Political Power Is Temporary, Accountability Is Permanent

There are moments in the life of a nation when events compel us to pause and ask difficult questions. The ongoing developments surrounding Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, present one such moment.

For many years, Chairman Wontumi has been one of the most influential political figures in Ghana. His voice carried weight, particularly within the Ashanti Region, the traditional stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He was never a background figure. Whether one admired him or disagreed with him, his presence in Ghanaian politics could not be ignored.

This is why the recent reports concerning his legal troubles have generated considerable public concern. It is not simply because of the circumstances surrounding one man; it is because his position and influence inevitably raise broader questions about political leadership, accountability, and the health of our democratic institutions.

Perhaps what many Ghanaians find most surprising is the relative silence from sections of the NPP leadership. In times of crisis, leadership matters. Citizens naturally expect reassurance, explanation, or at the very least, an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the situation. Silence, however, has a way of creating uncertainty.

Ordinary Ghanaians are asking themselves: Did no one see this coming? Were there warning signs? Was the party unaware, or is it choosing to remain silent until the storm passes?

These are uncomfortable questions, but democracies grow stronger when difficult questions are asked rather than avoided.

Political parties are more than campaign organizations. They are institutions that ask citizens to place their trust in them. They present themselves as custodians of national development and seek mandates to govern millions of people. That trust comes with responsibilities.

If a party wishes to govern, it must demonstrate not only its ability to win elections but also its willingness to uphold standards within its own ranks. Accountability cannot be demanded of opponents while being ignored among friends and allies.

The NPP now finds itself at an important crossroads. It remains one of Ghana's two major political parties and will undoubtedly seek another opportunity to govern in the future. Yet many voters will remember these events when the time comes to cast their ballots again.

The question is not whether the NPP should continue to exist or compete politically. That is the essence of democracy. The question is whether it can convincingly assure Ghanaians that lessons have been learned and that systems are in place to prevent similar situations from occurring again.

Trust, once lost, is difficult to regain.
This issue extends beyond one political party. It speaks to a larger challenge in Ghanaian politics—the tendency to defend individuals simply because they belong to our preferred political tradition. Too often, we evaluate misconduct through partisan lenses. When allegations involve our opponents, we demand swift justice. When they involve our own, we call for patience and restraint.

That approach does not strengthen democracy. It weakens it.

Ghana deserves a political culture where principles are more important than personalities. The law must apply equally to everyone, whether they wear red, blue, green, or no political colors at all.

As someone who has observed Ghana from both within and outside the country for many years, I remain optimistic about our future. Our democracy, despite its imperfections, has shown remarkable resilience. We have changed governments peacefully, strengthened institutions over time, and demonstrated a commitment to constitutional rule that many nations continue to admire.

However, democracy is not sustained by elections alone. It is sustained by accountability, transparency, and the courage of leaders to confront uncomfortable truths.

The Chairman Wontumi matter should therefore serve as a moment of national reflection. It should remind political leaders that power is temporary. No position is permanent, and no individual is indispensable. Public office is a privilege entrusted by the people, not a shield against scrutiny.

One day, today's leaders will become former leaders. Today's officeholders will become ordinary citizens once again. What remains after political careers end is one's legacy.

The Ghanaian people are watching. They are listening. And they are asking whether those who seek to lead them are prepared to hold themselves to the same standards they expect of everyone else.

That is the real issue before us.
In the end, this is not merely about Chairman Wontumi. It is about the kind of country Ghana wishes to become. It is about whether political parties are prepared to place national interest above individual loyalty. And it is about whether accountability in Ghana will remain an ideal spoken about during campaigns or become a principle genuinely practiced by all.

History has a way of remembering these moments.

The choices made today—by political leaders, institutions, and citizens alike—will help determine the story future generations tell about Ghana's democracy.

And one hopes that story will be one of courage, integrity, and accountability rather than silence.

Isaac Yaw Asiedu (PhD)
Author: Shifting Mindsets for Sustainable Development in Africa: Political Economy Perspective

Cambridge Scholars Publishing, UK 2025
https://rethinkingafrica.org

https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-0364-6339-7