Open up law-making processes to the people

In the last couple of weeks or so, the public has raised serious eyebrows over the implementation of some laws which have been lying on our statute books for ages.

One has to do with the licensing of teachers, which was passed as far back as 2008, and the other is the national towing levy which was also promulgated in 2013.

It is evident, beyond doubt, that the proponents of these laws meant well because of the national implications. For instance, in the case of the towing levy, it is meant to ensure that our roads are safe to prevent those accidents that often claim hundreds of innocent lives on our roads.

The law on teacher licensing was also passed to ensure that we have only highly qualified persons imparting knowledge to the future leaders of the country. Just as it is in many professions, the law was meant to identify teachers and accord them what they rightfully deserve.

Unfortunately, however, the government is faced with threats of all kinds and outright rejection in its attempt to implement the two pieces of legislation.

It is clear from this development that something really went amiss. These laws and many others which touch the lives of the people were perhaps not discussed with those the laws affect, although the representatives of the people debated and passed the laws on our behalf.

This should tell us that Ghana has come of age and the citizenry should not be taken for granted. The people want to be involved in everything that affects their well-being.

It is against this background that the Daily Graphic finds the action of Parliament in these matters not only disturbing but also most unfortunate. The House should have subjected these sensitive issues to thorough public discussion by holding a series of stakeholder meetings throughout the country to solicit the input of the people before finally passing the laws.

We appreciate the fact that such engagements can be expensive, but it is better to have a law that is acceptable to all than to go ahead, after long hours of debate, to pass it, only for it to be rejected by majority of the people, as is the case with the teacher licensing policy and the towing levy.

The Daily Graphic would strongly suggest to Parliament not to take anything for granted when dealing with the public, particularly when it comes to very sensitive national issues.

Nothing, we believe, should be shrouded in secrecy because, at the end of the day, it is the government in power that is placed in an awkward position to defend the laws.

We trust that Parliament will take a cue from developments so far and draw lessons that will guide it in future legislation.

We should no longer encounter such hiccups if we want our peace and stability to thrive and continue to be the toast of the continent.

The Daily Graphic believes the country could have avoided the tension that has become associated with the implementation of the towing levy and the announcement that teachers are to be licensed before they can teach.

As we have stated, the lawmakers meant well, but in future the people should be engaged on all legislation. After all, what affects all must be discussed and agreed on by all.

That is the essence of participatory democracy.