The Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency has advised his colleague politicians to be more accommodating of criticisms of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) regardless of how harsh the criticism might be.
According to the NPP MP, the critical views and opinions of Civil Organizations (CSOs) are necessary in shaping the policy ideas and initiatives of political parties and governments to ensure the implementation of transformational policies and initiatives for the development of the country.
Mr. Afenyo Markin noted that in democratic system of governance like that of Ghana, the CSOs act as checks on the excesses of governments and hold leaders accountable to the people, thus they form a fundamental part of the governance structure.
He said political parties and government must consider CSOs as the “5th estate of the realm” and urged them to tolerate the divergent views and opinions expressed by CSOs on government and political parties’ policy ideas and initiatives no matter how harsh and intruding such views and opinions might be so as to propel the advancement of the country.
“It is high time we the political class realised that while we may perceive Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as either irritating, harassing or frustrating our efforts, we need them as critical components of our governance superstructure. In no small measure, CSOs operate as a restraining influence on every government. Indeed, we may, as politicians, have ideologies, policies and goals –– the objects of which are ours.
However, the value chain needed to convert our ideas into transformational end products necessarily requires the constructive attention and input of CSOs, no matter how bothersome. We must, therefore, see CSOs as the fifth estate of the realm for the sake of the health and progress of our nation,” he stated.
The Board Chairman of Ghana Water Company Limited also urged the CSOs to be more accommodating of criticism from government officials and the others from the political class so as “to help improve the quality of their contribution to our nation-building efforts.”
His remarks come at a time government and CSOs are at each other’s throat over the Agyapa Royalties Agreement. Finance Minister expressed his displeasure over comments made by the CSOs when they held press conferences demanding the suspension of the deal. The CSOs had described the deal as an “elite capture of resources” at the said press conference.
But the Finance Minister said he was pained by the comment of the CSOs reason he did not consider their petition.
Some government officials have also chided the CSOs over their opposition against the deal with some questioning their integrity and competence.
Former Minister of State and a member of the NPP has in an article accused the CSOs of fiercely criticizing government and failing to accept criticism describing them as “all-knowing neutrals.”
