Ghana’s Democracy Must Never Be Sacrificed for Temporary Politics – Bawumia

Introduction

In a timely and reflective New Year message delivered on December 31, former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, issued a strong caution regarding the state of Ghana’s democracy. His central thesis is a warning against the politicisation of state institutions and the temptation to prioritize short-term political advantage over the enduring health of the nation’s democratic framework. As Ghana continues to navigate the complexities of the Fourth Republic, Dr. Bawumia’s remarks underscore a critical pedagogical point: the longevity of a democratic system relies heavily on the integrity and independence of its institutions rather than the fleeting victories of partisan politics.

Dr. Bawumia’s message serves not merely as a political commentary but as a lesson in governance and civic responsibility. He argues that when democratic principles are compromised for immediate gain, the result is an erosion of public trust, which subsequently hampers national development. This article deconstructs his message, providing a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between institutional strength, political expediency, and economic stability in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

The statement by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was made in the context of a New Year message on December 31, a period traditionally used for national reflection. As the 2024 general elections approach, the political climate in Ghana is increasingly charged. This message comes at a time when the country is transitioning leadership, with the baton passing from the NPP to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under President John Dramani Mahama.

Ghana’s Fourth Republic, established in 1992, has been one of the most stable democratic regimes in West Africa. However, the history of Ghanaian politics has often been marked by accusations of “winner-takes-all” governance, where the losing party alleges that state institutions are weaponized against them. Dr. Bawumia’s intervention is situated within this historical continuum, aiming to remind stakeholders that the institutional framework must remain neutral to preserve the democratic dividends enjoyed over the last three decades.

Analysis

Dr. Bawumia’s warning, “when institutions are weakened, democracy is weakened. When institutions are politicised, trust is lost,” provides a robust framework for analyzing the current political dynamics in Ghana. This section breaks down the pedagogical value of his argument.

The Fragility of Democratic Trust

At the heart of Dr. Bawumia’s message is the concept of social contract and trust. In political science, the legitimacy of a government rests on the belief of the citizenry that the state will act fairly and impartially. When political leaders prioritize “temporary politics”—such as winning a specific election cycle or securing immediate patronage—they often bypass established protocols. This bypassing creates a perception of bias.

Dr. Bawumia notes that when citizens “begin to worry about fairness, independence, and consistency,” confidence is affected. This is a critical observation because confidence is the currency of economic and social interaction. If the public believes the judiciary, the electoral commission, or the police are partisan, they are less likely to accept election results, obey laws, or invest in the economy.

The Economic Cost of Political Instability

While the message is political, Dr. Bawumia grounds it in economic reality. He explicitly links the shaking of confidence to the difficulty of progress. This is a verifiable economic principle: investor sentiment and domestic investment thrive on predictability.

If the rules of the game (the institutions) change based on who is in power, businesses cannot plan long-term. Therefore, sacrificing democratic integrity for short-term political wins is not just a moral failure but an economic liability. The former Vice President, an economist by trade, is signaling that institutional stability is a prerequisite for the economic stability he championed while in office.

The “No Turning Back” Doctrine

By stating, “There could be no turning back for our nation,” Dr. Bawumia appeals to the sunk costs of Ghana’s democratic journey. This is a pedagogical tool used to instill a sense of inevitability and duty. It suggests that democratic consolidation is a one-way street; regression is not an option. This serves as a challenge to both the incoming administration and his own party to respect the transition of power and the institutions that facilitate it.

Practical Advice

Based on Dr. Bawumia’s insights, the following practical steps are essential for safeguarding Ghana’s democracy against the pitfalls of short-term politics.

For Political Leaders

1. Respect Institutional Boundaries: Leaders must refrain from exerting undue pressure on the judiciary, the Electoral Commission, and security agencies. The executive branch should view these bodies as partners in governance, not tools for political warfare.
2. Focus on Governance over Campaigning: As Dr. Bawumia implied, the focus should shift from “temporary politics” (campaigning and politicking) to the “national venture building” (development).
3. Publicly Defend Institutions: Even when rulings or decisions go against a political party’s interest, leaders should publicly uphold the authority of the institution to maintain public trust.

For the Citizenry

1. Civic Vigilance: Citizens must hold leaders accountable for statements or actions that undermine democratic institutions.
2. Educate on the Value of Institutions: Understanding that strong institutions protect the minority and ensure the majority rules fairly is crucial for civic engagement.

FAQ

Conclusion

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s message is a vital contribution to the discourse on Ghanaian governance. It moves beyond partisan rhetoric to address the structural integrity of the state. By asserting that Ghana’s democracy must never be sacrificed on the altar of short-term political advantage, he sets a high standard for political conduct. The lesson is clear: for Ghana to continue its trajectory of development and stability, the independence of its institutions must be guarded jealously by all political actors. The preservation of democracy is not the job of one party, but a collective responsibility to ensure that the “national venture” succeeds.