The President of Ghana is empowered by the constitution to appoint the best talents to drive the nation’s economic development. However, long-standing conventions and political expectations are hindering presidents from assembling the most competent teams to achieve this goal.
Political Appointments Seen as Rewards
Many Ghanaians, whether consciously or unconsciously, view appointments to public offices as rewards for party loyalty rather than merit-based selections aimed at fostering national development. This mindset, which treats appointments as political rewards, creates an environment where the president’s ability to choose the best candidates is constrained by expectations of party members and supporters.
Opposition to Non-Party Appointments
Over the years, there has been resistance to the appointment of individuals perceived to be non-party loyalists. Recent opposition to some appointments only adds to a long-standing trend, dating back to previous governments. Before official appointments are made, there is often a public “team sheet” of expected candidates, filled with known party figures rather than the most competent professionals. This prioritization of loyalty over competence is detrimental to governance. Unless there is clear evidence that the expert non-loyalist would work against the interest of the state, the state should not be denied their expertise.
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The Problem with “Deserving” Appointments
The notion that party figures “deserve” appointments due to their political activism, rather than their competence, is deep-seated. Appointments are often celebrated as rewards for visible involvement in partisan politics, rather than for achievements such as building successful businesses or turning around failing institutions. This thinking perpetuates mediocrity in public office.
Circulating Lists and Public Pressure
In the case of the newly formed government, lists of known NDC members awaiting appointments have already begun circulating, with questions arising as to why they have not yet been appointed. The disturbing aspect is that these expectations are not based on the appointees’ demonstrated competence but on their role in the party’s victory.
Appointments as Rewards: A Formula for Failure
While it is true that active politicians can succeed in managing state enterprises or ministries, treating appointments solely as rewards for party loyalty undermines the country’s progress. The appointing authority, despite the extensive powers granted by the constitution, is often pressured into selecting known party figures at the expense of more qualified candidates. The result is a cycle of underperformance, with appointees who see their roles as rewards rather than calls to service. Many of these individuals view their positions as opportunities to enjoy the spoils of victory, rather than work hard for the nation’s development. The expectation that party loyalists deserve appointments encourages entitlement, which in turn fuels a culture of mediocrity.
Party Loyalty Over Performance
Some justify the appointment of party figures by arguing that non-party appointees are often unapproachable by party members. This view assumes that public appointments are meant to serve the interests of party supporters rather than the entire nation. When state agencies and ministries are run as spoils of war, they are doomed to fail. Appointees should focus on achieving their agency’s objectives, not prioritizing the demands of party members.
Impact on Public Institutions
In recent years, appointees were sometimes required to demonstrate how they had used state resources to support party members. Such practices have contributed to poor performance in public institutions over the years. The focus on rewarding party members, rather than developing the nation, has undermined the effectiveness of many state-owned enterprises. Some very good heads of institutions are compelled to set aside proper reasoning just to satisfy party pressures and eventually become ineffective to the surprise and chagrin of many who knew them as effective managers.
Shifting the Focus to National Development
The primary reason for supporting a political party should be the belief in its ideologies and its ability to provide better governance for the country, not for personal gain. When party support is driven by selfish interests, the nation suffers. It leads to the dissipation of scarce resources, as individuals focus on personal benefits rather than collective progress.
The President’s Constitutional Power to Appoint the Best
The constitution gives the president the authority to appoint whoever he deems fit, even to the extent of choosing the most talented individuals in the country, regardless of party affiliation. However, entrenched misconceptions about political appointments prevent presidents from exercising this power optimally. Where a party loyalist has demonstrated capability, he or she becomes an obvious first choice.
Former President Rawlings is credited with having appointed people of diverse interests, including those perceived to be against him, with positive outcomes. Former President John Kufuor did so with a few allies of the party, again with positive outcomes. Former President Mandela of South Africa made one of the most daring appointments by selecting his fiercest rival, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as Home Affairs (Interior) Minister.
President Mahama’s Rare Second Opportunity
As President Mahama embarks on his second term, following an eight-year break, he faces enormous challenges and high expectations. If the status quo regarding appointments persists, there may be little room for significant progress.
In this Fourth Republic, political parties and presidents have changed, but the only constant in the equation are the people. Perhaps the reset agenda must start with this mindset about appointments. Expecting different results from the same approach is unrealistic.
A properly run country will create opportunities for most people, including foot soldiers, who will have more dignified lifestyles rather than asking for handouts from appointees.
The destructive actions, harsh letters, and petitions against non-party loyalists only serve to hurt the president and retard the country’s progress. You can’t tie the president’s hands and expect him to win a boxing match.
Breaking the Cycle
To move the country forward, the focus must shift from rewarding party loyalists to appointing the most qualified individuals for the job. It must be a call to serve the nation. Only then can the president truly deliver on the nation’s development goals. If this cycle of rewarding political loyalty over competence continues, Ghana will remain trapped in a cycle of mediocrity and underperformance.
