🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
Kwesi Pratt Jr. warns high cost of political participation excludes capable citizens from leadership
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Kwesi Pratt Jr., Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, has criticized Ghana's political framework, stating that the high financial demands of contesting elections, especially for the presidency, exclude many qualified individuals. Speaking on Pan African TV on April 18, 2026, Pratt highlighted that becoming president in Ghana could require mobilizing a minimum of $100 million, effectively sidelining most of the population. He cautioned that this system risks undermining national sovereignty, as candidates reliant on significant financial backing might become susceptible to external influence, thereby weakening the state's focus on national needs. Pratt also addressed discussions about a potential third term for John Dramani Mahama, questioning the democratic implications of concentrating leadership in one individual in a country of 35 million people. He emphasized the importance of mentoring successors and building systems that outlast individuals, rather than relying on a single figure. His remarks contribute to the ongoing debate about the credibility and inclusiveness of electoral systems across Africa, referencing recent polls in Benin.
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Governance expert Akwasi Opong-Fosu discussed the June 4 Uprising, stating that its events cannot be fully understood by those who did not experience them. He noted that while the uprising aimed to promote probity, accountability, and social justice, the use of military force did not fundamentally change Ghana’s governance culture. Opong-Fosu emphasized that national values like accountability and integrity must be embraced and taught, not imposed through fear. He argued that many root causes of the 1979 intervention, such as corruption and inequality, persist despite Ghana's democratic transition. Opong-Fosu called for a renewed national dialogue on the lessons of June 4, urging institutions like the National Commission for Civic Education, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and the media to promote these values. He highlighted that Ghana has laws and institutions for accountability, but societal attitudes and partisan divisions hinder their effectiveness. The June 4 Revolution, marking its 47th anniversary, began as a military mutiny led by then Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, driven by public anger over corruption, economic hardship, and poor governance, following a failed coup attempt on May 15, 1979.
Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the General Overseer of Action Chapel International Ministry, expressed optimism that Africa will develop to a point where its citizens can achieve their aspirations and prosper without seeking opportunities abroad. Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on June 3, 2026, he articulated a vision for a continent developed through "principles that work for us," rather than foreign models that do not align with Africa's unique realities. He dreams of a future where no African youth will need to queue for visas to other nations for greener pastures, emphasizing the importance of enabling young people to work, labor, and achieve their dreams and goals within their own countries. His remarks were made in conjunction with comments from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who also urged African nations to safeguard their cultural values and sovereignty from external influences.
Nana Kwame Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho Constituency, has accused the National Democratic Congress NDC of hypocrisy regarding calls to reconsider the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill. He cited recent comments by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, suggesting a bipartisan review, which Asafo-Adjei Ayeh claims contradicts Bagbin's earlier stance during former President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh stated he was saddened by this shift in principles, arguing that Bagbin previously ignored calls to reconsider the bill. He questioned why the Speaker now advocates for a bipartisan review under President John Dramani Mahama. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh maintained that the New Patriotic Party NPP never campaigned on introducing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, asserting that existing Ghanaian laws, including the Children's Act, Marriage Act, and sections of the Constitution, already address related issues. Speaker Bagbin reportedly suggested on June 2, 2026, that Parliament could reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill through a bipartisan approach to build wider national consensus. This directive followed the bill's unexpected passage on May 29, 2026, with Bagbin citing breaches in parliamentary rules and a lack of bipartisan consensus. The bill, passed by Parliament in 2024, aimed to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and promotion in Ghana but did not receive presidential assent before the end of former President Nana Akufo-Addo's administrati
Must ReadDr. Ekua Amoako has supported the Speaker of Parliament's concerns regarding the process used to pass the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show, she questioned the dismissal of parliamentary procedures for a nationally significant matter. Amoako emphasized that procedural safeguards protect legislative credibility and should not be ignored due to public support. She highlighted questions about the bill's passage, especially reports of the Speaker's absence during parts of the process. Amoako asked why the bill, if good, required 30 amendments and passage under urgency without the Speaker. She also questioned if proper procedures were followed for consultations and parliamentary scrutiny, suggesting the debate should focus on whether the legislative process met expected standards. For Amoako, legitimacy depends on both the legislation passed and the decision-making process.