Do NPP Governments Ever Learn?

If democracy, which is touted as the best form of government, is a system where monies meant for the citizenry are used for the exclusive benefit of the political top class, then it appears (from the response of the generality of the masses last week) that Ghanaians may be getting ready to dump that system of government for ‘something else’.

The glaringly ‘senseless’ move to construct a $200 million ultra-modern Parliament Chamber, and which nearly sparked civil unrest in the country, is prompting students of history to wonder whether governments of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) do ever learn from their past.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor was one of the best presidents Ghana has ever had, yet in spite of all his achievements, one thing that incurred the wrath of the people was the construction of a Presidential Palace.

After much persuasion the people allowed him to have his way, though reluctantly. He, however, committed a political suicide when he later on mooted the idea of purchasing a new Presidential jet for the country. That single decision was enough to end the political journey of the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition.

Today, the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration, another NPP government, is not treading as cautiously as one would expect, especially with its aggressive developmental agenda.

Like the Kufuor administration, the present government also succeeded in virtually forcing down the throats of Ghanaians, idea of constructing an ultra-modern National Cathedral. And even before that issue could be put to rest, the people are being ‘slapped’ with this idea of a new chamber for parliamentarians; something that can easily be likened to Kufuor’s self-stabbing move to purchase a new jet.

As a matter of fact, the backlash government had, as at last Friday, from the streets and on radio/TV, strongly suggested that majority of the people were ready to dump democracy, if all it meant was taking care of the rich at the expense of the poor.

And going by the response from the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, that government was not involved (and by extension, had no idea of the scheme), one is tempted to ask how on earth a $200 million project can be sneaked into the country at the blind side of the government.

It appears that, apart from Hon. Kyei Mensah Bonsu (and probably Rt. Rev. Aaron Mike Ocquaye), the entire nation is not in favour of a new chamber for parliament.

In the view of THE NEW PUBLISHER, the NPP seems to be in a haste to go to opposition.

If they have forgotten, may we remind them that, they came to power in December, 2016, not because they were super-human, but largely because the electorates were fed up with the Mahama administration.

The paper wants them to understand that one-term governance is not the sole preserve of the National Democratic Congress.

In our opinion, Ghanaians deserve an explanation from someone higher than the Information Minister. This may appear politically uncomfortable, but it is the best thing to do to assuage the anger of Ghanaians.