Ghanaians outline expectations of the 8th Parliament; Beseach them to strictly check the Executive

The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) post-election survey has outlined key expectations of Ghanaians for the eight (8th) Parliament of the Republic of Ghana.

The survey has revealed that 80% of Ghanaians expect the current composition of Parliament to keep the executive in check.

Most Ghanaians expect the current composition of Parliament to have both positive and negative impacts on some parliamentary functions and government’s programmes. While a large majority (80%) say the current Parliament will “keep the executive in check” and “improve practice of parliamentary democracy,” many (61%) also say it will slow down decision-making and make MPs connive more on issues that affect them (60%).

CDD-Ghana’s 2021 survey on policies, rule of law and governance

According to the survey, majority of Ghanaians have positive views on the election of an opposition NDC member as Speaker of Parliament. Many of the respondents believe it will make the president and government more transparent (77%) and also promote NPP-NDC cooperation and collaboration (72%). However, about a half (52%) do not think it will make any difference.

CDD-Ghana’s report again said significant minorities of Ghanaians lack knowledge of what transpired during the 2017 and 2021 ministerial nominees vetting as they could not offer any meaningful comparative evaluation of the two events.

Akufo-Addo’s policy decision and actions performance rated 18% – CDD- Ghana 

Almost a half (45%) of respondents could not rate the level of scrutiny of nominees for ministerial positions by the vetting committee members, truthfulness of responses given by nominees for ministerial positions, the depth of knowledge and competence exhibited by ministerial nominees, and the depth of questions posed by NDC/NPP parliamentarians on the vetting committee.

EXPECTATIONS OF PUBLIC OFFICE HOLDERS

Ghanaians expect politicians and public officials to be accountable for their actions (40%), show integrity in their work (24%), be honest (24%), respectful (19%) and competent (19%).

WHAT CAN CITIZENS DO TO ENSURE RESPONSIVENESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY?

When asked how citizens can ensure political leaders acts in ways that meet citizens’ expectations, Ghanaians cited voting against political parties that err (67%), jointly demanding government action (50%), and publicly condemning actions of leaders and their supporters (49%).

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh