RIGHTS-BASED GOVERNANCE OR GOOD GOVERNANCE? AN EXAMINATION OF ANTINOMIES IN CURRENT THINKING ON GOVERNANCE

 

Conceptually, governance is the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage the affairs of a particular state at all levels. In this sense, it comprises the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, assert their rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences. As a concept, governance is different from mere ‘government’ or ‘administration’ in that governance encapsulates political values and processes such as pluralism and accountability, which are not necessarily part and parcel of every governmental or administrative process.

If this definition of governance is accepted, then the term ‘good governance’ which has gained currency in recent political economy literature is at worst a misnomer and at best tautological. This is because governance by definition already incorporates notions of accountability, pluralism, transparency, and respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights which are normally listed as basic elements of good, as opposed to bad (undemocratic), governance.

Rights-based governance on the other hand refers essentially to the idea that the governance process is located within a rights-framework broadly defined by the people. The sole aim of government within this framework is therefore to fulfill the entitlements (rights) of the citizenry. It differs from good governance in the sense that whereas good governance or its elements as enumerated above constitutes mere criteria for determining whether and to what extent a state has democratized sufficiently so as to qualify for external financial assistance, rights-based governance is people-centered and is measured by the extent to which basic entitlements needed for the full realization of human potential and capacities have been met by the state.

The good governance paradigm, promoted mostly by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has become a model for developing countries seeking to organize (or reorganize) their societies along paths historically proven to lead to development. Good governance is held up as the panacea to most, if not all, of the economic ailments that afflict countries of the developing world. This belief, deep-seated as it is, has led to the sweeping processes of democratization witnessed in Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and Asia.

Given that most of these experiments in democratic governance are yet to yield economic dividends, it may be too early in the day to draw any valid conclusions regarding the broad position adopted by the World Bank, the IMF and their major shareholders. It is not enough to argue that the view that good governance leads to economic development is validated simply by reference to the progress made by, say, the American economy, over the last two hundred years. But America may provide some clues as to whether and to what extent good governance (democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights) conduces to the economic prosperity of nations.

Whatever it virtues as a model for political and economic development, the good governance paradigm has swung so dangerously close to the market that it has ignored, again dangerously, non-market values that bring about social cohesion or prevent social disequilibria. The good governance paradigm threatens to turn our society into a market society based on transactional principles to the exclusion of social values.

My name is Kofi Anokye, a Sustainable Development Enthusiast and Managing Partner at ANOKS Research. I’m making my perfect grain of sand. Make yours too, and we’ll build a sustainable city, brick by brick.

THE UGLY FACE OF GHANA’S PUBLIC TRANSPORT SECTOR

The current face of Ghana’s public transport sector is characterized by gridlocks, perilous navigation by drivers, high occupancy, insanitary conditions and high cost of fares. 

What account for these? The political will and regulatory potency to enforce road safety standards and procedures are virtually non-existent.

From trotros, taxis, trains and motorbikes, each day, men and women including children wake up at the crack of dawn to fight bumper-to-bumper traffic and cramped public transport to show up at places in time or late.

Another worrying situation is the number of commercial vehicles on our roads. Statistics show that there are about 237,537 commercial vehicles (up to 2000cc) in Ghana.

This greater number of commercial vehicles ply the insufficient road network resulting in slower vehicle speeds, queuing and longer distances between points. A lot of fuel is wasted raising pollution level in the cities, with stressful conditions and health issues which lead to loss in productivity.

Does your means of transport to work or places matter? What is the state of the state’s position on Bus Rapid Transport (BRT)? It is possible these questions have crossed the minds of many well-meaning Ghanaians.

Well, the argument for orderly developments and enforcement of road safety standards and procedures is strong and urgent.

The issue of an effective and efficient public transport system should by no means be belittled, as good transport system keeps the nation moving and bad one has cost and even health implications for its users.

My name is Kofi Anokye, a sustainable development enthusiast. I’m making my perfect grain of sand. Make yours too, and we’ll build a sustainable city, brick by brick.

A GLANCE AT MEAT CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY AND TYPE

Meat is always on the menu in many parts of the world, as we can see when we map out meat consumption by country. How do countries differ in how much, and what type of meat, they eat? In this colorful graphic, we highlight the most consumed type of meat in every country in the world, using data from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Each colour denotes a different category of meat - beef, pork, mutton, poultry, seafood, or other with annual consumption calculated per capita in kilograms (kg).

Let’s dig into the data.

Is Fish Considered Meat?

Since meat is normally defined as the flesh of any animal (with the primary components being water, fat, and protein), that includes fish and other seafood.

But whether fish is considered “meat” or not depends a lot on cultural practices and dietary preferences, and has varied throughout history. Some earlier definitions of meat focused only on mammals, for example.

In Christianity for example, many denominations allow eating fish on fasting days when abstaining from meat. This was both due to distinctions between meat from warm-blooded land animals and cold-blooded animals (like fish), as well as the importance of fish consumption in parts of Europe where Christianity flourished.

