In an incisive commentary titled “Animal Farm Democracy,” US-based economist Dr. Sa-ad Iddrisu offers a stark critique of Ghana’s democracy, referencing recent rulings by the Supreme Court and actions taken by past and present Speakers of Parliament.
According to Dr. Iddrisu, the Supreme Court’s recent decisions raise questions about equality and justice in the Ghanaian democratic process.
Dr. Iddrisu begins by addressing the long-standing grievance of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL), whose lack of parliamentary representation has persisted for four years.
Despite calls for intervention, the Supreme Court has, so far, found no issue with this democratic gap, leaving the SALL communities feeling marginalized.
He also reflects on events surrounding the 2020 election, when then-Speaker Mike Oquaye required the Member of Parliament (MP) for Fomena to vacate his seat after he chose to run as an independent candidate.
As a result, the Fomena constituency was left without parliamentary representation in the critical lead-up to the election. Despite this lack of representation, the Supreme Court upheld Speaker Oquaye’s ruling.
Fast-forward to 2024, and a similar scenario is unfolding. Current Speaker Alban Bagbin, citing Oquaye’s precedent, has ruled against the “Gang of Four” MPs, requiring them to vacate their seats just two months ahead of the December elections.
This ruling would leave four constituencies unrepresented until January 7, 2025. However, in a surprising twist, the Supreme Court now challenges Speaker Bagbin’s decision, arguing for the reinstatement of these MPs.
Dr. Iddrisu draws a parallel between these events and George Orwell’s famous line from Animal Farm, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
This reference implies a double standard in the judicial handling of political cases, prompting questions about fairness and the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
As he concludes, Dr. Iddrisu urges leaders to prioritize integrity and a collective conscience over partisanship.
Duty-bearers must understand that without a peaceful and stable Ghana, partisan politics cannot thrive, he states.
His message underscores the importance of upholding democratic values to ensure that Ghana remains a stable and equitable nation.
The commentary invites Ghanaians to reflect on these issues, especially as they head into the 2024 general elections, where questions of representation and judicial fairness may shape the future of Ghanaian democracy.
