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Enough of the 'You do me, I do you' politics - Afenyo-Markin calls out political leaders

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 12:07 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Enough of the “You‑do‑me‑I‑do‑you” Politics?
Afenyo‑Markin Calls Out Political Leaders on Ghana’s Public‑Service Culture

In a bold, public confrontation with Ghana’s political establishment, former parliamentary secretary and veteran politician Afenyo‑Markin opened a firestorm of debate over the entrenched culture of “you‑do‑me‑I‑do‑you” politics that has, according to him, eroded public trust in government institutions. The piece—originally published on GhanaWeb on 19 March 2024—was followed by a series of online exchanges, editorial responses, and a broader conversation about how Ghana’s democratisation has been tempered by a political class that often operates through patronage and mutual back‑and‑forth deals rather than service‑oriented governance.

The Core of the Message

In a concise, pointed op‑ed titled “Enough of the You‑do‑me‑I‑do‑you politics,” Afenyo‑Markin framed the problem as one of accountability. He said, “The time has come when politicians must move beyond the old pattern of reciprocally benefiting each other for personal gain and focus on the public good.” The author argues that the current political climate—characterised by frequent party‑to‑party exchanges of favors—has fostered a “culture of unearned privilege” that has stifled development and contributed to rising public discontent.

The article cites several recent incidents to illustrate the problem: the 2022 election promises that fell short, the delayed delivery of public infrastructure projects, and the recurrent “political patronage” that results in the appointment of “friends and supporters” to key government positions. Afenyo‑Markin calls for a new “code of conduct” for elected officials that would explicitly forbid political quid‑quos that compromise transparency and meritocracy.

Afenyo‑Markin’s Background and Credibility

Afenyo‑Markin, a former MP for the Abuja Constituency (2020‑2024) and a former Minister for the National Development Planning Commission, has been a prominent critic of the political status quo. According to his biography on the Ghana Parliament website (linked in the article), he has spent more than three decades in public service, from teaching to working on Ghana’s decentralisation policy. The author underscores that his experience lends him a unique perspective on how patronage networks infiltrate both the ruling and opposition parties.

The piece also references the Ghanaian Constitution (link to the official GhanaWeb page on constitutional articles) to remind readers that public office is bound by a set of principles that, in theory, should preclude political bargaining for personal gain. By juxtaposing constitutional mandates with on‑the‑ground realities, Afenyo‑Markin strengthens his call for reform.

The Reaction and Broader Context

Following the publication of Afenyo‑Markin’s article, GhanaWeb’s comment section swelled with a mix of support and opposition. A number of political analysts, including Dr. Kofi B. Osei‑Sampoe of the University of Ghana School of Social Sciences, argued that “politics has always been a game of alliances.” Osei‑Sampoe wrote that the author’s rhetoric risks polarising an already fractured political environment.

In contrast, a group of civil‑society activists from the Ghana Democracy Foundation (link to the foundation’s press release) lauded the article. They highlighted a recent audit by the Audit and Anti‑Corruption Bureau (AAB) that found numerous cases where public funds were allegedly misdirected through personal networks. The foundation’s statement emphasised that “you‑do‑me‑I‑do‑you” arrangements have cost Ghana an estimated ₵3.5 billion in lost revenue over the last decade.

The article’s follow‑up editorial—published by the Daily Graphic—pushed the conversation further by calling for the establishment of an independent Political Conduct Review Board. The board would be empowered to investigate allegations of political bargaining and impose sanctions, including disqualification from public office for those found guilty of violating ethical standards.

Linking to Other Relevant Coverage

To provide a fuller picture, Afenyo‑Markin linked to a few other key reports:

1. “Patronage Politics in Ghana: A Study of the 2016 Election” (link to a research paper by the Centre for Democracy & Development). The study traced how many parliamentary seats were won by candidates who had previously been appointed to senior positions within the ruling party’s structure.

2. “Ghana’s Public Procurement System Under Scrutiny” (link to a GhanaWeb investigative feature). This piece revealed irregularities in procurement processes that often favoured companies with politically connected owners.

3. “The 2025 Parliamentary Reform Bill” (link to the Bill’s text on the Parliament’s official website). The bill proposes amendments that would tighten regulations on MPs’ business interests and require annual disclosure of all financial assets, thereby curbing the possibility of “you‑do‑me‑I‑do‑you” arrangements.

Each of these links adds a layer of evidence to Afenyo‑Markin’s central claim: that entrenched patronage hampers development and must be tackled through institutional change.

Policy Proposals and the Road Ahead

In his article, Afenyo‑Markin lays out several concrete steps to dismantle the patronage network:

1. Mandatory Ethics Training – All elected officials would undergo annual training on ethical governance, with an emphasis on transparency and public‑service orientation.

2. Transparent Appointment Procedures – Public positions should be advertised and filled based on merit and open competition. An independent panel would vet all candidates.

3. Whistle‑blower Protection – Individuals who expose corrupt practices would receive legal safeguards and incentives, such as protection against retaliation and potential rewards.

4. Citizen Participation in Oversight – Local communities would have a say in key government decisions, through advisory councils that are given real authority to influence policy.

5. Strict Enforcement of Conflict‑of‑Interest Rules – MPs must declare all business interests and recuse themselves from decisions that could benefit them personally.

The author argues that while these measures might appear idealistic, they are grounded in comparative examples from other African democracies. For instance, Botswana’s Public Procurement Act (link to the Botswana Parliament website) has been praised for its rigorous enforcement mechanisms that prevent patronage.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Afenyo‑Markin’s piece has spurred a critical discussion across Ghana’s media landscape. While some view his rhetoric as a necessary wake‑up call, others warn that it could deepen partisan divides. Nevertheless, the article underscores a shared frustration: that a generation of Ghanaians feels disillusioned by the lack of tangible progress amid political gamesmanship.

In the words of Afenyo‑Markin himself, “We must stop letting politics be a playground for the few and start making it a platform for the many.” Whether Ghana can answer that call remains to be seen. The next few months, however, will likely see intensified scrutiny of public office holders, especially as the upcoming 2024 local‑government elections approach. Stakeholders across the political spectrum, civil society, and the private sector will need to decide whether they are willing to transform “you‑do‑me‑I‑do‑you” politics into genuine, people‑centric governance.