Partisanship as Ghana’s Greatest Threat to Progress: Insights from Prof. Kwaku Azar
Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, known as Kwaku Azar, has identified unchecked partisanship as Ghana’s primary threat to progress during a speech for the nation’s 68th Independence Anniversary. He argues that loyalty to political parties has eroded national unity, damaging crucial institutions such as the judiciary and media. He calls for a collective effort to prioritize national interest over partisanship and restore integrity in governance, concluding with an urgent appeal for patriotism in the face of divisive politics.
Renowned legal scholar and political analyst, Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, known widely as Kwaku Azar, has articulated that unchecked partisanship represents the foremost barrier to Ghana’s progress, overshadowing historical adversities such as colonialism and military coups. In a poignant address for Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, he recognized the resilience of Ghanaians amidst various challenges while denouncing partisanship as the current greatest threat to national unity.
Kwaku Azar emphasized that partisanship has fragmented Ghanaian society, undermining national interests in favor of party loyalty. He cited a concerning trend where political allegiance takes precedence over expertise, rendering the political arena a battleground for party dominance rather than a platform for genuine development. He observed, “We have become more loyal to parties than to our country. In doing so, we have weakened our democracy, compromised our future, and betrayed the very independence our forebears fought for.”
The scholar highlighted the adverse impact of partisanship on several crucial institutions. The judiciary has been co-opted by political interests, while media outlets have transformed into vehicles for propaganda rather than impartial reporting. Furthermore, he pointed out that civil service appointments now hinge on political affiliation instead of merit, even necessitating neutrality allowances for civil servants to remain unbiased.
Kwaku Azar also lamented the diminished role of Parliament, as legislators now focus on defending party lines rather than fostering national progress. He articulated concerns regarding the moral compass of church leaders and academics, who sometimes prioritize political biases over truth. Additionally, he noted that security services, designed to protect citizens, have been weaponized for political enforcement, and student activism has become deeply polarized along partisan lines.
He cautioned that this entrenched partisanship inhibits progress by leading every new government to discard prior initiatives regardless of their potential benefit. Moreover, state contracts and employment opportunities increasingly favor party loyalty over competence, allowing political calculations to dictate national development agendas. To confront these challenges, Kwaku Azar urged Ghanaians to unite as one people with a collective destiny, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing country over party in policy discussions and restoring integrity in leadership and institutions.
Kwaku Azar concluded his address with a stirring appeal for patriotism to prevail over partisanship. He stated, “History will judge us not by how fiercely we defended our parties, but by how boldly we defended our nation.” Drawing upon historical struggles, he reaffirmed that collective action towards a common goal can lead to triumph. He encouraged a proactive stance, asserting, “The choice is ours. The time is now. Happy 68th Independence Anniversary, Ghana!”
In summary, Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare’s insights highlight the detrimental effects of partisanship on Ghana’s progress. He underscores the necessity for Ghanaians to prioritize national unity and competence over party allegiance. His fervent call for integrity, restoration of institutions, and a collective fight against corruption represents a crucial pathway for reclaiming the nation’s development trajectory. Kwaku Azar’s message serves as a reminder of the power of patriotism in overcoming contemporary challenges in Ghana.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
