The Need for Positive Disruption in Ghanaian Politics: A Rancièrean Perspective on the Distribution of the Sensible
The kind of disruption Rancière envisions is not one that seeks to destroy existing structures for the sake of destruction, but one that seeks to rebuild and redistribute power and visibility in a way that is more just and democratic.
Dear Nyaaba,
One of the most feared words in Ghana today, in fact from the onset of the Fourth Republic, is “coup d’état”. The Constitution proscribes it, and all citizens are called upon to guarantee that it does not rear its ugly head in our dear country again. One mentions it at their own peril let alone wish openly for it. In my experience, when it is suggested in hushed tones, what it actually betrays, is a hunger for a radical change, a change of the system that appears not to be serving our purpose. Since in our post-colonial history our only experience of such a rearrangement has been through that means, it is perhaps forgivable that coups are the tool of choice, after all, it is said that when a hammer is the only tool a person has, they see all problems as nails.
Nyaaba, coups are NOT the only tool, in fact, for Ghana, they are deemed not to be an option at all. But that does not nail the coffin on rearrangement, positive disruption remains possible, even imperative, for to continue in this way will lead us nowhere.
Politics in Ghana, like many other democratic states, is rooted in structures of representation, lawmaking, and governance, often guided by a predefined distribution of roles, responsibilities, and privileges. However, despite the country’s reputation for political stability in West Africa, there are growing concerns about the stagnation of socio-political progress, deepening inequality, and the concentration of power within a political elite. A fresh lens through which we can address these concerns is Jacques Rancière’s concept of the “distribution of the sensible” and the need for positive disruption to break the current political order’s limitations.
The Distribution of the Sensible in Ghanaian Politics
Rancière’s idea of the “distribution of the sensible” speaks to how social orders, particularly political systems, divide what can be seen, heard, and experienced. In the Ghanaian context, this division is evident in the roles allocated to different groups: the political class, traditional authorities, civil society, and the common citizen. This division manifests through the visibility of certain individuals in public discourse, the accessibility of political institutions, and the dominance of particular narratives that frame national identity and priorities.
In Ghana, politics has been monopolized by a select few, largely entrenched in party structures and patronage systems. The political elite dominate the national conversation, while the voices of marginalized communities, youth, women, and the informal sector remain faint, often drowned out by the more “legitimate” or established participants. The sensible, the realm of what is visible and discussable, is skewed in favor of those who already hold power.
The Status Quo: The Police Order of Politics
Rancière uses the term “police” not in the literal sense of law enforcement, but as a metaphor for the mechanisms that maintain the status quo. In Ghana, this “police order” of politics is embedded in long-standing traditions of hierarchy and control. The dominance of the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), reflects this order, with little room for alternative voices or dissent. The political system, rather than opening spaces for genuine representation and diverse participation, often restricts the flow of new ideas and resists change.
This police order preserves the interests of the political elite and continues to distribute roles and spaces in a way that excludes marginalized voices. Key decision-making platforms, be they in Parliament, local governance structures, or even traditional chieftaincy systems, are heavily guarded by those who have historically benefited from the current distribution. Those at the periphery, youth activists, social entrepreneurs, women’s rights advocates, are often seen but not heard, or worse, not seen at all.
The Need for Positive Disruption
For Ghana’s political future to be truly democratic and inclusive, there is a pressing need for positive disruption, a break in the current distribution of the sensible that would allow marginalized voices to challenge and reframe the political conversation. Rancière argues that true politics begins when those excluded from the system demand visibility and voice, disrupting the established order of governance. This disruption should not be understood as destructive chaos, but rather as a constructive process that redefines who gets to participate in public life.
1. Empowering Marginalized Groups: The voices of women, youth, and economically disadvantaged communities need to be brought into the political mainstream. Despite Ghana’s progressive strides in gender and youth representation, these groups still face structural barriers to meaningful participation. Women’s representation in Parliament remains low, and the youth are often relegated to the periphery of national decision-making, even though they constitute the majority of the population.
Positive disruption would involve creating new spaces for these groups to engage with the political process, through quotas, youth-led platforms, or grassroots organizations that have direct influence on policy.
2. Decentralization of Power: Ghana’s political structure is centralized, with power concentrated in the hands of the Executive. Decentralization, both in terms of political power and access to resources, could shift the distribution of the sensible, making local governance more visible and accessible. More transparent processes at the district level, coupled with stronger local representation, would ensure that citizens’ voices from all regions of Ghana are heard and valued.
3. Disrupting the Binary of NPP and NDC Politics: One of the most visible aspects of Ghana’s current political landscape is the binary nature of its two-party system. The dominance of the NPP and NDC over national politics limits the scope of political discourse, reducing complex issues to simplistic, partisan talking points. Positive disruption would involve fostering a multi-party system where smaller, issue-based parties can have a meaningful role in governance. A political landscape that allows for greater ideological diversity could break the current cycle of political power being passed between two entrenched entities.
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4. Citizen-Led Movements: The rise of citizen-led movements across Africa is a promising sign of political disruption. In Ghana, movements such as #FixTheCountry, which called for better governance, accountability, and transparency, signal the desire for a more engaged and responsive political system. These movements represent a direct challenge to the police order by insisting on the inclusion of issues that are often sidelined in mainstream politics. Fostering and sustaining such movements through legal protection and institutional support can lead to more widespread and enduring political change.
Disrupting to Build: The Path Forward
The kind of disruption Rancière envisions is not one that seeks to destroy existing structures for the sake of destruction, but one that seeks to rebuild and redistribute power and visibility in a way that is more just and democratic. In the Ghanaian context, the goal of positive disruption should be to create a more inclusive and participatory political system where diverse voices are not only heard but are central to shaping the nation’s future.
For this to happen, there needs to be a collective acknowledgment that the current distribution of the sensible is inadequate for meeting the needs of all Ghanaians. Political leaders, civil society, and ordinary citizens must work together to challenge this distribution and to create a political space where equality of participation is a reality, not just an ideal.
Conclusion
Ghana’s political landscape is at a crossroads. While the country continues to boast a stable democracy, it is not immune to the deepening global crises of inequality, disillusionment, and exclusion. By adopting a framework of positive disruption informed by Rancière’s “distribution of the sensible,” Ghana can reimagine its politics to be more inclusive, just, and reflective of the diverse needs of its citizens. It is time for those at the margins to step forward and demand their rightful place in shaping the nation’s future, and for those in power to listen, adapt, and embrace the politics of disruption as a force for good.
The Honourrebel Siriguboy
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