As Ghana celebrates its 68th Independence Anniversary, renowned legal scholar and political analyst Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, has issued a stark warning: unchecked partisanship has become the biggest obstacle to Ghana’s development. Apexnewsgh reports
In a powerful statement, Kwaku Azar reflected on Ghana’s journey from colonial subjugation to self-governance, highlighting the resilience of Ghanaians in the face of external and internal challenges. However, he stressed that today, the greatest enemy is no longer foreign rule or military takeovers, but deep-seated partisanship that has divided the nation and crippled its institutions.
Kwaku Azar argued that partisanship has eroded national unity, prioritizing party loyalty over competence and national interest. He lamented how corruption, once seen as a national crime, is now justified and excused when committed by one’s preferred political party.
The devastating effects of partisanship, according to Kwaku Azar, are evident in key institutions:
– The Judiciary: Courts no longer serve justice but are influenced by political interests.
– The Media: Some media outlets have become propaganda machines for political parties.
– The Civil Service: Public sector jobs are awarded based on party affiliation, not merit.
– Parliament: Lawmakers engage in partisan defense mechanisms, blocking national progress.
– The Church and Academia: Some religious leaders and scholars have abandoned moral truth and objective analysis for political bias.
– The Security Services: Institutions meant to protect the people are used as tools of political enforcement.
– Student Activism: The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is now fragmented along partisan lines.
Kwaku Azar warned that partisanship has paralyzed Ghana’s progress, ensuring that:
– Every new government abandons projects initiated by its predecessor, regardless of merit.
– State contracts, scholarships, and jobs are awarded based on party allegiance, not competence.
– National development is hijacked by political calculations, with leaders prioritizing re-election over real solutions.
To combat the dangers of partisanship, Kwaku Azar urged Ghanaians to reclaim their identity as one people with a shared destiny. He called for:
– Country before party: Policies should be debated on merit, not based on which party proposed them.
– Integrity over loyalty: Leadership should be earned through competence, not party connections.
– Restoration of institutions: The judiciary, civil service, and media must be insulated from political interference.
– Judicial reform: The removal of partisan judges to restore trust in the justice system.
– A united fight against corruption: Public officials must be held accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
– Power must be used to empower, not oppress: Leadership should focus on uplifting citizens, not consolidating power.
Kwaku Azar concluded with a rallying call: “History will judge us not by how fiercely we defended our parties, but by how boldly we defended our nation.” Drawing parallels to the struggle against colonial rule and military dictatorships, he emphasized that patriotism has always been the key to Ghana’s victories – and it must be the weapon against partisanship today.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
