Political analyst, Fidelis Ayam Atura has pointed out that although there are challenges, the minority in Parliament still has a role in shaping national policies, even if their ideas sometimes struggle to be realized due to their lack of power.
He highlighted the importance of inclusive decision-making, where every voice matters, regardless of political affiliation or gender.
“I believe that to some extent, some of their ideas may not come to fruition because of their numbers and the fact that they are not in government,” he said. His remarks come as the country joined the world in celebrating the International Day of Democracy on September 15.
Reflecting on Ghana’s political history, Mr. Atura drew comparisons to the era of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, suggesting that the one-party system of that time rarely resembled the democratic practices of today. “I think that we have really done well as a country. If you look at the First Republic under Nkrumah, I don’t want to sound controversial, but Nkrumah rarely practiced the democracy we are practicing today.”
He expressed concern that the current system is fraught with issues that undermine true democratic principles. “I believe that where we are now, we are facing major challenges in democracy because we find ourselves in systems that create their own problems, and I think there’s something we have to examine very closely.” He added, “If you look at where I believe we should see true democracy and how it should function, we are not there. We are not there because there are so many questions regarding the very institution that brought us democracy.”
Mr. Atura stressed the need for reforms to restore public faith in democracy, pointing out widespread corruption and ineffective government spending that often neglect the needs of the poor. He argued for a more transparent system with mechanisms to address these challenges, urging a collective effort to build a democracy that genuinely represents all citizens.
“What mechanisms are in place to prevent these issues? It questions democracy.” He continued, “I think we need to strengthen our democracy. Let’s take our time, identify areas where we need to establish structures, include minority voices, and ensure decisions are made properly. This way, Ghanaians will feel they are part of the process. That is how we can build our democracy,” he said.
The analyst underscored the critical role of the media in fostering democratic ideals, advocating for unbiased reporting that informs and educates the public. “The media has a very critical role to play in democracy. They are the ones who will inform the people.” He added, “The media must explore conversations and bring issues to light without fear or favor.”
He also called for renewed efforts to engage citizens in governance, including the revival of direct elections for District Chief Executives (DCEs), whom he believes can take strong steps to address critical issues. “I think we also have to go back to the era of voting for DCEs.” He made these remarks on A1 Radio on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
