone is seeking his or her own interest.Do not blame any particular party or individual if the government fails at the end of the day.

That is why there is so much corruption in the country.Cos everyone is seeking his or her own interest.Do not blame any particular party or individual if the government fails at the end of the day.
parker 10 years ago

The late head of state gen.I.K. acheampong warned ghana about "Party amanbu."it will never work,he knew partisan politics will kill the nation, Rest in Peace

The late head of state gen.I.K. acheampong warned ghana about "Party amanbu."it will never work,he knew partisan politics will kill the nation, Rest in Peace
Cynthia 10 years ago

Seperate the three arms of gov.for efficiency. Executive, legislature, and judiciary

Seperate the three arms of gov.for efficiency. Executive, legislature, and judiciary
GHFUO, be serious & change ur thinkin 10 years ago

I NEED PPL WHO ARE HUNGRY, POOR WITH NO FEELINGS.....TO DO THE JOB

I NEED PPL WHO ARE HUNGRY, POOR WITH NO FEELINGS.....TO DO THE JOB
Kwame Angel 10 years ago

Some of them can not even write their names.

Some of them can not even write their names.
SULE 10 years ago

If the legislature were to exercise the needed oversight, the executive would not have the free reign to run roughshod and send the country into the pits in such a manner. It would also call for them tabling constitutional am ...
read full comment

If the legislature were to exercise the needed oversight, the executive would not have the free reign to run roughshod and send the country into the pits in such a manner. It would also call for them tabling constitutional amendments to reduce the unbridled power of the executive ie the President, so that, all the various arms of gov't work in tandem to ensure that, the citizenry are the ultimate winners and not the politicians. This calls for commitment, willpower and conviction on the part of the legislature to say, enough of this nonsense. The impoverished masses deserve better than this patronage system. We as the representatives, need to put power in the hands of where it should be, the grassroots, the downtrodden, the impoverished masses, and make the system work for them, and not the political oligarchs and elites.
KOFFI 10 years ago

In Ghana, it is only on paper that there is separation of powers(parliament or legislature, judiciary and executive. Some parliamentarians are appointed ministers of state; which of these two arms of government do you want su ...
read full comment

In Ghana, it is only on paper that there is separation of powers(parliament or legislature, judiciary and executive. Some parliamentarians are appointed ministers of state; which of these two arms of government do you want such a "chamelion" to belong to? We see this and talk against it but nothing is done about it simply because of the the personal benefits thereof. Do we therefore expect satan to fight against satan? That can never happen hence what the country is experiencing now - corruption and partisanship. The political structure we are running in Ghana is simply not suitable for our development. Our intelligentsia are aware of this but many of them will not raise a finger because they stand to benefit by way of appointment to positions by the executive. What do you expect somebody like Dr. Atuguba to press for what I am talking about when as an Executive Secretary to a body that collated ideas countrywide for constitutional amendments, he not enjoys a position in the executive.This is in no way to put Dr. Atuguba on the spot but simply to point out what the executive does to sustain the status-quo irrespective of the fact that the situation is unhelpful to national cohesion and security.
BE SMART 10 years ago

OSEI KYEI MENSAH AND HIS PEOPLE ARE THE CAUSE.INSTEAD OF SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT OR CRITISIZE CONSTRUCTIVELY,THEY RATHER TALK AS MORONS,LOOK AT HOW THE HUMBLE PRESIDENT SLASHED HIS SALARY BY 10%,INSTEAD OF PRAISING HIM,BEC ...
read full comment

OSEI KYEI MENSAH AND HIS PEOPLE ARE THE CAUSE.INSTEAD OF SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT OR CRITISIZE CONSTRUCTIVELY,THEY RATHER TALK AS MORONS,LOOK AT HOW THE HUMBLE PRESIDENT SLASHED HIS SALARY BY 10%,INSTEAD OF PRAISING HIM,BECAUSE OF HYPOCRICY,THEY RATHER SAY IT IS COSMETIC.THEY SHOULD RATHER COMPARE HIM TO KUFFUOR WHO INSTEAD OF SLASHING HIS SALARY RATHER DECORATED HIMSALF AS 50 CENT WITH OUR MONEY.
Kwankwa 10 years ago

We are acting as baboons with our newfound democracy. I think we are not ready yet for the so called Western democracy. We need some serious rethinking about this!!!!!

We are acting as baboons with our newfound democracy. I think we are not ready yet for the so called Western democracy. We need some serious rethinking about this!!!!!
kofi 10 years ago

many are just rubber stamps and stomach politicians.

many are just rubber stamps and stomach politicians.
GBEVU 10 years ago

IT IS NPP THAT IS SO MAKING THE COUNTRY UNGOVERNABLE, BUT THEY WILL FAIL. THEY ARE TOO LOUD MOUTH.

