Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has cautioned young people against entering politics with the primary aim of personal financial gain, describing such motivations as misguided and contrary to the principles of public service.
Speaking at the inception workshop of the European Union-funded WYDE Project in Ghana on Tuesday, February 10, Professor Oquaye emphasized that politics should be driven by a commitment to good governance, integrity, and service to the public rather than material rewards.
Referencing the dismissal of former Deputy Communications Minister Victoria Hammah over claims that she intended to amass $1 million while in office, Professor Oquaye commended the action, noting that such attitudes undermine public confidence in leadership.
“There was a young lady appointed deputy minister some time ago who publicly said she was preparing to make a few million dollars. The president removed her, and appropriately so, because her intentions were fundamentally wrong,” he said.
He urged politically ambitious youth to focus on improving the quality of leadership and governance rather than pursuing financial gain.
“What is your purpose for entering politics? If it is to make money, you are in the wrong business. Your peers will quickly see that such a person is not fit to lead,” he remarked.
Professor Oquaye added that governance goes beyond holding office. “It’s about being an effective, knowledgeable, and participatory member of Parliament—contributing meaningfully to debates, policies, and the development of our people,” he said.
