Democratic stability requires credible transitions – Former Chief of Staff
The stability of any democratic order requires the creation of bi-partisan rules and procedures that regulate the transition from one government to the other, Nana Ato Dadzi, former Chief of Staff has noted.
“The stability of the democratic order requires the creation of bi-partisan committees, structures, rules and procedures that will regulate the transition of government power and administration from one set of government to another,” he stressed.
“To etch a meaningful growth and advancement in our democratic process, political tolerance must be made part of our Constitutional doctrinaire. It must be taught and ingrained in the hearts and souls of our citizens and our children,” Nana Ato Dadzie said while addressing a two day workshop in Koforidua.
It was organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) to deliberate on a draft bill that guides government transitions.
The participants included the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament and constitutional experts.
Nana Dadzie said: “A structured, clear cut and defined method of handing over reduces suspicion and increase trust in the transition process.
“Beyond statutory rules and prescriptions, the mental attitude, forbearance and democratic disposition of our political leaders have a direct bearing and influence on the progress of the democratic process,” he observed.
He said personal favours and goodwill gestures in governance were not sustainable and “are subject to the emotions, moods and idiosyncrasies of individuals and groups”.
Nana Dadzie argued that a closer look at the Transition Bill threw up a number of legitimate questions particularly about its enforceability.
“A law is worthless if it cannot be enforced or does not determine the rights of parties with sufficient clarity,” he said.
Nana Dadzie indicated that some critics have raised concerns about the absence of or enforceability of some critical sections of the Bill.
He said it was unclear what dispute resolution procedures were available should officials dispute the stock-take results of the Presidential Estates Unit regarding their residence.
“Similarly, it is not clear what enforcement options are available to the Unit should officials fail to comply with or delay beyond the relevant statutory time limits the inventory and stock-take procedures.
“These issues need to be addressed in the Bill or accompanying regulation to ensure that the Unit can effectively implement the relevant clauses,” he prescribed.
He said the bill when passed into law should be fine-tuned constantly, adding that 250 years after independence, the US continued to grapple with problems of transition.
Dr Michael Ofori-Mensah of the IEA said the effective management of the political transitions was fundamental to peace and stability in all countries.
He said political transitions were critical aspect of good governance agenda.
Dr Ofori-Mensah, however, said Ghana did not have much experience in handling democratic transitions until the inauguration of the Fourth Republic.
He said the transfer which occurred in 2001 and 2009 was characterised by many administrative lapses, mistrust, confusion and controversies.
He said to forestall these problems the IEA in collaboration with the political parties with representatives in parliament saw the need to prepare a multi party framework of rules to govern future transitions.
Source: GNA