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July 19, 2026
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The problem isn’t unanswered calls but weak institutions — Prof. Asare
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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.
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