Professor Godfred Bokpin, an economist and Professor of Finance, has issued a strong caution to Ghana’s two dominant political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He warned against allowing partisan political strategies to weaken the critical institutions that support the country’s democracy. This warning follows recent political activities, including a major demonstration by the NPP.
Professor Bokpin highlighted that both the governing NDC and the opposition NPP often adopt differing stances depending on their political status. He suggested that their arguments, despite being politically motivated, could contain elements of truth that warrant serious consideration. His comments were made on JoyNews’ Newsfile, following the NPP’s “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration in Accra.
The NPP’s demonstration saw thousands of its members and supporters protest what they described as threats to Ghana’s democracy. They also cited the weakening of key state institutions. This event culminated in a petition presented at Jubilee House, led by prominent NPP figures including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. The party had previously submitted a separate petition to the Supreme Court, underscoring their concerns about the state of democratic governance.
Professor Bokpin urged Ghanaians to look beyond immediate political rivalries. He called for an assessment of whether recurring claims by both major parties point to deeper, systemic institutional problems. He stated, “I do not think that these two main political parties would fake a position depending on where they find themselves.” This implies that their concerns might stem from genuine observations of institutional vulnerabilities.
He further elaborated that if the concerns raised by the NPP and NDC are indeed genuine, the country must find effective ways to address them. Failing to do so risks allowing these issues to become persistent features of Ghana’s political discourse. Professor Bokpin stressed that dismissing such accusations as mere political rhetoric could overlook substantive problems requiring urgent attention and resolution.
The economist also acknowledged the significant turnout at the NPP demonstration, noting it indicated that the issues resonated with a segment of the population. While recognizing that demonstrations are often part of an opposition party’s broader political strategy, he cautioned against the potential negative consequences. He warned that such actions, even if strategically motivated, could inadvertently undermine the very institutions that uphold Ghana’s democracy.
Professor Bokpin expressed particular concern about the impact of political disputes on public perceptions of the judiciary. He specifically referenced “how we see judges in this country,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judicial system. The integrity and perceived impartiality of the judiciary are crucial for a functioning democracy, and partisan attacks can erode this trust.
The ongoing political tensions and accusations between the NPP and NDC reflect a broader challenge in Ghana’s political landscape. Ensuring the resilience and independence of democratic institutions is vital for economic stability and investor confidence. A weakened institutional framework can lead to policy uncertainty and hinder long-term development, impacting GHS 4.2 billion in potential foreign direct investment over the next five years, according to recent economic forecasts.
Moving forward, decision-makers and political leaders must prioritize dialogue and institutional strengthening. The implications of continued partisan attacks on state bodies could include reduced foreign investment and increased political instability. Observers will be watching to see if both parties heed Professor Bokpin's warning and engage in constructive efforts to safeguard Ghana's democratic foundations.