Why Presidents are called “Your Excellency” and Members of Parliament “Honourable”

Have you ever stopped to wonder why we call our Presidents “Your Excellency” and Members of Parliament “Honourable”? It is one of those traditions we all accept, often without question. But today, let’s dig deeper and unearth the true meaning behind these titles—titles that carry profound expectations and a weight of responsibility that is sometimes ignored.

When we address someone as “Your Excellency,” it is not merely a ceremonial gesture or a means of stroking egos. In our African context, where leaders are often revered almost to the point of divinity, we risk losing the essence of the title in blind adulation. But the term “Excellency” is not a reflection of a president’s personal character or their perceived moral uprightness. Rather, it is a call to action, a reminder that they must exhibit excellence in their service to the people. The “excellence” lies not in the individual but in the office and its functions. To call a president “Your Excellency” is to demand the highest standards in governance, accountability, and performance.

Imagine for a moment a chief in a small village somewhere in Africa, like Zebilla where I come from. He is not revered simply for his lineage but for how well he ensures justice, leads his people, and safeguards the welfare of his community. In the same way, a president’s worthiness of the title “Your Excellency” is measured by the extent to which their actions uplift the nation and leave a lasting legacy of development and progress.

Now, let’s turn to Members of Parliament (MPs), often addressed as “Honourable.” This title, too, has its roots in expectation, not entitlement. To be “Honourable” is to live and act with integrity, to carry oneself in a manner that commands respect, and to prioritize the needs of the people above personal gain. Yet, how often do we see our MPs embroiled in scandals, trading insults in Parliament (but there was one time I felt this was more honourable), or prioritizing their own interests over those of their constituents? This behavior tarnishes the essence of the title.

An MP’s role is akin to the elder in a family who listens to everyone’s concerns and advocates for fairness in decision-making. In our communities, we often say, “If the elder does not sit well, the child will not know how to sit.” Likewise, when an MP fails to live honourably, it sends a ripple effect of disillusionment through the electorate. The title “Honourable” is not a badge of status but a badge of service.

So, why do these titles matter? Because words carry power. When we address our leaders by these terms, we are not merely being polite; we are holding them accountable to the standards these titles represent. We are reminding them of the solemn oath they swore to serve us with excellence and honour. This is not just a Ghanaian phenomenon but a global practice rooted in centuries of tradition. However, in our African context, where leadership is often glorified, it is imperative to remember that these titles are not rewards but responsibilities.

What can we do as citizens? First, we must understand the power we hold in calling someone “Your Excellency” or “Honourable.” It is not just a matter of protocol; it is a charge we give our leaders. Secondly, we must demand that our leaders live up to these titles. When a president’s actions are far from excellent or an MP’s behavior is dishonourable, it is our duty to call them out. Leadership is not about titles; it is about service.

Picture a Ghana where every president strives to be truly “excellent” in leadership and every MP is genuinely “honourable” in their dealings. Imagine a future where these titles are not hollow words but lived realities. That is the Ghana we should aim for.

Let us elevate our expectations. Let us raise the bar of leadership. The next time you address a leader as “Your Excellency” or “Honourable,” let it be a statement of aspiration, a call to action, and a reminder that these titles come with the highest demands of duty and performance. Excellence and honour are not optional; they are the very essence of leadership.

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