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Ghana has a rich history in terms of political milestones. The country has the merit of leading the fight for decolonization in sub-Saharan Africa and in Africa in general. From Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s illustrious contribution as one of the greatest Pan-Africanists to the political Messiah of the Fourth Republic, the late President Jerry John Rawlings, Ghana is touted as the beacon of African democracy.
For being able to put an end to the incessant coup against a stable multi-party democracy for more than 32 years, the country (Ghana) is referenced for its efficient performance in democratic administration in Africa.
The historic electoral petition after the 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections earned Ghana a prominent place on the world scale. We are living witnesses to events in Kenya, the Ivory Coast, Namibia, etc., where the disputed elections did not follow the legal path, but ended in post-election violence.
Women, children, adults and the elderly were killed, hunger, exclusion and disease decreased. In Ghana we have demonstrated institutional maturity and we choose a path that strengthens our democracy, growth and development as a people. President Nana Akuffo Addo, leader of the opposition in the 2012 elections, was widely celebrated for believing in the rule of law. It was a show of responsible opposition leadership.
Fast forward, we have a sitting president who was unable to retain the seat of government as he was voted in in 2016. It should be appreciated, the whole world, just like it happened in 2012, praised President John Dramani Mahama for admitting defeat to the election.
In other African countries, some presidents had refused to accept defeat and turn their countries into confusion. The fact must be declared; both distinguished politicians; President Nana Addo and former President John Dramani Mahama have displayed a high sense of patriotism and acted swiftly when the nation demanded their leadership.
It is important to note that political leadership has been assessed as the highest institution for our governance and development agenda, and therefore the political process involving elections should help provide a platform for citizens to elect leaders.
Therefore, we must focus on their background, manifesto of promises and overall assessment of their performance to make our decisions. Young people must avoid tolerance and receptivity for us to have peaceful elections.
Fortunately, Ghanaians have the opportunity to evaluate two dominant presidential candidates: President Nana Akuffo Addo and former President John Mahama.
Both candidates have a privileged life growing up; While President Akuffo Addo’s father was the head of state in the second republic, the father of former President Mahama was also the first commissioner of the Northern Territory under President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. President Akufo-Addo had been in government in the Kuffour-led administration and had run for the presidency three times and was lucky on third attempts. He is competing in the contest for the fourth time and ultimately his last contest if he is chosen.
President John Dramani Mahama, for his part, has contested the presidential election twice. He won in the 2012 election and lost in 2016. He is riding a comeback and is now in the race for the third time. Both candidates are seasoned politicians; he had been president before; and his family roots had political geniuses. They have benefited from our multi-party democratic system and should therefore play the games by the rules.
Let me save a few paragraphs and give you a possible clue that will guide you to understand that choice is not a matter of life and death.
What was your background in the fight against corruption?
Former President John Dramani Mahama became embroiled in corruption and cronyism; the regime was criticized and touted as a despot. There were innumerable cases of complaints of corruption; from SADA Scandal to the Branding Bus saga; from Woyome to the 2014 Brazil fiasco; Ford Saga contracts to Zoomlion; inflated roads to other infrastructure contracts, and so on. This forced the regime to establish a special complaints unit under the president’s office to receive complaints and reports of corrupt practices in the country. The administration led by John Mahama could not survive the dismay and frustrations the regime put Ghanaians through. Corruption problems contributed to his defeat and that of the NDC party.
It must be declared; the PNP government that won in 2016 after a corruption campaign was more deceptive than the NDC; current regimes are shaken by numerous scandals including; PDS, Agyapa, Kelni GVG, Australia Visa Fraud, GH Cylinder Stimulus Package, Cash Per Seat, PPA Contracts For Sale, etc. The regime had appeared as our last bet in the fight against corruption. The establishment of the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the subsequent resignation following some revelations imply that the government has not addressed the problem of corruption. It will not be far from correct to conclude that; both John and Nana had supported corruption. It is no wonder that they have escaped the politics of corruption. As Hon. Martin Amidu likened presidents led to the corruption issue as ‘mother snake, I am also searching the archive for the best phrase to describe former President John Mahama’.
We have been involved in politics of nepotism, feelings, family and friends. While President John Mahama was accused of charging family and friends in his government; Nana Akuffo Addo has quadrupled her practice. It is sad that we have politicized everything in Ghana. Is it an issue that has to do with morality? Or an avalanche against the law?
The 2020 elections have several dynamics; an incumbent president versus a former president. Both candidates are seeking an additional term to end their presidential time limits. The difference is also; In 2016, the PNP presented the most ambitious manifestos that won the minds and hearts of Ghanaians. However, in 2020 the NDC also presents the most ambitious manifesto.
It should be added that President Nana Akuffo Addo and former President John Dramani Mahama have reduced political leadership. It has been simplified to the point that anyone can rule Ghana. The regimes have been too cheap and superficial; Naming family and friends, borrowing too much, looting and sharing. Therefore, we must not die for desperate politicians. It is sad that there is no credible third alternative.
It is not necessary to vote for a party that only becomes relevant in the election year. President Akuffo Addo and John Mahama will not take care of your wife, children, and parents if you die carelessly or are affected by the law. Politicians only need our coup and not our life, and for that reason, all young people should not perpetuate violence to support their quest for victory. Your families enjoy a better life while they give you GH $ 10.00 of fuel to run. Let your family take on the dirty or groundwork challenge. Every young person should calmly think of Ghana first; with your family, thirdly your life, and finally politics.
We the electorates have the opportunity to make an informed decision considering the conduct of the major parties, their backgrounds, and the promises of the manifesto. While we are focused on the presidential position, let us also show the way out to some parliamentarians who have lost several years in parliament and are exploiting structures and sentiments to retain their seats. This election is an opportunity to remove all parliamentarians with poor results.
I ask all voters to understand that this election is about choice, it is about Ghana, and whoever wins, Ghana wins.
May the best candidate win!
Author; Tahiru lukman
Pan-African Youth Activist, Development Consultant and Author
E-mail: [email protected]
