By Peter Kojo Apisawu
THE POLITICAL tradition of making last-minute appointments by outgoing governments is not unique to Ghana. It is a global phenomenon but one that has left an indelible mark on Ghana’s political landscape.
This contentious practice, often viewed as undemocratic and self-serving, continues to stir debates about governance, accountability and institutional stability.
While some of these last-minute decisions have yielded positive outcomes, others have disrupted governance, burdened public resources and raised concerns about political patronage and corruption. What drives this trend and how can Ghana address it?
When Time Runs Out: The Global and Local Context
Around the world, outgoing administrations have been known to push through appointments, recruitments, promotions, policies and programs in their final days. In Ghana, this trend has become a recurring feature of political transitions. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, for instance, faced significant criticism for enacting policies like the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) and making key appointments just before leaving office (Apisawu, 2024).
While such decisions may be intended to leave a legacy or entrench policies, they often spark controversy. Critics argue they reflect desperation, political favoritism, or attempts to constrain the incoming government.
The Fallout: Implications of Last-Minute Appointments
The consequences of these eleventh-hour decisions are far-reaching:
Financial Strain: Hastily created positions and policies often result in unnecessary expenses, straining an already burdened public purse.
Policy Disruption: Incoming administrations face challenges in adjusting to or undoing these decisions, creating a bottleneck in governance.
Democratic Undermining: Such moves often reflect political patronage, eroding trust in the democratic process and fostering corruption and cronyism (Boafo-Arthur, 1998).
Silver Linings: When Last-Minute Decisions Work
Not all last-minute appointments are detrimental. Some, in fact, have had far-reaching positive effects. The appointment of Daniel Domelevo as Ghana’s Auditor-General was lauded as a step toward greater accountability.
Similarly, increases in the National Service Scheme allowance and key appointments to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) are examples of impactful decisions (Ayee, 2013). Solutions to a Persistent Problem
To curb the excesses of last-minute appointments, experts recommend the following measures:
1. Clear Guidelines for Appointments
Introducing strict criteria to ensure appointments are based on merit and national interest can deter abuse.
2. Parliamentary Oversight
Subjecting all appointments to parliamentary approval could enhance transparency and accountability, ensuring a broader consensus.
3. Transparency in Decision-Making
Open procedures and public scrutiny should accompany all appointments to eliminate perceptions of favoritism.
4. Institutional Checks and Balances
Strengthening the roles of parliament, the judiciary and civil society organizations can provide robust oversight of executive powers.
Towards a More Accountable Future.
The issue of last-minute appointments isn’t going away anytime soon. In Ghana and beyond, addressing this practice requires a concerted effort to strengthen institutions, promote transparency and prioritize the country’s long-term interests over short-term political gains.
By adopting the recommended measures, Ghana can establish a governance culture where appointments are based on merit, not political expediency and where democratic processes are respected, even during transitions.
As Ghana and other nations grapple with this phenomenon, one thing is clear: true democratic maturity lies in leaving a legacy of strong, resilient institutions – not rushed decisions made in the eleventh hour.
References.
Apisawu, P. K. (2024). The Politics of Last-Minute Appointments: A Global Phenomenon with a Focus on Ghana.
Ayee, J. R. A. (2013). The Performance of the National Commission for Civic Education in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. African Studies Quarterly, 14(3), 125-144.
Boafo-Arthur, K. (1998). Ghana: Structural Adjustment, Democratization, and the Politics of Continuity. African Studies Review, 41(2), 35-61.
IMF. (2022). Ghana: Staff Report for the 2022 Article IV Consultation.
World Bank. (2022). World Development Indicators 2022: Ghana.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
