Turning the Electoral Commission (EC) on its head: Dormahene’s pronouncement invokes insightful lessons in the country’s parallel leadership phenomenon

1.           The recent pronouncement by the Dormahene that he will not allow the voter registration exercise in his jurisdiction if the EC boss fails to honor a pending invitation by the National House of Chiefs (NHoC)  provides an opportunity to confront and tackle a significant missing link in the practice of political governance in the country – the absence of effective institutional checks on acts of impunity in the misuse of state political power and authority. In fact, a major ripple effect of the EC ‘s insistent refusal is an assertiveness of indigenous leadership to claim its dutiful place in the value chain of ensuring transparency, accountability and participation in development efforts of the country.

2.           Leadership matters in transformative development; and the veritable source of leadership moments which would catalyze development interventions that cater to the needs of the majority is the creative blending of the country’s indigenous and modern leadership structures and systems. Overt disrespect for one in furtherance of the cause of the other is a recipe for elusiveness and disaster. A principled dialogue is necessary to ensure that these two leadership structures seemingly treading on the path of collision would remain the epitome of calmness, peace and unity essential to transformative development.

3.           Willful disrespect and contempt of the NHoC is no class act, and neither does it carry any honor nor grace. Organizing society for a good cause cannot thrive on undermining the leadership institution crucial as a prop to reach the envisaged destination. It does not need a sage to enlighten any occupant of state office that opening space for grassroots participation necessary for the type of development intervention that meets the needs of the masses would hinge on the forefront involvement of the indigenous community leadership. Hence, it is foolhardy to engage in the pursuit of a mandate of the people and be contemptuous of the NHoC.  

4.           The aforementioned pronouncement by the Dormahene is directed at reining impudent behavior by an agent of the state. What is noteworthy is the reaffirmation of the importance of indigenous leadership as the principal stakeholder provider of institutional checks on belligerent acts of modern leadership – an essential rare feat in the development trajectory of the nation. And this action by the distinguished chief is pregnant with increased risks if other members of the NHoC follow suit with similar pronouncements. What then will be the most appropriate response of the state without triggering an interim leadership crisis in a bid to tackle an overdue problem of claims to rightfulness and legitimacy?

5.           The A&A Network and partners believe it is to manage amicably situations of this nature which merit the adoption of the Blended Representation Principle (BRP) of Governance in Ghana. For further information on BRP, please visit www.anani-afelenetwork,org.

June 12, 2020