Good governance vital for development

IT is both interesting and frightening to hear and read what is transpiring in our country concerning pressing social and political issues.
I am neither for the government nor the Opposition.
But, on behalf of the silent majority, I want to discuss some ideas on the direction they should be taking concerning the justice and governance of this nation.
The concept of governance is not new.
It is as old as civilisation.
Simply put, governance means the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented.
It can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance, international governance, national governance or local governance.
An analysis of governance focuses on the formal/informal actors involved in decision-making and its implementation as well as the formal/informal structures that have been set in place to arrive at and implement a decision.
All actors other than the government and the military are grouped together as part of civil society.
In some countries, in addition to civil society, organised crime syndicates also influence decision-making, particularly in urban areas and at the national level.
Similarly, formal government structures are the means by which decisions are arrived at and implemented.
At the national level, informal decision-making structures, such as kitchen cabinets or informal advisers may exist.
In urban areas, organised syndicates such as the land mafia may influence decision-making, or even local powerful families in some rural areas, which often result in corrupt practices.
Good governance has eight major characteristics:
Follows the rule of law – good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially.
It also protects human rights, particularly those of minorities.
Impartial enforcement of laws require an independent judiciary and an incorruptible police force.
The constitution is upheld at all times as the supreme law of the nation.
It must be preserved against all enemies within and without.
Is participatory – participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives.
It is important to point out that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in society are taken into consideration in decision-making.
Participation needs to be informed and organised, meaning the freedom of association and expression on one hand and an organised civil society on the other.
Is transparent – decisions are taken and enforced in a manner that follows rules and regulations.
It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible for those who will be affected by such decisions in easily understood forms and media.
Is responsive – good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.
Is consensus-orientated – good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus on what is the best interests of the whole community and how this can be achieved.
It also requires a broad, long-term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve them.
This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social contexts of a given society or community.
Is equitable and inclusive – a society’s wellbeing depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake and not feel excluded from mainstream society.
Is effective and efficient – good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of the society while making the best use of the resources at their disposal.
The concept of efficiency also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.
Is accountable – accountability is a key aspect of good governance.
It cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law.
Not only governmental institutions, but the private sector and civil society organisations must be accountable to the public and their institutional stakeholders in their decisions or actions.
It should be clear that good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality.
Very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in its totality.
However, to ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this ideal. The challenge is very simple; are our MPs following the eight major characteristics of good governance?
According to the greatest Western philosopher Plato in his book The Republic, he tries to explain the just state or good governance by saying; Harmony emerges when various composite parts of a unit performs their functions without interfering with the functions of other parts.

Eric Mumson Piuk,
Gerehu 24,
Pom