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Ghana needs 'Positive Sum Mentality' in politics - Dr. Tony Aidoo
Accra, Ghana - October 23, 2024 - Ghana's former Policy Evaluation and Oversight Unit head, Dr. Tony Aidoo, is calling for a seismic shift in the country's political landscape. In an interview on PM Express, he emphasized the need for a "positive sum mentality" in Parliament to propel Ghana's development.
This comes amidst the ongoing power struggle between the NPP and NDC, intensified by the Supreme Court's ruling on the four parliamentary seats.
Dr. Aidoo criticized the entrenched rivalry in Parliament, stating that the NPP caucus must adopt a more collaborative approach. "Politics should not be played in terms of a zero-sum mentality. It should be a positive sum mentality," he stressed. He believes negotiation is essential for government business to move forward, urging the ruling party to engage with the opposition.
Dr. Aidoo also targeted NPP Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin's attitude, describing it as fascist-like. Afenyo-Markin, recently confirmed as Majority Leader, made a remark about a far-right protest, chastising a journalist, which Dr. Aidoo says hinders cooperation.
If the NPP continues to push for dominance without compromise, Dr. Aidoo warns that the government will face setbacks in passing key legislation.
“The NPP caucus needs to climb down from their high horse and realise that politics should not be played in terms of a zero-sum mentality. It should be a positive sum mentality,” he stated.
“If the government wants to do business, it can come to Parliament. Negotiation is part of politics,” he added, suggesting that collaboration is the only way to break the current impasse.
“Only recently, he [Afenyo-Markin] made a Freudian slip about his far-right protest, chastising a journalist," which he believes doesn’t foster cooperation.
“The government loses more in this scenario. There’s no reason why they can’t have their bills passed if they adopt an attitude of compromise and cooperation,” Dr Aidoo warned.
Source: Lead News Online
