TheMinistriesofGovernanceand SocialCohesionshouldbemerged

those who claim to have ‘contacts’ and ‘lines’ with officials are often seen as people to steer clear of, and even to be feared. The way reports of corruption and harassment are handled, and the rise of ‘sacred cows’ also reinforce the feelings of helplessness among the poor and socially disadvantaged.

In government ministries, departments, agencies and institutions, and in stateowned companies, discrimination and expressions of ethnic support are all still very evident. Even in the private sector, such things occur, though on a subdued scale. Cliquism, the rise of in-groups and relegation of others to out-groups and the tendency to gang-up are all very common occurrences, which go all the way back up to how public and corporate governance are played out at the ground level.

I have always believed that government must set the standard and pace for obtaining social justice and addressing issues of socio- economic inequities. Above, I have established the nexus between social inequalities, and public and corporate governance. In so doing, I have also established the flip side of the coin, that is, the linkage between good governance and social cohesion. Simply put, good, equitable and transparent governance begets social cohesion.

The first step for this coalition government in going in this direction, is to unequivocally demonstrate that it is a government for all, and not just some people. It must do everything in its power to dispel the belief that some are more equal and have more rights than others. It must demonstrate its willingness to heed the concerns and cries of all sections of society, and to take the desired actions. It cannot afford to alienate anyone. It must be willing to see itself as a partner and leader of the people, and not collectively as a ruler. We do not want to be ruled, we want to be fairly governed. We got rid of rulers 50 years ago.

I believe the Ministries of Governance and Social Cohesion would have a farreaching, positive impact on our society, if they were merged. Separately, they cannot achieve much. Call the merger, the Ministry of Public Governance and Social Cohesion. Let it become the architect and watchdog for equitable and inclusive governance.

Foremost among the merged ministry’s mandate should be the energizing of civil society, and to demonstrate inclusive governance by reaching out to actors in our fledgling civil society movement. Its principal partners for effecting good governance should be organizations that can help with policy development and implementation, ie, social partners like TIGI, GHRA, the business community, religious groups, trade unions, etc. These, I am certain, have goodwill for the administration, and are willing to help.