For far too long, Ghana has confused political confrontation with national progress.
Every election cycle seems to bring the same familiar routine: demonstrations, accusations, counteraccusations, party rivalries, and endless struggles for political advantage. Yet while political actors battle for power and public attention, many of the country's most pressing development challenges remain largely unchanged.
The recent demonstration by supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Accra, demanding accountability from the Foreign Affairs Minister over expenditure related to the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, is a reminder of a deeper problem within our political culture.
The issue is not the right to protest. In any healthy democracy, citizens must have the freedom to express their concerns and demand transparency from those who govern them.
The bigger question, however, is this: Are Ghana's political parties using their influence to build a stronger nation, or are they trapping the country in an endless cycle of partisan confrontation that drains time, resources, and national attention?
The truth is that Ghana cannot afford to spend another generation fighting over political power while other African countries are investing in the foundations of economic transformation.
Demonstrations Cannot Replace Institutions
Ghana already has institutions specifically established to investigate wrongdoing and ensure accountability. The Auditor-General, Parliament, the Office of the Special Prosecutor, and the courts exist to examine public expenditure, investigate allegations, and enforce the law.
If there are genuine concerns about expenditure associated with the evacuation exercise, the appropriate response is straightforward. The records should be examined, the spending audited, the findings made public, and where wrongdoing is established, sanctions should follow.
But political mobilization is not the same as investigation.
Most people who join demonstrations have not reviewed expenditure reports, contracts, payment approvals, or audit findings. Their participation is often shaped by political messaging rather than verified evidence.
That reality does not weaken their democratic rights. It simply highlights an important distinction. Citizens can legitimately demand answers and insist on accountability, but demonstrations cannot determine guilt, and crowd size cannot substitute for evidence.
If accountability institutions are not functioning effectively, political leaders should focus their energy on strengthening their independence and effectiveness rather than turning every allegation into a partisan battlefield.
A strong democracy is not defined by the number of people political parties can bring onto the streets. It is defined by institutions that can establish facts and enforce the law without fear, favour, or political interference.
The Problem of Selective Accountability
The recent protest also raises an uncomfortable but necessary question.
Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has faced serious allegations and investigations relating to decisions taken during his tenure. The National Cathedral project has likewise generated significant public concern over public spending, procurement practices, and financial management.
These matters deserve fair investigations, due process, and objective accountability. Allegations should never be treated as proof of guilt.
Yet many Ghanaians are asking a legitimate question: Why is there such visible political enthusiasm for demanding accountability from an NDC minister, while there is far less public mobilization when concerns involve former officials of the NPP administration?
Where is the same energy when questions arise about the National Cathedral project?
Where is the same public pressure demanding full cooperation with ongoing investigations involving former government officials?
To be fair, the same challenge applies to the NDC whenever allegations involve its own members. No political party can credibly claim to be a champion of accountability if its commitment depends on which side of the political divide is being scrutinized.
Accountability that changes according to party colours is not accountability at all. It is simply politics.
Ghana Is Losing Ground in Africa's Development Race
While Ghana remains locked in recurring political battles, other countries across Africa are focusing on long-term development.
Rwanda has invested heavily in public sector efficiency, digital governance, and the creation of a business-friendly environment. Kenya has built a thriving technology and innovation ecosystem. Morocco continues to expand its manufacturing and export capabilities, particularly in the automotive sector. Côte d'Ivoire has pursued ambitious investments in infrastructure and agricultural value addition.
None of these countries is without challenges. Each has its own political and economic difficulties. But they have demonstrated the importance of maintaining a consistent focus on development priorities.
Why has Ghana struggled to build a competitive economy and sustain long-term development policies, despite its abundant natural resources, educated population, and democratic stability?
As other African countries compete for investment, technology, and industrial growth, Ghana cannot afford to rely on political rhetoric instead of meaningful development.
Our Political Energy Is Being Misdirected
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Ghanaian politics is the organizational capacity that political parties routinely demonstrate.
Thousands of people can be mobilized within days for demonstrations, rallies, and political campaigns. Imagine what could happen if that same energy were consistently directed toward national development.
Why are large-scale campaigns for technical education, agricultural modernization, environmental restoration, research, innovation, and youth employment not receiving the same urgency?
Why are political parties not competing to present the strongest industrialization agenda, the most practical job-creation strategy, or the boldest educational reforms?
The problem is the disproportionate focus on short-term partisan advantage at the expense of long-term national transformation.
Young Ghanaians deserve more than a political system that repeatedly summons them to fight partisan battles.
A country that can mobilize thousands of people for demonstrations should also be capable of mobilizing its citizens for economic transformation.
The Choice Before Ghana
Ghana is at a crossroads. One path leads to the continuation of endless political warfare, where every issue becomes a partisan contest and national attention remains consumed by accusations and counteraccusations.
The other path leads toward developmental competition, where political parties compete not merely for power, but for the best ideas to transform the country.
Ghana needs a democracy that produces results. The political class must begin shifting its focus from perpetual confrontation to purposeful nation-building. Citizens, too, must demand more from their leaders than partisan theatre.
The truth is that Ghana has already lost valuable time.
And while we argue among ourselves, the rest of Africa is moving forward. When will nation-building finally become the priority?
Dr. Isaac Yaw Asiedu PhD
Author: Shifting Mindsets for Sustainable Development in Africa: Political Economy Perspective
Cambridge Scholars Publishing, UK 2025
Trump says US will halt 'contentious' aid to Israel by year's end
Trump rout a 'new era', could reset ties: S.Africa leader
EOCO demands 9 years of financial, tax records from Baffour Awuah's law firm
Obuasi SHTS abuse: NPP Women’s Wing to hit streets over alleged sexual assault o...
No need to 'sacrifice' our Upper East MPs; they will do more – NDC tells angry C...
'NDC erred in handling Obuasi SHTS headmaster’s case' – Fifi Kwetey admits
Fifi Kwetey hints at another reshuffle
'Some NDC appointees have lost touch with grassroots' – Fifi Kwetey admits
NACOC arrests three foreign nationals over 46.7kg cocaine seizure in Lebanon