To account for both sides of the debate, we’ll cover meat consumption by country both with and without fish and seafood.

Just by glancing at the map, poultry stands out as the most popular meat by weight consumption in 70 countries, or about 40% of the entire database.

 

THE EMERGENCE OF “PRAGIA” ON OUR ROADS: AN INSTITUTIONAL DYSFUNCTION OR NEGLIGENCE?

A cursory look at roads in most of our cities, towns and communities clearly indicates the ever increasing presence of tricycles popularly referred to as “pragia”, playing key roles in facilitating the transportation of people from one point to the other.

The Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (Legislative Instrument [L.I] 2180), however, prohibits the use of motorcycles and three wheelers for commercial activities. 

Although the law exists, there has been a blatant disregard for this regulation for many years mainly due to challenges in enforcement.

From road safety perspective, we need to be smarter about our transport systems and stay ahead of the curve.

A CLARION CALL TO EXCELLENCE

Commit to continuous improvement and invest what it takes to develop your skill until you reach the very top of your field.

Distinguish yourself as a professional. You might be called names but ignore and stick to your ideals.

Everything that must be done must be done well. We must endeavor to pursue excellence in whatever we do. Mediocrity is counterproductive. Have an unbeatable passion for excellence. Ambition drives results, have great dreams and a passion for excellence.

Indeed time and tide wait for no man. Whether you do what you have to do or not, the clock keeps ticking. It won’t wait for you.

Be intellectually competitive!

NOTHING BUT FOCUS!

A young woman sat on a park bench over lunch. And while she sat there she noticed a butterfly trying to come out of its cocoon. She watched it struggle and struggle for more than an hour. Eventually feeling sorry for it she reached for a small scissors, and gently used it to clip open the cocoon. To her surprise the butterfly that was released did not fly away it just sat there totally crippled. You see, what she did not realise was that the struggle a butterfly goes through, is what pumps blood into its wings so that it may be able to fly!

Isaiah 40:31 says “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” The eagle is an unusual bird, because it has mustered the ability to fly into a storm. It "mounts" strong winds as though it is going up a staircase. It is the only bird that you will find flying during a storm.

In the next half of the year, approach life with the majesty of an eagle! Do not be afraid of headwinds or opposition; use them; mount them like stairs for your success! The word “wait upon” comes from the Hebrew word, “qawah”, which denotes, someone who is “serving” as they wait. It is an active process and not passive. 

You might be struggling to get a job; you might be struggling to make your finances work; you might be struggling to fund your education; you might be struggling to make a small business successful; you might be struggling to get ahead in your job; you might even be going through viscous persecution, that even threatens your very life. Listen to me; from today, start thinking about it differently!

No matter how dark, no matter how challenging, you are not going under; you are going over...just don't give up! Be motivated by the small steps!!

My name is Kofi Anokye, and I believe in you.

THE NECESSITY OF CRITICISM

Although criticism is not desirable, we cannot do without it. It is more or less a necessary evil. 26th President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt famously remarked that “To announce that there must be no criticism of the president...is morally treasonable to the American public.” When he said this, he was not inviting criticism. He was affirming the inevitability of criticism and acknowledgement of people's right to express their opinion. 

 

Another iconic leader, Winston Churchill also said “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It draws attention to an unhealthy state of things.” Don't resent criticism. Don't be angry when you are criticized. Learn to respond to criticism objectively and it could be your springboard for success to the next level.

THE RESPONSE TO CRITICISM

Whether you do what is right, wrong or do nothing, criticism will come. You cannot stop criticism from coming your way. Nevertheless, you can determine your response to criticism. 

First, consider the fact. Don't be in a hurry to accept or reject any form of criticism that comes your way. When a stone of criticism is hurled at you, your first action is to consider the substance of the criticism. Is it true? Is it fair? Is it really wrong? Just analyse everything before you arrive at a conclusion. 

Second, assess the critic. Consider where the criticism is coming from. If it's from a source you trust to be objective, then you may have to give an ear to that person. A trustworthy person may be someone with deep knowledge about what they criticize you about. If the person offering the criticism is someone whom you believe has your interest at heart, you may have to pay attention to them. You pay attention not merely to yield to them but to understand the basis of their criticism before you decide what to do. On the other hand, criticism from an acrimonious person may be disregarded. Even that, there will be times when you would have to yield if the facts are not in your favour. 

Third, subject criticism to your standard. Each one of us has a benchmark that determines the code by which we run our lives. It is upon this benchmark that we determine whether something is right or wrong. Each of us must be conscious of our standards. This will guide us and help us to have consistent lives. 

Fourth, don't take it personal. Most of the time, people criticize you for something you do or don't do. So when you are criticized, try not to make it an attack of your person. See it as feedback for an action or inaction. By all means, there will be times when people will deliberately attack your person to malign you. You can't stop that but you must not let it stop you from moving forward. 

My name is Kofi Anokye. From today, let’s all be extraordinary.