Nartey, E.K (2025) 'From colonialism to citizen engagement: reforming legislative processes in Nigeria and Ghana.' The Loophole: Journal of the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel, 1. pp. 20-43.
Abstract
This article critically interrogates the enduring colonial imprint on the political and legal architectures of Nigeria and Ghana, illustrating how colonial frameworks entrenched centralised, hierarchical governance structures that persist in alienating citizens and disrupting indigenous mechanisms of self-rule. The imposition of foreign legislative models not only severed the organic link between legislators and their constituencies but also undermined the inclusivity and responsiveness of the law-making process. Colonial rule marginalised traditional governance practices, many of which were deeply embedded in consensus-building and communal participation, replacing them with rigid, top-down structures ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of post-colonial societies. The persistence of these inherited frameworks has constrained legislative adaptability, often rendering legal institutions disconnected from the lived realities and aspirations of the populace. To redress these systemic shortcomings, the article argues for substantive reforms that reintegrate pre-colonial governance models attuned to local needs. This necessitates enhancing community participation in legislative processes, strengthening the capacity of lawmakers through targeted development initiatives, and leveraging digital innovations to foster transparency and civic engagement. Moreover, the article advocates for a comprehensive reassessment of outdated legislative structures that remain anchored in colonial paradigms. Such reforms must prioritise inclusivity, ensuring that law-making becomes more representative and reflective of contemporary socio-political dynamics. In reimagining governance beyond the constraints of colonial legacies, the article envisions a legal order grounded in ethical governance, indigenous traditions, and the democratic aspirations of the people, fostering a more just and participatory political landscape.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Note: | This article can be read at the link above. |
| Divisions: | Bath Business School |
| Related URLs: | |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Dec 2024 10:58 |
| Last Modified: | 06 May 2025 12:00 |
| URI / Page ID: | https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/16763 |
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