Ghanaians Are Not Genetically Disorderly — Yaw Nsarkoh Says Penalties Create Order

Introduction

In a thought-provoking discussion on Joy News’ PM Express, former Unilever Executive Vice President Yaw Nsarkoh challenged the common perception that Ghanaians are inherently disorderly. Instead, he argued that the difference between order and chaos in society stems not from genetics but from the consequences attached to actions. His remarks have sparked widespread conversation about the role of enforcement, accountability, and institutional integrity in shaping public behavior.

Key Points

Background

Yaw Nsarkoh, a respected business leader and former Executive Vice President of Unilever Ghana, has long been an advocate for institutional reform and good governance. His recent comments on Joy News’ PM Express were part of a broader discussion on the state of law and order in Ghana. Nsarkoh’s perspective is rooted in his extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, where he has witnessed firsthand the impact of enforcement—or the lack thereof—on societal behavior.

Analysis

The Power of Consequences

Nsarkoh’s central argument is that behavior is shaped by the consequences of actions, not by inherent traits. He illustrates this with a compelling example: taxi drivers in Accra, known for their chaotic driving habits, would likely obey traffic laws if placed in Singapore, where strict enforcement and visible penalties exist. This comparison underscores the idea that people respond to the systems and incentives around them.

Impunity and Normalized Lawlessness

Nsarkoh highlights several instances of what he describes as “normalized lawlessness” in Ghana. These include pastors blocking roads for extended periods during religious events without facing consequences, unregulated construction projects, and the slow pace of the judicial system. He argues that these are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a broader culture of impunity.

Institutional Failures

The former Unilever executive points to institutional failures as a key driver of disorder. He recounts a conversation with a senior government official who admitted that issues like unregulated construction are widespread, even affecting his own family. This anecdote highlights the lack of accountability and the normalization of rule-breaking at all levels of society.

The Need for Reform

Nsarkoh calls for a bipartisan consensus on core national principles to address these systemic issues. He criticizes the current state of Ghana’s democracy, describing it as a “Santa Claus democracy” characterized by over-monetization and political parties that are no longer truly accountable to the people. He argues that without political agreement on fundamental reforms, progress will remain elusive.

Practical Advice

Strengthening Enforcement Mechanisms

To create a more orderly society, Ghana must prioritize the strengthening of enforcement mechanisms. This includes investing in technology such as traffic cameras, increasing the visibility of law enforcement, and ensuring that penalties for violations are consistently applied.

Reforming Political Institutions

Political parties must be held accountable to the people they serve. This can be achieved through campaign finance reform, transparency in party operations, and mechanisms for greater public participation in decision-making processes.

Empowering the Judiciary

The judicial system must be reformed to ensure timely and fair resolution of disputes. This includes increasing the number of judges, improving court infrastructure, and leveraging technology to streamline case management.

Public Awareness and Education

Citizens must be educated about their rights and responsibilities. Public awareness campaigns can help foster a culture of accountability and encourage individuals to report violations.

FAQ

Conclusion

Yaw Nsarkoh’s remarks on Joy News’ PM Express offer a compelling perspective on the root causes of disorder in Ghana. By shifting the focus from inherent traits to systemic issues, he highlights the importance of consequences, accountability, and institutional integrity in shaping societal behavior. His call for bipartisan consensus and political reform underscores the need for collective action to address these challenges. As Ghana continues to grapple with issues of law and order, Nsarkoh’s insights provide a valuable framework for understanding and addressing the underlying causes of disorder.