Bawumia Urges African Leaders to Prioritize Competence in Appointments Over Party Loyalty

Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has criticized the widespread practice in Africa of placing party loyalty and personal interests ahead of competence when appointing heads of independent institutions.

He argued that this practice weakens these institutions, preventing them from effectively holding governments accountable.

Speaking on January 27, 2025, during a session on democracy, governance, and political integrity in Nigeria, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of appointing qualified individuals to these roles, rather than those who simply align with political interests.

He also called out technocrats who, motivated by personal gains, have allowed these institutions to become ineffective and subject to public scrutiny.

Dr. Bawumia highlighted that one of the biggest threats to democracy today is the struggle for basic survival, which he referred to as “the Next Meal.” He stressed that true democracy is not just about holding elections but ensuring that citizens’ fundamental needs are met, making governance truly meaningful.

Referencing former South African President Nelson Mandela, who once said that poverty, injustice, and inequality prevent true peace, Dr. Bawumia reiterated that effective democracy must lead to tangible improvements in people’s lives, including access to essential services and economic opportunities.

He warned that poverty erodes political integrity, as people focused on securing their next meal are less likely to engage with or trust political systems. “When survival is the priority, democracy becomes secondary,” Dr. Bawumia concluded.