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Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has cautioned young people against going into politics with the aim of enriching themselves, describing such motives as misguided and harmful to democratic governance.
According to him, politics must be rooted in public service, integrity, and a genuine desire to improve society, not personal financial ambition.
Prof Oquaye made the remarks on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, while speaking at the inception workshop of the European Union-funded WYDE Project in Ghana.
He stressed that individuals who see politics as a pathway to wealth have fundamentally misunderstood the essence of leadership.
“What is your purpose for entering politics? If it is to make money, then you are in the wrong business,” he stated.
The former Speaker cited the dismissal of former Deputy Communications Minister Victoria Hammah as a clear example of why such attitudes are dangerous.
“There was a young lady who, some time ago, was appointed a deputy minister. In a few months, she was heard saying she was preparing to make a few million dollars,” he recalled.
“The president removed her, and appropriately so, because that purposive inclination was inherently wrong and unfortunate,” he added.
Prof Oquaye said such statements erode public trust and signal a troubling mindset that undermines confidence in political leadership.
He emphasised that political leadership must be guided by shared values and a collective commitment to quality governance, not self-interest.
“If your intention is to make money, your peers must all agree that you are not fit to be a political leader of our people,” he said.
The former Speaker further explained that governance goes beyond merely occupying a seat in Parliament.
“Governance is not just about being a Member of Parliament. Governance is being an effective, knowledgeable, and participatory MP,” he noted.
According to him, meaningful contribution to national development comes from informed debate, sound policymaking, and active participation in shaping laws that benefit citizens.
“That is where you can really contribute to debates, policies, and the development of our people,” Prof Oquaye concluded.
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