IT IS NPP THAT IS SO MAKING THE COUNTRY UNGOVERNABLE, BUT THEY WILL FAIL. THEY ARE TOO LOUD MOUTH.
Augustine Italy 10 years ago

We voted them for national interest and not themselves stop this partisanship and be wise you people have to come together build a solid nation and stop wasting our money please you people have to grow up and help the preside ...
read full comment

We voted them for national interest and not themselves stop this partisanship and be wise you people have to come together build a solid nation and stop wasting our money please you people have to grow up and help the president and stop criticize him
Osei-Asibey - Atlanta 10 years ago

Not until Ghanaians make politics local, these parliamentarians will continue to play partisan politics at the expense of the nation. These parliamentarians should be accountable to the locals who elected them and not necessa ...
read full comment

Not until Ghanaians make politics local, these parliamentarians will continue to play partisan politics at the expense of the nation. These parliamentarians should be accountable to the locals who elected them and not necessary to the executive branch. "The way to serve your party well is to serve your country first."
concern ghanian 10 years ago

AFRICA OPPOSITIONS OPPOSE EVERYTHING

AFRICA OPPOSITIONS OPPOSE EVERYTHING
Wofa Koo 10 years ago

Partisanship is in every democratic institution however, Africa especially Ghana has a serious problem practicing it, for the fact that NDC party members and their (retarded 1/2 brain Vuvuzela) supporters are naive and unyiel ...
read full comment

Partisanship is in every democratic institution however, Africa especially Ghana has a serious problem practicing it, for the fact that NDC party members and their (retarded 1/2 brain Vuvuzela) supporters are naive and unyield. They really don`t have the full concept of democracy but Ghana can`t afford "one party state" which NDC have in their mind.
Yaw Adu-Asare 10 years ago

The 1992 constitution written essentially for president-to-be Jerry Rawlings takes away national expenditure decisions away from parliament. According to that one-sided constitution, an ordinary parliamentarian cannot introd ...
read full comment

The 1992 constitution written essentially for president-to-be Jerry Rawlings takes away national expenditure decisions away from parliament. According to that one-sided constitution, an ordinary parliamentarian cannot introduce a bill in parliament if the expenditure attached to the bill is coming out of the consolidated fund; unless the parliamentarian is acting on behalf of the president (i.e. a minister who is a parliamentarian) In this instance, the executive branch of government has near-absolute control for making national expenditure decisions in Ghana.
Peaceman 10 years ago

Do MPs use their stomachs to vote?Your guess is as good as mine. Thank you

Do MPs use their stomachs to vote?Your guess is as good as mine. Thank you
Ns3mhuhuarakwa 10 years ago

I wonder where he got this rather imposing name from,from his humble beginnings when he was known as Lawrence Addae,is one particular individual,who has championed this deplorable conduct in Parliament.
Barely a forthnight a ...
read full comment

I wonder where he got this rather imposing name from,from his humble beginnings when he was known as Lawrence Addae,is one particular individual,who has championed this deplorable conduct in Parliament.
Barely a forthnight ago,he was on the airwaves campaigning for additional money for MPs;and was he not the same person who instigated the walk-out by NPP members of the House when the Mahama administraion sought to raise more revenues by raising the VAT threshold to 17.5%? Where was expecting to to get the raise he was asking for from? Again did he not attempt to draw the Otumfuo Osei Tutu into the political fray when his side lost the elections in December 2012?
When it comes to needless partisanship,this Minority leader,has no legs to stand on. He should therefore give us a break!
Nat 10 years ago

Every parliamentary member want to seen by the eye of the President. So, he or she will go at any length to defend any bogus article bought before parliament from the presidency. They will staunchly defend or vote for anyth ...
read full comment

Every parliamentary member want to seen by the eye of the President. So, he or she will go at any length to defend any bogus article bought before parliament from the presidency. They will staunchly defend or vote for anything so as to be considered for ministerial post. Members of the opposition will also criticize when there nothing to be criticized only to make the govt. look incapable. They will also use every cynical tool to derail the govt. from moving the country forward, all in the name of politics and not for the good people of Ghana.
Politicians should copy their counterparts inthe U.S.A and in Britain. " Country first" .
Wofa Koo 10 years ago

Too much tribal diversity in Ghana`s parliament. This is one of the major problem NDC has created in the entire nation.

Too much tribal diversity in Ghana`s parliament. This is one of the major problem NDC has created in the entire nation.

Too much partisanship dividing Ghana's Parliament

Read Comments .st0{display:none;fill:#14BDD3;} .st1{display:none;} .st2{display:inline;fill:#FC0F0F;} .st3{display:inline;fill:#FFFFFF;} .st4{display:inline;fill:none;stroke:#000000;stroke-width:6;stroke-miterlimit:10;} Comments (63)

Read Comments Comments (63)