Solidaire Governance Forum: ‘No political party is big enough to own Ghana’ – Kwaku Azar

Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare has urged Ghanaians to put national interest above partisan loyalty, insisting that no political party is greater than the country.

The renowned legal scholar, well known as Kwaku Azar, made the remarks during a Solidare Ghana Public Forum lecture on “Political Parties: The Original Vision and Current Reality.”

Professor Asare said political parties remain essential to Ghana’s constitutional democracy but warned that excessive party loyalty has distorted their purpose and weakened national development.

“No political party is big enough to own Ghana. Political parties are means. Ghana is the end,” he declared.

He argued that democracy should never become a struggle for political supremacy at the expense of the country’s progress.

“When we forget that distinction, democracy becomes a contest for power. When we remember it, democracy becomes a vehicle for progress,” he said.

Professor Asare observed that many citizens have become deeply attached to political parties, often defending them regardless of their actions and judging public issues through partisan interests instead of objective national considerations.

According to him, such political behaviour has contributed to growing divisions, weakened public confidence in state institutions and reduced accountability.

He called on Ghanaians to reclaim the original purpose of democratic politics by demanding better leadership, stronger institutions and greater transparency from all political parties.

“The question is not whether the NDC will win. Or whether the NPP will win. The question is whether Ghana will win.”

Professor Asare stressed that political competition should be driven by ideas, integrity and public service rather than patronage, personality cults or the pursuit of state power.

He also urged political parties to strengthen their internal democratic processes, promote competent leadership and focus on policies capable of improving the lives of citizens.

The legal scholar further encouraged citizens to hold all political parties to the same standards instead of excusing poor governance because of partisan allegiance.

Professor Asare said Ghana’s democratic future depends on citizens placing the country’s long-term interests above party victories.

“Our loyalty must be to the Republic first, not to any political party. Only then can our democracy fulfil its promise of building a prosperous, just and united nation where political competition serves the people rather than political organisations.”