It's Time For Bipartisanship On Critical National Issues

Ghanaians will never forget about June 3, 2015 when Ghana experienced one of the darkest days in its history when floods and fire combined to claim lives and destroy property. It's sad that eleven years later, on June 3, 2026, we once again witnessed a twin disaster of floods and fire.

Nature may contribute to these events but the persistence of these tragedies points to deeper governance and policy challenges. I am beginning to see the continuous flooding of the capital as a consequence of lack of bipartisanship on critical national issues which are key to development. Bipartisanship has been overlooked for long.

In many instances, policies that could benefit the country become casualties of political competition. The opposition often feels compelled to criticize government initiatives, while the ruling party may abandon or dilute necessary but unpopular measures for fear of electoral backlash. Flooding in Accra is an example.

Real estate developers continue to encroach on waterways and drainage channels in this country, sometimes altering the natural flow of water. Now when there is a heavy downpour, where should the water go? it has to force its way somewhere, leading to these devastating floods.

Addressing this problem requires difficult decisions. The government may need to undertake large-scale demolitions of structures built on waterways and drainage reservations. Such an exercise would undoubtedly affect many citizens and generate public dissatisfaction. However, if the objective is to protect lives, property, and the long-term future of the capital city, then I think political leaders across party lines should support the policy rather than exploit the resulting discontent for political gain.

Imagine the government announces a nationwide effort to clear waterways, and the opposition publicly states: "We may disagree on many issues but we support this exercise because it is of national interest." Such a position would send a powerful message that the welfare of citizens and future of the country are more important than partisan advantage.

When it comes to critical national issues, let's put politics aside. Not every issue should be politicized. Matters such as flood control, environmental protection, sanitation, national security etc should command bipartisan support regardless of which party is in power.

The recurring floods in Accra should remind us that nature does not recognize political parties.

Moreover, water does not distinguish between supporters of one party or another. If Ghana is to make meaningful progress, politicians must be willing to rise above partisan interests and embrace bipartisanship on issues that affect the prosperity of the country. The recurring flooding of our capital should concern us all.

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