Executive affect eroding Parliament’s watchdog function – Prof Oquaye – Life Pulse Daily

Executive Influence Eroding Parliament’s Watchdog Function – Prof Oquaye – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In Ghana’s semi‑presidential system, Parliament is designed to act as the primary check on the executive, ensuring that the President and the cabinet remain accountable to the electorate. However, former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye has warned that an increasing executive influence is undermining this essential oversight role. His remarks, published on Life Pulse Daily, highlight a worrying trend: MPs are prioritising political patronage over their constitutional duty to scrutinise the executive, leading to weakened legislative independence and ineffective governance.

This article explores Prof. Oquaye’s concerns, examines the broader context of Ghanaian politics, and offers practical recommendations for restoring Parliament’s watchdog function. In doing so, we aim to provide readers with a clear, SEO‑friendly, and pedagogical overview of the issue.

Key Points

Background

Ghana’s Constitutional Framework

Ghana’s Fourth Republic Constitution (1992) establishes a bicameral Parliament, consisting of 275 members elected for four‑year terms. Parliament’s powers are enumerated in Chapter 4, including the authority to pass laws, approve budgets, and conduct oversight of the executive through committees, questions, and investigations. The Speaker of Parliament, as the presiding officer, is expected to maintain impartiality and uphold parliamentary privilege.

Prof. Mike Oquaye: A Brief Profile

Prof. Oquaye served as Speaker of Parliament from 2017 to 2021, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC). During his tenure, he championed parliamentary reforms, including the establishment of a parliamentary committee on governance and ethics. His recent criticisms reflect a seasoned perspective on the institutional challenges facing Ghana’s legislature.

Executive Influence and Political Patronage in Ghana

Political patronage—distributing rewards such as ministerial appointments, contracts, or development projects to supporters—has long been a feature of Ghanaian politics. When MPs focus on securing benefits for themselves or their constituencies, rather than scrutinising the executive, the oversight function of Parliament weakens. The phenomenon is not unique to Ghana; it is a common challenge in many emerging democracies where executive dominance can compromise legislative independence.

Analysis

Executive Dominance: Causes and Consequences

Prof. Oquaye argues that the executive’s dominance manifests in several ways:

1. Ministerial appointments as a political lever—MPs seek ministerial roles to gain influence, thereby aligning themselves with the President’s agenda.
2. Patronage networks—the executive rewards loyal MPs with development projects, creating a dependency that undermines independent scrutiny.
3. Weak procedural safeguards—the lack of robust rules for committee oversight and questioning allows the executive to sidestep parliamentary scrutiny.

These dynamics result in a Parliament that is less present (low attendance rates), less engaged in debate, and less able to hold the executive accountable. The erosion of oversight can lead to unchecked executive power, reduced transparency, and diminished public trust in democratic institutions.

Comparative Perspective

In other African democracies, such as Kenya and Nigeria, similar challenges have prompted constitutional amendments and institutional reforms to bolster parliamentary oversight. For instance, Kenya’s 2010 Constitution introduced a “Committee on Public Accounts” with enhanced investigative powers. These reforms illustrate that strengthening parliamentary mechanisms can counterbalance executive influence.

Practical Advice

1. Reinforce Parliamentary Committees

Committees should be empowered with:

• **Access to executive documents**—allowing members to review budgets, reports, and policy drafts before they reach the floor.
• **Investigative jurisdiction**—the authority to summon witnesses, request evidence, and issue subpoenas when necessary.
• **Clear timelines**—mandating the completion of inquiries within set periods to prevent executive delays.

2. Strengthen Procedural Safeguards

Adopt rules that ensure:

• **Mandatory debate** on all bills, with a minimum speaking time for opposition members.
• **Unfettered question periods**—ensuring MPs can ask the President or ministers without pre‑approval.
• **Transparent voting records**—publicly publishing how each MP voted on key oversight measures.

3. Promote Independent Oversight Bodies

The establishment or empowerment of institutions such as a Parliamentary Ombudsman, Ethics Committee, or Anti‑Corruption Commission can provide external checks on executive conduct.

4. Foster a Culture of Accountability

Political parties must cultivate a culture that values parliamentary scrutiny. This can be achieved through:

• **Internal party discipline**—penalties for MPs who fail to attend committee meetings or block oversight.
• **Public accountability**—campaigns that hold MPs responsible for their oversight performance.

5. Legislative Reforms

Consider constitutional amendments that:

• **Guarantee parliamentary autonomy**—protecting the Speaker and MPs from executive pressure.
• **Define the limits of executive appointments**—requiring parliamentary approval for certain ministerial positions.
• **Establish independent audit mechanisms**—ensuring that public funds are audited outside the executive’s control.

FAQ

Conclusion

Prof. Mike Oquaye’s warnings serve as a stark reminder that the health of Ghana’s democracy hinges on Parliament’s ability to function as an effective watchdog. Executive influence, when left unchecked, erodes legislative independence, weakens oversight, and threatens democratic governance. By reinforcing parliamentary committees, strengthening procedural safeguards, fostering independent oversight, and promoting a culture of accountability, Ghana can restore the balance between the executive and the legislature.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of legislators, political parties, civil society, and the electorate to demand robust parliamentary oversight. Only through collective action and steadfast commitment to democratic principles can Ghana preserve the integrity of its institutions and ensure that the executive remains answerable to the people.