Ghana IntelBrief
Back to Latest Briefings
The problem isn’t unanswered calls but weak institutions — Prof. Asare
July 19, 2026
AI-Enhanced

The problem isn’t unanswered calls but weak institutions — Prof. Asare

Money
Policy
Opportunity
Growth

Key Points

  • Professor Kwaku Asare urges Ghana to build stronger public institutions to guarantee equal access to opportunities, reducing citizens' reliance on personal political connections.
  • His comments follow Justice William Atuguba's criticism of politicians becoming inaccessible post-election, which Asare attributes to a deeper structural weakness in governance.
  • Asare argues that many aspects of public life, including jobs, contracts, admissions, and promotions, are currently dependent on personal influence, fostering cronyism and nepotism.
  • He maintains that it's unrealistic for politicians to maintain personal relationships with all supporters and instead advocates for transparent, merit-based institutional systems.
  • Asare calls for a return to governance anchored on transparent criteria, competitive processes, published outcomes, and auditable decisions, where institutions, not politicians, serve citizens impartially.

Why This Matters

This analysis highlights a critical governance issue in Ghana where reliance on political connections undermines meritocracy and public trust. Addressing this systemic weakness is crucial for fostering equitable access to opportunities, combating corruption, and ensuring that public resources and services are distributed fairly based on transparent rules rather than personal influence. This directly impacts Ghana's long-term development, social cohesion, and economic efficiency.

Read Full Article

View original source

Related Articles

NCD Alliance Ghana urges government to accelerate action on NCDs and mental health

September 2, 2026

NCD Alliance Ghana urges government to accelerate action on NCDs and mental health
  • NCD Alliance Ghana urges the government to accelerate efforts in preventing and controlling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions.
  • NCDs account for over 45% of all deaths in Ghana, with significant burdens like hypertension and strokes affecting even younger adults.
  • The Alliance calls for translating existing commitments into practical, accessible interventions, strengthening implementation, and fully operationalizing the Mental Health Fund.
  • Key recommendations include integrating NCD and mental health services into primary healthcare, addressing social and environmental determinants, and improving data systems.
  • Concerns were raised regarding the long-term financing sustainability of the MahamaCares policy, with a call to earmark excise tax revenues and enforce regulations like the Tobacco Control Regulations.
Read full briefing

TEIN UK–Ireland engages Ghana High Commission on support for students, professionals

September 2, 2026

TEIN UK–Ireland engages Ghana High Commission on support for students, professionals
  • A delegation from the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) UK–Ireland paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mrs Sabah Zita Benson.
  • The meeting aimed to discuss measures to support Ghanaians studying and working in the UK and Ireland, and to strengthen ties with the Ghana High Commission.
  • Discussions focused on enhancing engagement with Ghanaian students, lecturers, researchers, and young professionals, and addressing their challenges.
  • TEIN UK–Ireland, founded by the NDC UK–Ireland Youth Organiser, works to build a decentralized organization to provide a platform for political, intellectual, and national development discussions.
  • The delegation called for stronger institutional support and sustained engagement to help Ghanaians in the diaspora leverage opportunities and maintain links with Ghana.
Read full briefing

KMA announces temporary ban on new billboards

September 2, 2026

KMA announces temporary ban on new billboards
  • The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has suspended the erection of new billboards across the metropolis.
  • The directive aims to enforce outdoor advertising regulations and maintain an orderly urban environment.
  • Existing billboard owners and advertising companies must report to the KMA for verification of valid permits and 2026 fee payments.
  • Operators have 14 days from September 1, 2026, to submit required documents to the Physical Planning Department.
  • Non-compliant billboard structures will be removed by the KMA in accordance with existing regulations.
Read full briefing