Professor Stephen Adei, an academic and governance expert, has called on political leaders in Ghana to prioritise unity, adhere to legal processes, and implement administrative reforms to safeguard the nation's democracy.
In an interview with TV3 on Sunday [Dec 22, 2024], Prof Adei emphasised the need for calm and tact in managing the legal disputes surrounding the ongoing re-declaration efforts in some constituencies as part of the fallout from Election 2024. "Our politicians must temper their political noise with legal prudence," he advised. "The legal system must be allowed to function without undue interference or public grandstanding, as this will help cool tempers and foster confidence in the democratic process." Caution against political polarisation Prof Adei expressed concern about the growing polarisation in Ghana's political landscape, urging the two major parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to act in the national interest.
Graphic Election 2024 Results Portal "For the sake of Ghana's cohesion and social capital, the two parties must work together to reduce polarization," he said. "Our democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division and hostility." Electoral disputes and legal processes Commenting on the legal battles surrounding some constituencies, Prof Adei highlighted the importance of expediting judicial processes to avoid prolonged uncertainty. "The delays in resolving electoral disputes often do more harm than good," he observed. "In the case of Assin North, if the legal process had been quicker, the affected MP could have returned to Parliament sooner.
Prolonged appeals and technicalities only serve to undermine public confidence." He urged political leaders to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and allow the courts to determine outcomes impartially.