Justice Honyenuga’s apology provokes some noteworthy reflections in the context of the Blended Representation Principle (BRP) of Governance

1.           The delivery of a statement by Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga in his role and capacity as a paramount Chief was a collective action rendering unnecessary a personal apology in a different setting. At his confirmation hearing in Parliament on May 11, 2020 for a seat in the Supreme Court, Justice Honyenuga was compelled to apologize for a statement he delivered on behalf of his people during the President’s visit to the Afadjato South Constituency - a statement construed to be an endorsement of  the President for another term in office (Ghanaweb, May, 12 2020). 

2.           In the context of BRP of governance, the entire episode casts an aspersion as related to some underlying issues in the politics of Ghana: (a) personalization of institutional actions; (b) collective and individual interests; (c) the constitutional provisions barring Chiefs from participating in politics, and (d) choices of citizens predicated on rational behavior.  BRP of governance is the fusion of leadership systems (modern and indigenous) which ensures the mandate to rule is shared among partisan-based elected officials and traditional authorities.

3.           Chieftaincy is people, and institutions are not persons. Personalization of an institutional action is the seed of division and discord in society. Compelling a leader to personalize an action taken on behalf of his/her people is the reverse separation of this leader from his/her community. It is not farfetched to view Justice Honyenuga’s appearance before the appointments committee of Parliament a personal action and purpose separated from his position as a paramount chief.

4.           Collective and not individual interests ensure peaceful and harmonious coexistence in society. Justice Honyenuga did not represent himself at the podium where he delivered the statement in question but represented himself as a professional for confirmation in parliament A fragile and sensitive political arena always find space to balance vigilance in fulfilling obligations and tolerance of accommodative utterances without finger-pointing and name-shaming.

5.           The constitutional provision barring Chiefs from participation in politics has outlived its usefulness and should be consigned to the dustbin. Politics, as practiced in Ghana, is the major vehicle by which development resources are translated into dividends for the benefit of the people. And to prohibit the leadership created and nurtured by the people from active involvement in this process is a grievous anomaly in the country’s quest for transformative development.

6.           Citizens’ choice of a leader is based on a rational decision with repercussions. Regardless the intent of Justice Honyenuga’s statement as construed, rationality would shape the outcome of   Elections 2020. However, transformative development would continue to be elusive if serious thought is not given the adoption of the Blended Representation Principle of governance. For more information on BRP, visit the A&A Network (www. anani-afelenetwork.org).

May 12, 2020