Dangers of partisan politics in managing drought, food crisis

Food crisis is a national emergency that requires a unified, transparent, and non-partisan approach to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, have access to the resources and support they need. 

In the face of a looming drought and food crisis, the last thing to happen is for the management of these challenges to be entangled in partisan politics.

Where in instances of managing drought and food crisis allocation is based on political loyalty and motives rather than need, regions or communities that support the opposition will end up being neglected, while those aligned with the ruling party receive disproportionate assistance.

Such practices not only deepen the crisis but also exacerbate social divisions. As a developing country that seeks to improve the social condition of all citizens, giving political interest precedence over the well-being of the nation can be detrimental to development.

With or without merit, the perception that government actions are politically motivated can erode public trust in institutions.

When citizens believe that food aid and other forms of assistance are distributed based on political considerations, they may become disillusioned and disengaged.

This lack of trust can hinder the effectiveness of any intervention, as cooperation and community support are essential in crisis management.

Partisan bickering can lead to delays in implementing crucial measures to address the crisis, as in such situations, political leaders tend to focus on scoring points against their opponents or securing their political base rather than taking timely and decisive action.

These delays can have devastating consequences, as droughts and food shortages require swift responses to prevent widespread suffering.

In a highly polarised political environment, any attempt to manage a crisis can be viewed with suspicion by the opposition, leading to accusations of favouritism, corruption or incompetence.

This can escalate tensions and potentially lead to unrest, further complicating efforts to address the crisis.

National good

For national good, transparent and non-partisan crisis management is required to effectively address any arising drought and related food crisis in the country. 
One way to avoid the pitfalls of partisan politics is to establish an independent, non-partisan committee responsible for managing the drought and food crisis.

This committee should be composed of experts from various fields, including agriculture, climate science, economics, and public health, as well as representatives from civil society, traditional authorities, and religious leaders.

Its mandate should be to make evidence-based decisions and ensure that resources are allocated based on need rather than political considerations.

The process of allocating resources such as food aid, water supplies, and financial assistance, should be transparent and open to public scrutiny.

Detailed reports on how resources are distributed should be published regularly, with clear criteria for determining who receives aid. This transparency will help build public trust and prevent accusations of favouritism or corruption.

Local communities should be actively involved in the planning and implementation of drought and food crisis interventions.

By empowering local leaders including chiefs, religious leaders and community organisations, the government can ensure that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of each community and that resources are distributed fairly.

As a matter of importance, the government should maintain regular and open communication with the public about the state of the crisis, the measures being taken and the reasons behind key decisions.

Communication

This communication should be factual and free from political rhetoric. Clear and consistent messaging will help keep the public informed and reduce the likelihood of misinformation and rumours.

Political parties should be encouraged to work together in addressing the drought and food crisis. This can be achieved through bipartisan task forces or committees where members of both the ruling party and the opposition are involved in decision-making.

This is important, as collaboration between parties can help ensure that interventions are seen as national efforts rather than political manoeuvres, reducing the likelihood of politicisation.

To further ensure transparency and accountability, the government can invite third-party organisations such as international NGOs or academic institutions to monitor and evaluate the crisis management efforts.

These organisations can provide independent assessments of the effectiveness and fairness of the interventions which can be used to make necessary adjustments and build public confidence.

It is equally essential to focus not only on immediate relief efforts but also on long-term solutions to address the root causes of drought and food insecurity.

This includes investing in sustainable agriculture, water conservation and climate resilience. By prioritising long-term strategies, the government can demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

Management

The management of drought and food crises in Ghana must rise above partisan politics. By ensuring transparency, involving a broad range of stakeholders and focusing on evidence-based and non-partisan approaches, we can address the crisis in a way that serves the interests of all Ghanaians.

In times of national emergency, unity and collaboration are our greatest strengths.

By working together, we can overcome the challenges of drought and food insecurity and build a more resilient and prosperous future for our nation.

The writer is the Chief of Asante Asaman/Elder of The Church of Pentecost (Dep. Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry).