In every political cycle, appointments are made. Some inspire confidence; others provoke backlash. The recent stir over the appointment of a former aide to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia into President John Mahama’s team at the Jubilee House has sparked justified concern among the National Democratic Congress (NDC) rank and file. It offers us—not just as party faithfuls, but as citizens—an opportunity to examine deeper civic values and democratic practices.
🎯 The Crux of the Discontent
Grassroots organizers and party loyalists have expressed frustration over what they see as an unprincipled elevation of someone who once stood ideologically opposed to our collective vision. Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande captured this sentiment when he called the move “unpopular” and “a bad decision.” But in his same breath, he offered a sobering lens: President Mahama is attempting to build an inclusive government.
This tension between inclusion and loyalty is not unique to Ghana; it’s a test of democratic maturity across the world.
⚖️ Balancing Inclusion with Principle
Inclusive governance is not synonymous with political amnesia. It must be rooted in credibility, transparency, and national interest. Appointments should not just reflect political strategy—they must affirm the moral contract between a party and its base. Where that contract is perceived to be undermined, trust begins to erode.
The real issue is not merely who was appointed—but what the appointment signals.
Does it honor the sweat and sacrifice of long-serving party members? Does it reflect the kind of merit-based, transparent governance we promised? Does it build trust with the Ghanaian people, or erode it?
🔍 What International Best Practices Say
Globally, best practices in public appointments stress:
Meritocracy over partisanship Transparency in selection criteria Avoidance of perceived conflicts of interest Public communication to manage perception
Failing to uphold these opens the door to cynicism, disengagement, and intra-party disillusionment.
✊🏽 A Call to Civic Maturity—For All Sides
Let this moment not fracture us—but refine us.
To footsoldiers: your concerns are valid, and your loyalty is the lifeblood of our movement. But let us channel disappointment into constructive advocacy, not apathy. To party leadership: if the aim is true inclusivity, then it must be accompanied by transparency. Communicate appointments clearly, defend them on merit, and acknowledge the emotions of the base. To the appointees themselves: public service is not a reward—it is a responsibility. Demonstrate excellence. Earn the trust of those now skeptical.
🔄 Turning Frustration into Reform
This is more than an appointment; it is a reminder of what must define our political culture—ethical leadership, internal accountability, and public trust.
Let’s turn controversy into clarity. Emotion into education. And setbacks into standards.
Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
[email protected]
