Political Events Should Keep Out of Native Governance: Insights from Andrew Bediako

Introduction

In the complex landscape of Ghanaian democracy, the intersection of partisan politics and local administration remains a subject of intense debate. On January 2, 2026, Andrew Bediako, a seasoned local government expert and former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive (MMDCE), appeared on the AM Show on PleasureNews to deliver a compelling message regarding the sanctity of Ghana’s decentralization process. His core argument is clear: political events should keep out of native governance to preserve the people-centered focus mandated by the Constitution.

Bediako’s intervention highlights a critical tension between constitutional mandates and political realities. While the 1992 Constitution explicitly outlines a non-partisan framework for local level elections, practical application often tells a different story. This article explores Bediako’s arguments, analyzing the constitutional basis for non-partisan local governance, the practical challenges Ghana faces, and the implications for accountability and development. By examining these elements, we aim to provide a pedagogical understanding of why separating party politics from local governance is essential for sustainable grassroots development.

Key Points

Andrew Bediako’s interview distilled several vital arguments regarding the role of political events in Ghana’s local government system. These key points form the foundation of his advocacy for strict adherence to the constitutional provisions that govern local elections.

Constitutional Prohibition of Partisanship

Bediako firmly anchored his argument in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Specifically, he referenced Articles 50 to 53, which govern the election of assembly members. These articles establish a legal framework intended to keep the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly (MMDA) members free from party influence. The intent is to ensure that local governance remains a platform for development rather than a battleground for party supremacy.

The Reality of “Self-Deception”

Despite the clear constitutional mandate, Bediako observed that Ghana “lies to itself” regarding the non-partisan nature of local elections. He pointed out that the two major political giants—the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—openly interfere in assembly elections. They often conduct internal primaries to select preferred candidates, effectively importing national partisan conflicts into the local arena.

Accountability Over Partisanship

Regarding the ongoing national debate about electing MMDCEs, Bediako shifted the focus from the mode of selection (partisan vs. non-partisan) to the concept of accountability. He argued that whether an MMDCE is elected or appointed, or whether they belong to the ruling party, what truly matters is their responsiveness to the local populace. He posited that genuine accountability drives development more effectively than party affiliation.

Performance as the Ultimate Metric

Bediako challenged the notion that an MMDCE must be aligned with the central government to perform effectively. He argued that performance is the ultimate metric for political survival. If a local leader performs well, the people will re-elect them regardless of their political background. This potential for re-election compels efficiency and effectiveness, rendering party alignment secondary to service delivery.

Background

To fully appreciate Andrew Bediako’s stance, it is necessary to understand the historical and constitutional context of local governance in Ghana. The current system is rooted in the 1992 Constitution, which sought to restore democratic governance after years of military rule. The Constitution established the District Assembly system as the highest political authority at the local level.

The Constitutional Mandate

The specific articles cited by Bediako (Articles 50-53) are part of the framework for the election of assembly members. The Constitution mandates that these elections be conducted in a manner that promotes community participation and development planning. Historically, the framers of the Constitution intended to insulate local development from the volatility of national party politics.

The Evolution of Decentralization

Ghana has made significant strides in its decentralization journey over the past three decades. The system has evolved from purely appointed structures to a mix of elected and appointed members to ensure broader representation. Bediako acknowledged these innovations, noting that they have successfully empowered communities and brought development closer to the people. However, the creeping influence of political events threatens to undermine these gains by prioritizing party loyalty over community needs.

Analysis

Andrew Bediako’s commentary offers a critical lens through which to analyze the health of Ghana’s local democracy. His arguments suggest a misalignment between legal theory and political practice that has tangible consequences for governance.

The Erosion of Non-Partisan Ideals

The practice of major political parties sponsoring candidates for assembly elections, despite the constitutional prohibition, creates a system of “shadow partisanship.” This erosion of non-partisan ideals means that assembly members may feel beholden to their national party paymasters rather than their local constituents. Consequently, development projects may be influenced by party affiliation rather than objective need.

The Fallacy of Party Alignment and Performance

Bediako’s analysis dismantles the common argument that a non-aligned MMDCE cannot function. In many developing democracies, there is a tendency to conflate political loyalty with administrative competence. By arguing that a non-ruling party MMDCE might actually be more performance-oriented, Bediako introduces the concept of the “accountability loop.” If a leader cannot rely on the central party machinery for protection, they must rely on good performance to survive politically. This dynamic can be a powerful driver of efficiency.

People-Centered Governance

Ultimately, the debate is about the soul of local governance. Bediako argues for a system where the “center” is the citizen, not the party. When political events dominate, the narrative shifts from “what is best for this district?” to “what is best for the party?” Removing this interference allows for a meritocratic approach to local leadership, where the focus remains on solving local problems like sanitation, infrastructure, and education.

Practical Advice

Based on Andrew Bediako’s insights, stakeholders in Ghana’s democracy can adopt several practical measures to ensure political events keep out of native governance.

For the Electoral Commission (EC)

The EC must enforce the regulations regarding candidacy strictly. This includes monitoring and preventing the overt sponsorship of candidates by political parties. Campaign materials and financing should be scrutinized to ensure they do not originate from party coffers, maintaining the integrity of the non-partisan electoral process.

For Political Parties

Political parties, particularly the NPP and NDC, should voluntarily respect the constitutional boundaries. Instead of fielding “party agents” in assembly elections, they should focus on civic education and development support for communities without demanding political loyalty in return. This shift would build genuine goodwill and strengthen democratic institutions.

For Voters

Citizens must change their voting calculus. Voters should prioritize candidates’ knowledge of local issues, their track record in community service, and their independence over their party card. By rejecting candidates who run on hidden partisan platforms, voters can send a strong message that local governance is about development, not division.

For MMDCEs

Regardless of how they attain office, MMDCEs should adopt Bediako’s philosophy of accountability. They must engage in regular, transparent town hall meetings and ensure that local decision-making is participatory. Building a strong record of performance insulates them from political interference and secures the trust of the electorate.

FAQ

Conclusion

Andrew Bediako’s commentary on PleasureNews serves as a vital reminder of the constitutional principles underpinning Ghana’s local government system. His assertion that political events should keep out of native governance is not merely a political opinion but a call to uphold the rule of law and the spirit of the 1992 Constitution. By focusing on Articles 50 to 53, Bediako highlights the legal basis for a non-partisan local administration designed to prioritize development over party politics.

The analysis of his arguments reveals a crucial insight: accountability, not party affiliation, is the engine of effective governance. Whether an MMDCE is elected or appointed, their performance and responsiveness to the local community are what drive progress. Bediako’s perspective challenges the status quo, urging a return to a system where the “native governance” is truly owned by the people. For Ghana to maximize the benefits of its decentralization drive, the influence of political events must be curtailed, allowing local leaders to focus solely on the welfare of their constituents.