The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has called on political leaders to embrace constitutional centrism as the foundation of governance in Ghana, stressing that ideology must always give way to evidence, justice, and practical results.
He described Ghana’s democratic journey as one shaped by moderation, balance, and constitutional discipline rather than extreme political ideologies.
He made the remarks at a Public Affairs Department public lecture organised by the Parliament of Ghana under the auspices of the Clerk to Parliament and delivered by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
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Mr. Ayariga argued that Ghana’s Directive Principles of State Policy already define the country’s political ideology, making debates about left-wing or right-wing politics largely unnecessary.
According to him, the 1992 Constitution promotes a system that balances private sector growth with strong public investment and social protection.
“The Constitution has predetermined our ideology for us. Invest when you have to invest. Allow the private sector when you have to. But ultimately, establish a just and free society,” he said.
He described the constitutional framework as “centrist in the most serious sense,” insisting that it demands accountability, balance, and reasoned policymaking.
Reflecting on Ghana’s political history since 1993, Mr. Ayariga said both major parties—the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have consistently governed from the political centre despite their ideological origins.
“Both parties, when they govern, end up governing from the centre,” he observed.“ This is not hypocrisy. This is centrism in practice.”
He cited examples of market liberalisation under NDC governments and social interventions under NPP administrations as evidence of pragmatic governance.
Mr. Ayariga urged political leaders to prioritise realism over rigid campaign promises, using cocoa pricing as an example.
“When world market prices fall, it is not stubbornness that should guide policy. It is pragmatism. You must be honest with the people,” he said.
He maintained that responsible leadership requires the courage to revise policies that are not working.
“Governance is not a test of stubbornness. It is a test of results,” he emphasised.
The Majority Leader stressed that true centrism begins with critical questioning and evidence-based analysis.
According to him, policies must be assessed on how they affect “real people in real places,” rather than on ideological grounds.
“It requires humility to revise policies and the courage to say so publicly,” he said.
He urged Parliament to remain the central platform for negotiating national priorities
Mr. Mahama Ayariga invited Ghanaians to actively participate in policy debates and democratic processes.
“Parliament is saying to the people of Ghana: we want to think out loud with you. Let us leave here more equipped to build the Ghana we all deserve,” he said.