Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, has emphasized the need for developments in Ghana to be driven by a national agenda rather than political interests. According to him, politically-driven development is not the kind of development Ghanaians desire, as it only serves to exploit the frustrations of voters for parochial party interests.
Professor Abotsi stressed that Ghana's recent experience with governance has shown that politics based on slogans rather than substance is doomed to fail. He argued that this approach to politics only leads to divisive politics aimed at exploiting voter frustrations for party interests. Instead, he called for a change in the way politics is done in Ghana, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and patriotic approach.
Prior to the December 7, 2024, elections, Professor Abotsi had advised the electorate to go beyond identity politics when choosing leaders. He argued that identity-based voting is the reason for political non-performance, as parties with strong ethnic or regional support have no incentive to deliver on their promises. He emphasized that voters cannot support poor performance while complaining about it, and that a change in approach is needed.
Professor Abotsi also criticized the winner-takes-all regime in Ghana, which he believes increases the cost of electoral defeats and threatens the entire country. He argued that this system leads to a situation where elections present "deathly choices" for candidates and their followers, and that a rethink of governance, nation-building, and elections is needed.
Furthermore, Professor Abotsi noted that the huge powers vested in the president under the 1992 constitution were intended for a "philosopher king" who is wise, knowledgeable, altruistic, and competent. However, he lamented that this has proven to be a "tragic miscalculation" given the fractious, acrimonious, and self-seeking nature of Ghanaian politics.
As a renowned expert in constitutional law and governance, Professor Abotsi's comments offer valuable insights into the challenges facing Ghana's democracy. His call for a more inclusive and patriotic approach to politics is a timely reminder of the need for leaders to put the interests of the nation above those of their parties or personal interests.
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