Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, a fellow of the Center for Democratic progress (CDD), Ghana, has voiced concern about a minister’s assertion that partisan politics are necessary for progress.
The Roads and Highways Minister’s suggestion that only those who support the government may gain from growth is regrettable, he said in an interview with JoyNews AM Show on Tuesday, April 23.
Dr. Osae-Kwapong emphasized that this is not the original purpose of democratic administration, stating that the phrase suggests that growth is dependent on party political loyalty.
Francis Asenso Boakye warned some Ejisu voters on Monday, April 22, that if they support an independent in the next parliamentary by-election, there may be less progress.
However, Dr. Osae-Kwapong stated that governments should prioritize development for everyone following elections, irrespective of party affiliations.
He asserts that in order to serve the country, governments must make an effort to move beyond partisan politics.
Therefore, since the individual represents constituents, I find it really concerning if you are stating that an independent person cannot visit your office to advocate for roads for their district.
It should not matter who is representing the people of Ejisu in parliament if the government’s goal is to advance the development of Ghanaians, of whom the people of Ejisu are a part.We don’t want to pursue progress in that manner.
“Yes, you want to include some things that make voters reconsider a choice as part of political campaigning, but we do not want to do our politics that way.”
According to Dr. Osae-Kwapong, the government should prioritize carrying out national development plans and making sure that every constituent, whether or not they are represented by an independent candidate, is fairly represented in parliament.
He emphasized that regardless of the representative’s party membership, the government should consider the demands of a community if they call for development projects like roads.”And so it’s concerning and rather regrettable to say that it closed the door to them for me.”
