A troubling norm in Ghana’s governance architecture is gaining renewed scrutiny — Members of Parliament (MPs) doubling as ministers and board members of state-owned enterprises and regulatory agencies. While intended to streamline policy implementation and foster cohesion between the legislature and executive, this practice is increasingly seen as a fundamental conflict of interest that threatens transparency, accountability, and democratic checks and balances.
In Ghana’s political structure, MPs are expected to serve as the eyes and ears of the people — holding the executive and public institutions accountable through debate, oversight, and legislation. However, when these same MPs are appointed as ministers or sit on the boards of parastatals, their ability to critique poor governance or challenge mismanagement becomes severely compromised.
How can a lawmaker independently investigate or speak out against a state agency or ministry they help manage or from which they draw allowances? This conflict of interest dilutes the integrity of parliamentary oversight and reduces Parliament to a rubber-stamp institution, unable or unwilling to challenge executive excesses.
Furthermore, this consolidation of power not only promotes groupthink but discourages critical dissent — an essential ingredient in a thriving democracy. It blurs the lines between governance and politics and leaves citizens without a clear separation of powers. Instead of checks and balances, the result is often unchecked loyalty.
Calls are growing for constitutional reform to address this systemic flaw. Civil society groups, governance experts, and concerned citizens argue that for Ghana’s democracy to mature, MPs must choose between being legislators or part of the executive — not both. The dual role breeds inefficiency, creates fertile ground for corruption, and erodes public trust in state institutions.
True accountability demands independence. Ghana must decide: do we want legislators who serve the people, or ministers who serve power? The time has come to untangle these conflicting roles and rebuild a Parliament that can speak truth to power without fear or favor.
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