By Joseph Bagah

Ghana’s constitutional framework has been a subject of concern, and a lot of brainstorming has gone on for many years. The practice where Members of Parliament (MPs) play dual roles or serve multiple positions as Ministers has raised questions about whether conflict of interest situations do not arise and the lines between Legislative and Executive blurred. This concentration of power has resulted in a lack of accountability and transparency in governance perpetuating a system where those who have dedicated their lives to serving the country are left to suffer in retirement.

The average Ghanaian struggles to make ends meet due to inadequate social security and pension benefits, while politicians and Article 71 office holders enjoy lavishly, with huge benefits and allowances. Assembly Members are able to perform legislative duties at the local level without any meaningful resources or retirement package, compared to the national level? Is it fair that those who serve at the local level, closer to the people, are not provided with the necessary support and compensation, while those at the national level enjoy luxurious benefits/packages? The disparity between the benefits received by politicians and those received by the average Ghanaian is striking, worrisome and unfair. While Teachers, Nurses and other public servants are left with meagre pensions and allowances, politicians and Article 71 office holders receive fat pensions, luxurious cars, and spacious, beautiful mansions. This raises critical questions about fairness and equity in our society. This is why Article 71 of the Constitution, which grants these lavish benefits to these government officials, must be re-examined.

The Ghanaian, who works hard for 30 to 40 years in their respective professions, does not enjoy these benefits. This is a clear case of discrimination, where those who serve the nation for a shorter period rather enjoy better benefits than those who dedicate their entire lives to serve in the public service and take home, sometimes as meagre an amount as eight thousand Ghana cedis, after 30 years of service to the nation. To build a better Ghana, we must demand a government that truly represents the people. We must also demand from the government to equitably distribute the nation’s resources and see to the wellbeing, health, and development of the people. This requires a constitutional amendment that ensures a more independent judiciary, a more representative government, and a more accountable and transparent government and governance system.

We must also ensure that our pension system is fair, sustainable, and provides for the needs of all citizens, regardless of their profession or status. Constitutional reform is crucial to building a better Ghana, and we need to start now if we must avoid the examples of some African countries. The youth of this country are critically watching, and many are not happy with the way things are going.  Things cannot continue like this, and the earlier we make amends, the better for everyone. There is the need to come together to demand a government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.

It is time to address the injustices perpetuated by governance and democratic systems and build a society that is fair, equitable, and just for all and for enhanced democracy. Long live our democracy, the Constitution of the land, and long live Ghana, as we ask and fight for equal rights for all.

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