Renowned legal practitioner and former president of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam Okudzeto, has called for a clear separation of powers between the executive and legislative arms of government. According to him, Members of Parliament (MPs) should not be appointed as ministers of state, as it weakens the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight and governance.
His remarks come at a time when Ghana’s governance structure continues to be scrutinized for its efficiency in ensuring transparency and accountability. In a statement shared by TV3 Ghana on X (formerly Twitter), Okudzeto argued that the practice of appointing MPs as ministers compromises the independence of the legislature and hinders the proper functioning of democracy.
Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the president is mandated to appoint the majority of ministers from Parliament. However, critics like Okudzeto believe that this provision creates conflicts of interest, as MPs who are also ministers often struggle to balance their responsibilities. Lawmakers who hold executive positions may prioritize the interests of the government over their duty to scrutinize policies and hold the executive accountable.
Okudzeto stressed that Parliament should be strengthened as an independent body that provides proper checks and balances. He argued that MPs should be dedicated solely to their legislative duties rather than being distracted by executive responsibilities. This, he believes, would enhance governance, promote accountability, and prevent the concentration of power in the executive.
The debate over separating the executive from the legislature has been ongoing in Ghana for years. Advocates for reform argue that having MPs serve as ministers weakens parliamentary oversight since many legislators become loyal to the government and less critical of its actions. Others, however, believe that the current system allows for better coordination between the executive and the legislature.
In many advanced democracies, there is a strict separation of powers, ensuring that lawmakers focus solely on legislative duties while the executive functions independently. Okudzeto’s call aligns with those who believe Ghana should move towards a governance model that guarantees greater transparency and accountability.
As discussions on constitutional reforms continue, his position adds to the growing voices advocating for changes that will improve governance and enhance the effectiveness of Parliament. Whether or not Ghana will eventually amend its system remains to be seen, but the debate over separating the executive from the legislature is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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