Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has issued a scathing critique of the Ghanaian Parliament, labeling it as "useless" and pointing to systemic failures within the country’s political institutions. His commentary, grounded in a comparison with the United States, highlights the urgent need for stronger, independent institutions in Ghana to ensure accountable governance.
Drawing on former U.S. President Barack Obama's message that Africa needs "strong institutions, not strong men," Manasseh reflected on how his year-long stay in the U.S. deepened his understanding of this principle. He observed that U.S. institutions maintain stability and functionality, even amid political turbulence, contrasting sharply with Ghana’s system, which he argues is excessively centralized around the presidency.
"In the US, they have their share of bad politics... But the institutions of state work. So if, let’s say, a toddler is put in the White House as president, America can still function because the institutions work," Manasseh remarked. He emphasized that this is not the case in Ghana, where the concentration of power in the executive branch weakens democratic structures.
Manasseh also criticized the erosion of institutional integrity in Ghana, particularly under the current government. He cited the removal of Electoral Commission chairperson Charlotte Osei as an example of selective accountability, noting that the procurement lapses used to justify her dismissal have been overshadowed by even worse practices under the present administration.
His criticism extended to the judiciary, which he described as being at its "lowest ebb," accusing it of complicity in executive overreach. According to Manasseh, the judiciary’s failure to uphold the rule of law further undermines the country’s system of checks and balances.
The Ghanaian Parliament, which should serve as a counterbalance to executive power, was harshly condemned by Manasseh for failing to effectively scrutinize the government. He referenced criticisms from parliamentary figures to illustrate its compromised position, asserting that Ghana currently lacks a functional system to prevent abuses of power.
Manasseh Azure Awuni's critique underscores a pressing need for reform in Ghana’s political institutions, urging for structures that can operate independently and hold those in power accountable.
