Research findings in a nationwide survey by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) have revealed that many Ghanaians, through recommendations, have called for the drastic reduction of the powers of the president of the Republic.
Ghanaians have also kicked against any attempt to grant more terms to the President of extending the presidential tenure.
According to CDD, the research was done in twelve (12) out of the sixteen (16) regions. It was on a wide range of issues militating against the smooth governance of Ghana, which many Ghanaians often speak against.
For instance, the respondents kicked against the power of President to appoint people to fill almost all critical positions under the constitution.
This situation has given birth to politicizing all institutions that affect productivity and performance.
They opined that, on the other hand appointees who are protected by the constitution are invariably intimidated and harassed until they are kicked out, resigning in the process.
For instance, participants did not subscribe to the appointment by the President of the Chief Justice, the Inspector General of Police, CHRAJ Commissioner, NCCE Commissioner, Electoral Commissioner, Chief of Defence Staff, CEOs, among others.
The respondents indicated that these group of people must be given the liberty and free hands to give off their best. The president must not have the interfering powers to thwart the smooth execution of their duties.
CDD stated that the people are of the strong conviction that the power to appoint and fire must be in a different appointing authority like the Public Services Commission or any constitutional body to take up that responsibility.
On the issue of board chairmen, board members, and CEOs, the respondents argued that they should have succession plans in all state owned companies without politicizing the appointment to ensure diligence, job security and independence of the duty bearers.
The presentation was done by Dr Kwadwo Asante of CDD to highlight on the findings and the recommendations emanating from the wide range of national issues that will ensure the sustenance of good governance and rule of law in the country.
Most invariably, most of these people who come through political support come with little or no knowledge at all and woefully fail to perform to produce required results. This situation has culminated in the abysmal performance of some persons and companies.
They also decried the harassment and intimidation of some neutral appointees or those appointed by the previous government.
“This doesn’t augur well for good governance and national cohesion,” the survey revealed.
According to them, the Constitutional Review Commission must seek to review this ambiguous presidential power and control.
TERM LIMITS
Again, the respondents did not buy into the idea of extending the tenure of the President.
They were of the opinion that the two four- year terms is enough and there should not be an extension for any one person no matter his or her performance. This will avoid tyranny, dictatorship, and autocracy in the country.
Other issues like Free SHS review, MMDCE election, medical attention for citizens, NHIA extension to cover other diseases, and the aged were captured in the survey report.
Scholarships for the people living with disabilities among many issues were also widely deliberated upon.
