Reimagining Ghana's future: policies over politics, merit over mediocrity

Ghana stands at a pivotal juncture, poised as it transforms its governance landscape after an eight-year term of governance from the seat of the New Patriotic Party. 

The cycle of political coronations has long left citizens disillusioned. On January 7, 2025, another President, John Dramani Mahama, assumed office after a general election. However, without systemic change, economic hardships and unmet promises will persist.

To secure a future of sustainable development, Ghana must embrace a robust National Policy framework that transcends partisan politics, promotes meritocracy and empowers institutions.

National policy framework

Despite the transition in government, Ghana requires a cohesive National Policy and, thus a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable development.

Unlike the Constitution, which defines legal foundations and citizen’s rights, the National Policy will articulate actionable strategies for economic and social progress.

This policy must integrate ongoing development goals and sector-specific strategies into a singular, strategic document to ensure continuity and focus across successive governments.

The legacy of visionary leaders like Dr Kwame Nkrumah underscores the necessity of institutionalising good ideas, ensuring they endure beyond individual administrations.

As Barack Obama aptly stated, “Africa doesn’t need strongmen; it needs strong institutions.” Ghana’s political history has often been marred by prioritising loyalty over competence, creating a cycle of inefficiency.

Governance must shift from favouritism to meritocracy, where appointments are made based on expertise, “and not the usual family and friends or who you know basis". This system ensures that leadership is grounded in competence, driving progress and innovation.

Leaders must champion the "Ghana First" principle, making national interests central to every decision, policy and contract. By doing so, Ghana can cultivate a future where institutions thrive, and the nation’s success is rooted in capability and integrity.

Reimagining

Ghana's governance landscape currently stands at a crossroads, demanding bold reimagining to align with the aspirations of its citizens.

The Council of State, often relegated to a ceremonial role, must evolve into a dynamic advisory body.

By incorporating opposition leaders and non-partisan experts, it can transcend political biases to offer thoughtful, diverse perspectives that challenge the presidency to deliver policies truly reflective of national interests.

Accountability remains the cornerstone of effective governance, yet its application across arms of government has been inconsistent.

Public officials must exemplify the highest ethical standards, with robust mechanisms ensuring misconduct faces uncompromising penalties.

Transparent auditing and reporting frameworks are not mere bureaucratic exercises but the lifelines of public trust, ensuring that resources benefit all Ghanaians.

Parliament, too, must reclaim its dignity. Recent episodes of discord have tarnished its standing. A reformed Parliament, focused on pressing national issues, can restore its role as a bastion of democracy.

Transitioning the Office of the Special Prosecutor under the Public Accounts Committee may enhance oversight, rooting out corruption with impartial vigour.

Together, these reforms envision a Ghana defined by integrity, inclusivity and progress to form a beacon of actionable hope for the continent.

Judiciary

The judiciary’s independence and credibility are paramount. Judicial appointments should be based strictly on merit, with a transparent and systematic selection process insulated from political influence.

Measures must be implemented to curb corruption, ensuring swift and fair adjudication. A judiciary that upholds its integrity will reinforce public trust and promote the rule of law.

Meritocratic governance

Ghana’s progress hinges on cohesive national security, responsible media, and meritocratic governance.

Consolidating the police, army, navy, fire service and immigration agencies into a unified force will enhance law enforcement, discipline and accountability, and address corruption, tax evasion and lawlessness.

Equally vital is ensuring that the media operates ethically, prioritising education, factual reporting and constructive content to foster informed citizenship.

Regulatory bodies must monitor media platforms, ensuring age-appropriate and inspiring discourse that uplifts society. 

Democracy has provided stability but must now align with meritocracy to accelerate growth.

Governance should prioritise competence over political affiliation, engaging skilled Ghanaians both locally and internationally in nation-building efforts.

This all-inclusive approach, combining robust security, ethical media, and leadership by merit, will foster a disciplined, informed and progressive Ghana, poised to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable development.

Unfinished infrastructure projects consisting of roads, hospitals, schools and bridges ― serve as stark reminders of the inefficiencies plaguing governance.

These incomplete ventures are not merely physical gaps but symbols of lost opportunities and broken promises. 

They echo a pattern where new administrations, eager to make their mark, abandon ongoing initiatives, leaving citizens to bear the cost of stagnation. Each unfinished project represents not just wasted resources but also a loss of public trust.

The culture of discontinuity fosters cynicism and hinders development.

The true measure of progress lies not in the launch of new initiatives but in the commitment to completing what was started by transforming empty foundations into tangible benefits for the people. 

This ongoing neglect highlights a fundamental flaw in governance that must be confronted if meaningful development is ever to be realised.

Charting new course

Conclusively, Ghana's future hinges on embracing proactive, policy-driven leadership over-reactive, politically motivated governance. A robust national policy framework, grounded in meritocracy and institutional integrity, holds the key to sustainable development.

By prioritising sound policies over political manoeuvring and recognising merit over mediocrity, Ghana can unlock its vast potential.

This shift will pave the way for a prosperous future, ensuring that future generations inherit a nation defined not by its challenges, but by its transformative achievements.

The writer is with the Centre for Africa-China Studies,
University of Johannesburg, 
South Africa.