Political Power Is Not a Birthright: A Warning to Every Political Party That Enters Office.

Political power is never a chieftaincy title handed down for life. It is a temporary mandate, borrowed from the people and subject to renewal or revocation every four or eight years. Yet, time and again, governments behave as though they have ascended a throne that guarantees permanence. This dangerous mentality fuels arrogance, abuse of power, and decisions that come back to haunt those who take them.

When the New Patriotic Party (NPP) assumed office, many Ghanaians witnessed a wave of political victimisation that swept across public institutions. People who had served the nation diligently, regardless of their political leanings, were dismissed with alarming speed and disturbing joy. What shocked many was not just the dismissals themselves, but the shameless delight and open arrogance with which these actions were carried out. It was almost as if the architects of these acts believed their party would never taste opposition again.

But political power is circular. One day you are celebrated; the next, you are replaced. And today, the same wheel that lifted some people to power is grinding down those who once weaponised authority against others. Karma, in its quiet but ruthless way, is serving lessons to those who once cheered while others were removed unjustly.

Now, as some NPP members cry foul over actions taken by the current government, a simple question emerges: Are they not Ghanaians too? Indeed, they are, just as human, just as vulnerable, and just as deserving of fairness as those who suffered under their administration. The pain others endured is the same pain being felt today. It is the natural consequence of political arrogance. This should be a warning, loud, sharp, and unforgettable to every political party in Ghana.

In fact, there is even rumour-mongering in town suggesting that the Electoral Commission (EC) boss may soon be removed from office. This is certainly not what the NPP expected. But they set the precedent. They did it to others, and perhaps it is only fair that they now taste the same medicine they made others swallow, only to discover how bitter it truly was.

What is even more worrying is that today, it is NDC supporters who are cheering the government on to also remove certain key persons in strategic institutions. But is this how a country that seeks stronger, independent, and credible institutions behaves? Removing people simply because “our time has come” is not governance, it is political pettiness disguised as authority.

Yet, beneath all the noise and victimisation lies a deeper, more dangerous truth: both the NDC and NPP seem completely uninterested in fighting corruption. Their actions speak clearly. They do not prosecute corrupt appointees from their own parties. They protect wrongdoers when they are in power and only find their voices when they move into opposition. This bipartisan silence has unofficially endorsed corruption as a normal part of Ghanaian governance.

Because no one is punished, corruption has become a lifestyle, an investment opportunity. Politics has slowly turned into a lucrative enterprise where individuals quit genuine professions simply to enter the political arena, not to serve but to loot. They know they will not be questioned, let alone held accountable. Ghana, therefore, suffers not because corruption exists, but because it thrives under the silent approval of the two major political parties.

When you come into office, govern with the humility of people who know they will one day leave power. Do not victimise opponents, do not misuse state agencies, and do not treat public institutions as personal property. Because no matter how well you govern, no matter the roads you build, no matter the gold or diamonds you distribute: change will come. No political party has ever ruled forever, and none ever will. Even military juntas fade into history.

The people will eventually desire a different voice, a new approach, or simply change for change's sake. And when that day comes, the very actions you take today will be waiting patiently to visit you tomorrow.

Let every party learn this truth: Ghana is bigger than any government, and public power must never be weaponised against citizens. If political actors sow justice, fairness, and humility, they will reap respect even in opposition. But if they sow arrogance, vindictiveness, and oppression, they will harvest shame and the same instruments they used against others will be used on them, perhaps even more painfully.

In the end, political power is a revolving door, enter with caution and exit with dignity. And above all, govern with the humility of those who understand that tomorrow is never promised.