Ghana's governance system currently encourages citizens to believe that personal access to politicians is essential for navigating public life. Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, highlights that opportunities like school admissions, employment, scholarships, and contracts often depend on knowing influential political figures. This reliance on personal connections fosters cronyism and nepotism, undermining fair and transparent processes across the country.
The issue stems from a system where political relationships are cultivated for support during elections but often diminish once power is secured. Justice Atuguba's recent observation that politicians close to him during the 2024 elections no longer answer his calls illustrates this problem. This dynamic leads to disappointment and a sense of betrayal among those who supported politicians, as their expected access to opportunities disappears with the change in political availability.
This situation fits into a broader Ghanaian economic and political narrative where institutional weaknesses allow patronage to thrive over merit. The lack of transparent criteria, competitive processes, and auditable decisions in public life perpetuates a cycle of dependence on political godfathers. This trend hinders economic development by not always placing the most qualified individuals in key positions or awarding contracts to the most competent businesses, impacting national productivity and efficiency.
Professor Asare explicitly states, "A citizen should not need to know a minister to secure a job. A business should not need a party connection to win a contract." He advocates for a return to a model where results and merit matter more than connections, similar to a past system where university assignments were published based on examination results. This historical example, though not perfect, conveyed a crucial message about the importance of individual achievement.
Moving forward, Ghana must focus on establishing a "non-connection state" where rules consistently outperform relationships. This involves implementing transparent criteria, competitive processes, published outcomes, and effective avenues for appeal in all public dealings. Decision-makers and markets will respond positively to reforms that reduce uncertainty and increase fairness, potentially attracting more investment and fostering a more equitable society.
The implications are significant for Ghana's long-term development and democratic health. Building strong, independent institutions will reduce the incentive for citizens to invest heavily in political connections, shifting focus towards skill development and legitimate competition. This institutional strengthening will ultimately lead to a more meritocratic society, where public services are delivered efficiently and opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of political affiliation or personal ties. The day institutions answer citizens' needs, rather than politicians' phone calls, will mark a significant step forward for Ghana.