Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has questioned why Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has not been appointed a minister, describing her as a politician of principle, integrity and commitment to public service.
According to him, although he has never met or personally engaged the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, he has followed her activities and believes she represents the kind of political leadership the country needs.
“I don’t know why she is not yet a minister. Such a woman of principle, of education, of integrity — why not?” Justice Atuguba said.
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Speaking on Thursday at a memorial lecture commemorating the 20th anniversary of the passing of former Speaker of Parliament, Justice Daniel Francis Kweipe Annan, Justice Atuguba said Ghana needs more leaders who demonstrate honesty, humility and dedication to the national interest.
Zanetor Rawlings’ leadership qualities
Justice Atuguba said Ghana must encourage politicians who put public service ahead of personal interests.
He described Zanetor Rawlings as ‘a woman of the people’ and suggested that her approach to politics reflects the values required to rebuild public confidence in political leadership.
He argued that Ghana’s political system has increasingly shifted away from principles and national development towards competition for power and access to state resources.
Ghana’s politics commercialisedÂ
Justice Atuguba expressed concern that Ghana’s political process has become increasingly driven by personal and party interests rather than the national interest.
He criticised what he described as the monetisation of politics, arguing that elections are sometimes treated like business investments where individuals expect returns after gaining political power.
“It’s like somebody buying a timber concession. He has paid for it, so he wants to exploit it to the maximum,” he said.
According to him, such trends undermine democratic values and weaken institutions.
The former Supreme Court judge criticised what he described as excessive partisan competition in Parliament.
He said parliamentary debates often appear more focused on party supremacy than finding solutions to Ghana’s challenges.
“I don’t see that it is a struggle over the national interest. It’s a struggle for party supremacy, supremacy of the leadership of the party and the resultant benefits from it,” he stated.
Justice Atuguba argued that opposition parties often focus primarily on returning to power rather than supporting policies that benefit citizens.
Return to democratic principles
Justice Atuguba urged Ghana’s political leaders to return to the principles of democracy, accountability and selfless leadership.
He encouraged politicians and public officials to read books and study the experiences of Ghana’s past leaders to understand the responsibilities that come with public office.
Such lessons, he said, could help address some of the challenges facing the country.
Justice Atuguba also questioned Ghana’s decision to increase the number of Members of Parliament over the years.
He questioned the benefits of expanding Parliament from about 100 members after independence to the current number, arguing that the growth has created additional economic pressure on the state.
According to him, increasing parliamentary seats does not automatically translate into improved development outcomes for citizens. He welcomed recommendations by constitutional review bodies against further expansion of Parliament.
Justice Atuguba also reflected on challenges surrounding the creation of districts and the competition among communities seeking administrative status.
He recalled his involvement in attempts to help resolve disagreements among communities seeking a district headquarters, noting that local interests often made consensus difficult.
He argued that governments must sometimes make difficult decisions based on fairness and national development rather than political considerations.