Boniface Gambila: “Politics Governs Everything — No One Is Truly Neutral”
Former Ghanaian Ambassador to Burkina Faso and former Upper East Regional Minister, Boniface Gambila, has dismissed what he calls the widespread misconception that some individuals can remain completely neutral in politics.
Speaking at the Upper East Regional Development Strategic Forum, Gambila argued that politics is the engine of governance and national development, stressing that every citizen is affected by political decisions whether they participate in partisan politics or not. The forum itself was presented by organizers as a non‑partisan platform focused on the region’s long‑term development agenda.
According to him, governance cannot be separated from politics, making it impossible for anyone to genuinely distance themselves from the political process.
“It is politics that governs every nation. Every policy, every development project, every law and every decision that affects the lives of citizens comes through politics,” he said.
Gambila maintained that people who insist they are “not politicians” often misunderstand the role politics plays in society.
“Anyone who says he or she is not a politician has a problem with their brain. Whether you like politics or not, politics governs you,” he reiterated.
He explained that choosing not to belong to a political party does not make one politically neutral, as government policies on education, healthcare, agriculture, roads, security, taxation and employment affect every individual.
The former ambassador emphasized that politics should not be viewed solely through the lens of party affiliation or elections. Rather, he said, politics is about leadership, governance and decision‑making that shape the future of every nation.
“You may say you are neutral, but you cannot be neutral when the decisions of government determine your daily life. Politics affects all of us,” he added.
Gambila urged citizens to take greater interest in governance and national affairs instead of distancing themselves from political discussions. He noted that informed citizen participation is essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability from public office holders.
While acknowledging that people are free to choose whether or not to join political parties, he insisted that no one can separate themselves from politics because government decisions influence every aspect of national life.