Ghanaians must demand accountability from irresponsible opposition

Inside Ghana wishes to call on Ghanaians to demand accountability and civility from the opposition New Patriotic Party as a viable and credible alternative to the ruling National Democratic Congress. Democratic theory acknowledges the principle of responsible political opposition as one of the most fundamental components of any liberal democracy.

It is therefore imperative that in as much as we demand accountability and probity from the incumbent government, the populace also demands same from the opposition. As Ian Shapiro contends, “democracy is an ideology of opposition as much as it is one of government.” Therefore the fundamental role of political opposition, both as normative value and an empirical manifestation for the sustainability of Ghana’s democracy and the development of the country in its entirety must be acknowledged by the overwhelming majority of political elites and the citizenry at large.

The opposition in a democratic system has roles and responsibilities which they ought to play to compliment the incumbent government in achieving a higher pedestal for the citizens. The opposition must present itself as a viable alternative to the ruling government by presenting superior policies and alternative ideological platform. The opposition is therefore enjoined in its criticism to demonstrate that it could have done things better by offering cogent reasons for its criticism of the ruling government.

But can Ghanaians say the opposition New Patriotic Party has lived up to its responsibilities in the past 10 months or so? An obvious and emphatic NO. But for the politics of insults, the NPP under its current leadership could spare Ghanaians of any credible policies. We have had a very vicious and vile opposition which seems hell bent on maligning the government at will without recourse to civility. An irresponsible opposition that seems to believe in the “pull him down syndrome” to get to the top without demonstrating superior alternatives to the populace. An opposition that critiques every action or policy directive from government but has failed to give any superior alternative platform to the citizens.

It is in this light that Inside Ghana calls on all Ghanaians especially the media, civil society groups, political activists, students and think tanks to demand equal accountability from the opposition.

Ghanaians would painstakingly recall the insolent and unforgiving misconduct of the General Secretary of the NPP during the election petition hearing, the lies, vile propaganda, abuse and invectives hurled at the President in the past few months.

It is therefore uncontestable that we have had a failed opposition which has compounded the woes of Ghanaians. This opposition could easily be regarded as the worst opposition in the 4th Republic. Inside Ghana calls on Ghanaians to demand that the opposition plays its role as the watchdog of the public purse, voice of the voiceless, criticizing constructively and putting forward alternatives. The opposition New Patriotic party must also wake up to its responsibility of exercising circumspection in opposing government. This is particularly relevant to circumstances where there are eminent threats to the peace, security, democracy and the freedom of the people.

If democracy is to be preserved as a viable mode of governance to better the lot of Ghanaians, then the opposition must fearlessly and effectively perform its role.

The opposition has certain responsibilities and obligations to discharge to the State and the people. Responsible or constructive opposition is extremely fundamental to democratic governance and the opposition must be fair in its criticism of government and provide alternatives at all time.
Long live Ghana, long live Inside Ghana

Signed
George Spencer Quaye
Convener – 0202615725