Abu Kansangbata, a former Deputy Minister of State, has called on former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership to review the 1992 Constitution. He emphasized the need to curtail excessive executive powers and reinforce the separation of powers.
Kansangbata believes that amending the constitution would allow Members of Parliament (MPs) to focus on legislative duties and oversight, rather than pursuing political appointments. In a Facebook post, he highlighted the importance of MPs placing national interests above personal ambitions.
“Reducing executive powers will lead to a more equitable distribution of authority,” Kansangbata said. This shift, he argues, would improve accountability and governance in Ghana.
Currently, many MPs are more focused on securing executive appointments than representing their constituencies. This tendency detracts from their fundamental role in Parliament. Kansangbata noted that this behavior harms Ghana’s democratic ethos by prioritizing personal gain over the electorate’s needs.
The historical occurrence of a hung parliament following the 2020 elections was expected to foster bipartisan cooperation. However, Kansangbata observed that partisan politics continue to overshadow parliamentary activities. “The hoped-for advantages have not materialized as anticipated,” he stated. Instead, minority members often neglect to represent the wider interests of Ghanaians.
He cited the enactment of the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) bill as a prime example of this disconnection. Kansangbata urged MPs to engage in substantive dialogue before making significant decisions and to be more attuned to their constituents’ needs.
Kansangbata also referred to recent protests against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana as a sign of widespread dissatisfaction with government actions. These protests, supported by many Ghanaians, demanded prudent management of national resources. Despite substantial participation, the impact of these demonstrations has been minimal.
He questioned the effectiveness of such actions and the role of MPs in ensuring government accountability. “MPs must ensure that the government remains responsive to public concerns,” Kansangbata asserted.
Addressing the politicization of student leadership, Kansangbata highlighted the crucial role student leaders have historically played in advocating for the youth’s interests. He remarked that political affiliations increasingly influence student leadership, compromising their ability to campaign for genuine reform.
“Student leaders must act autonomously and fight for authentic change,” he emphasized. Kansangbata stressed the importance of the youth fulfilling their civic duties to improve prospects for future generations.
Kansangbata’s call for a constitution review aims to strengthen Ghana’s democratic foundations. By reducing executive powers, he believes MPs can better serve their constituencies and enhance governance. His appeal underscores the need for substantial policy shifts to ensure accountability and responsiveness in government.
Source: Ghana Web
