A growing number of voices throughout Ghana are demanding tough leaders including policymakers, security agencies, and civil society organizations—those with the political will and tenacity to enforce discipline, uphold the rule of law, and guide the country toward order and development—as the country struggles with issues of lawlessness, indiscipline, and lax enforcement of national laws.
From illicit mining to flagrant disregard for traffic laws, illegal street vending, corruption, and tax evasion, it is clear that leniency, education programs, and guidance by themselves have not been able to significantly change behavior in many facets of Ghanaian society.
The truth is, Ghana needs strong public servants. People who will do more than just talk. Those who do not worry about losing favor for acting morally. According to some citizens interviewed regarding impunity in Ghana, the country is at a position where a strong hand is required to change the culture of this terrible attitude.
Increased worries about the breakdown of law and order in certain places, where indiscipline has become commonplace and enforcement agents are either ignored, bribed, or overpowered, have contributed to this developing mood.
Many worried residents feel that the only way to successfully confront long-standing misbehavior and rebuild trust in the legal system is for a leader (s)to have the guts to take unpopular but necessary measures.
Many Ghanaians seem to react solely to punishment rather than moral pleas or advice, even after years of civic education, national sensitization programs, and media efforts.
“Ghanaians know what is right, but most will not act on it unless there are consequences for doing the wrong thing,” said Dr. Ama Owusu-Afriyie, a governance expert at the University of Ghana. “What the country needs is not another politician who will plead for compliance, but one who will enforce it.”
The top priority that should be applied equally to all should be combating corruption, making public servants responsible, and penalizing citizens for their transgressions.
In the past, when leadership adopted a strict, constant approach to discipline, Ghana has seen periods of notable behavioral improvement. For instance, it is frequently acknowledged—controversially or not—that the late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings instilled discipline and dread through his emphasis on accountability and his zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.
Many people are of the view that, respect for law and order is a result of strong, equitable leadership supported by decisive action—remains applicable even though the circumstances and times have changed.
President John Dramani Mahama stressed that everyone is subject to the law, including the president, on Ghana’s first-ever National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. His comments provoked debates regarding the value of fair enforcement and the influence of setting an example on national sentiment.
Kofi Boakye, a political expert, shared a similar opinion, saying:
“The rule of law must be non-negotiable. If we keep electing leaders who are afraid to offend, who compromise too easily, or who surround themselves with untouchables, the nation will remain stagnant.”
Across various sectors—from sanitation and road safety to illegal mining and tax compliance—there is a consistent pattern: regulations are often flouted unless there is visible and immediate consequence.
This trend has raised concerns among policymakers, security agencies, and civil society groups who argue that the country’s overreliance on sensitization campaigns, warnings, and public advisories may no longer be effective in fostering responsible citizenship.
The Case of Illegal Mining
Perhaps no issue illustrates the need for strict enforcement better than the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey. Despite repeated presidential directives, national dialogues, and community sensitization, the practice remains rampant—devastating rivers, forests, and farmlands across the country.
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When authorities intensified military operations to arrest illegal miners, there was an observable decline in activity. However, where enforcement was weak or compromised, illegal mining resurfaced quickly.
Many Ghanaians are calling on government institutions to prioritize consistent and non-selective enforcement of laws.
The rule of law must not be reserved only for the poor or powerless, but should be applied to everyone including politicians, business owners, and public officials alike.
As Ghana confronts the challenges of modern governance, the evidence suggests that advice alone may no longer suffice. Citizens, leaders, and institutions alike must recognize that without strict, fair, and consistent enforcement, the nation’s quest for discipline and development may remain elusive.
