YOUR VOTE!!! YOUR POWER? - THE THOUGHT OF A GHANAIAN YOUTH

“Free election of masters does not abolish the masters or the slaves”
― Herbert Marcuse

As Ghana and some other African countries prepare to go to the polls to elect political leaders for the next term, one very common slogan that runs through our media waves is “Your Vote, Your power”. This slogan is mostly championed by Civil Society Organizations, Think tanks, the Media and Political Parties as a means of encouraging citizens to cast their ballot.

The slogan “your vote, your power” seems to suggest citizens are vested with enormous power and authority in determining how and who governs or takes charge of the country in the ensuing years. The power vested in citizens to determine who governs is clearly captured in  the slogan but as to whether citizens have the power on how the country is administered after election still remains highly questionable in my humble opinion.

The Ghanaian voter is referred to as “King-Makers” in the lead up to elections. Interestingly, the Ghanaian voter is reminded of this accolade only when elections are due. Quite strangely, these same voters who are referred to as “King –Makers” prior to elections are referred to as “ordinary Ghanaians” in the “political language” right after elections. Isn’t it ironical that, “King makers” seem to lose all their power right after elections and become “ordinary Ghanaians?”

As we continue to be reminded on our media handles on a daily basis “your vote is your power” in the lead up to the general presidential and parliamentary elections, let us soberly reflect if indeed the Ghanaian voter is powerful or not.

Is the voter only powerful prior to elections?

Who really wields power in a democracy; citizens or politicians?

How can the voter exercise this power judiciously to address his/ her needs?

Is elections a formality of transferring power from one political actor to the other?

Very characteristic of partisan politics in Ghana, political parties both the incumbent and opposition parties resort to various campaign strategies prior to elections. Dominant among these strategies is the launching of the manifestoes. The manifesto in political terms is described as a social contract that binds electorates and the political parties. The manifesto as a document outlines the vision, aspirations, policies, programs and plans earmarked for the country. This document should guide voters in their choice of candidates but as to whether people vote based on manifesto promises or not can best be answered in our hearts and minds.

Voters in Ghana largely vote based on several reasons of which some appear strange.

The real die hearted supporters vote probably without any justifiable basis. They vote because they want their political party to either stay in government or assume office irrespective of their plans.

Some vote based on ethnic, tribal and family inclinations

Some people vote based on purely hatred for a political party.

Others vote for a political party because it is a “family ritual”.

A good number of people vote because it is their constitutional right and must be exercised.

Undoubtedly, the Ghanaian voter is becoming more and more discerning and majority vote based on competence, personality and integrity and that must be demonstrated in the impending elections.

Prior to elections, some political actors practically beg voters, some even end up pounding fufu, engaging in all sorts of funny strategies just to win the trust and mandates of the voters. Sadly right after elections, the tables suddenly turn, citizens have to virtually beg, cry, and organize demonstrations in order to get the attention or their needs addressed by some political actors. One funny but sad account on why people vote against some parliamentarians is due to the fact that, some members of parliament become “invisible” and inaccessible right after getting the mandate.

With the induction of the 4^th Republican Constitution, Ghana has had seven “successful” and peaceful elections. Ghana prides itself as the beacon of hope and democracy on the African continent. The impending elections in Ghana is rather interesting, a contest between an incumbent president and a former president among others. This election presents the Ghanaian voter an opportunity to decide based on proven records, credibility, honesty and competence. It as well affords the Ghanaian voter, the mandate to decipher political liars and empty rhetoric based on what they accused each other whiles in opposition and what they actually delivered with their mandate. This is a clear case of comparing “apples to apples”.

In governance, the ultimate aim is to improve upon the living standards of citizens. This can be done by providing equal socio-economic opportunities for all and sundry irrespective of their political, ethnic, academic inclination. Occupying political office should not be a platform for political actors to strategically position their friends, relations and cronies to progress to the detriment of the masses.

As King makers, December 7^th 2020, presents us an opportunity to exercise our Kingly power by selecting candidates who prioritize the interest of the masses instead of their friends and cronies.  This is the time to select candidates who have demonstrated sincerity, honesty and dedication in alleviating the plights of the ordinary Ghanaian. This is indeed to prove to political actors that, the Ghanaian voter is really discerning.

Let no one intimidate you

Let no one induce you with “gifts’

Let no one buy your conscience

Let no one belittle you due to your stance and conviction.

Cast your ballot, vote for peace and stability

Vote for progress

Vote for honesty

Vote for credibility and integrity

Vote for the future of Ghana.

Above all, let us remember we have one lovely and beautiful Ghana.

Let me take this opportunity to remind ourselves as a people on the need to promote peace in the electioneering period. The ultimate aim of elections is to charter a path of progress. There cannot be any development without peace. If we really need development, then let us be guided in our utterances, actions and inactions. To my fellow youth, let us not allow ourselves to be used as agents of political violence. Let us note we are King Makers and must behave as royals.

As Abraham Lincoln defines democracy “Government of the people, by the people and for the people. Let us vote for candidates who will govern with us and ensure our collective interest is prioritized. A vote on December 7^th must be a vote for development.

God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.

Kwame Ohene- Ntow

YALI Dream

A Better Ghana

A Brighter Africa

The writer holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST, a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School, A YALI fellow and  team member of the SOS-CV “No Business as Usual Project” which is promoting local socio-economic development and training youth in employable and entrepreneurial skills in Kumasi.

Email: Vincentntow12@gmail.com