By Patrick Biddah
Ghana’s Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has underscored the critical role minority voices play in the country’s democratic governance, describing them as an essential force in ensuring accountability and transparency.
He made the remark during a courtesy visit by a parliamentary delegation from Zimbabwe, who are in Ghana to study the country’s education system, innovation ecosystem, and industrial policies.
The delegation, led by Dr Thokozani Khupe, Chairperson of Zimbabwe’s Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education, met the Minister in Accra as part of a broader learning tour.
Addressing the delegation, Iddrisu, emphasized that Ghana’s democratic gains have been strengthened by a robust parliamentary opposition, which ensures the government is held to its promises and actions.
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“As a Member of Parliament myself, I can say that our majority does not take the opposition for granted. Their criticism keeps us on our toes and strengthens policy,” he said.
He added that in Ghana’s political tradition, the minority plays a strategic role in shaping laws and holding the executive arm accountable, a feature he described as central to the country’s growing democracy.
Touching on constitutional governance, the Minister said, Ghana’s democracy is firmly grounded in the separation of powers, where the legislature, executive, and judiciary operate independently yet cooperatively.
“There is respect for the rule of law, and our ministers who are also MPs undergo strict vetting by Parliament although we believe an MP who is elected should automatically qualify to become a Minister unless there a criminal record banning him” he explained.
According to the Minister, 50% of Ghana’s ministers must be Members of Parliament, a model that reflects the country’s attempt to balance executive authority with legislative oversight.
He noted that such arrangements help ensure that policies made at the executive level receive the scrutiny and input of elected representatives, thereby reinforcing democratic participation.
Dr Thokozani Khupe, speaking on behalf of the Zimbabwean delegation, said they were keen to understand how Ghana links education to innovation and industrial development.
“We are eager to learn from Ghana’s innovation hubs and how your country reduces reliance on government by commercialising research and promoting entrepreneurship,” she noted.
She stressed the need for African countries to stop exporting raw materials in their natural state, a practice she said results in job losses to Western economies.
“If we do not add value to our raw materials, we are simply exporting jobs. It’s time for Africa to industrialize,” Dr. Khupe emphasized.
The Zimbabwean team is expected to visit key Ghanaian tertiary institutions, industrial enclaves, and innovation centres to experience how policy is translated into practice.
Their visit is expected to foster future partnerships between Ghana and Zimbabwe in education, innovation, and sustainable development.
