The Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has raised concerns about the state of partisan politics in Ghana and its adverse effects on local governance. Appearing on The Big Issue on Citi TV, he emphasized the urgent need for greater decentralization and reduced political interference in local communities.
Vanderpuye highlighted the divisive nature of partisan politics, expressing dissatisfaction with the discriminatory practices even during times of crisis, such as the distribution of relief items during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that political affiliations often determine the allocation of resources, creating tensions at the local level.
According to the MP, this political division extends to communal work, where residents hesitate to participate if the organizer belongs to a different political party. He attributed this disconnect to the neglect of local elections by the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ministry of Information.
Vanderpuye criticized the EC for its sporadic attention to local elections, emphasizing the importance of conducting these elections efficiently to avoid negligence. He also pointed out the Information Service Department’s failure to adequately publicize district-level elections, resulting in low voter turnout and engagement.
The MP called for a comprehensive and consistent approach to the electoral process, ensuring that all stages leading up to elections, including local elections, are conducted meticulously to foster a more inclusive and engaged democratic process in Ghana.
About The Author
