By Dr. Sangu Delle
Ghana, our beloved country, stands at a critical crossroads 67 years after gaining independence. Our nation confronts a series of challenges that threaten the integrity of our democracy and the well-being of our citizens. The past eight years under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been marked by significant declines in press freedom, persistent corruption, and economic instability. In this context, voting for John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and ensuring a substantial parliamentary majority, emerges as a patriotic imperative to restore accountability and democratic norms.
Erosion of Press Freedom
Once hailed as beacon of the free press in Africa, Ghana’s press freedom has deteriorated notably under the NPP administration. In 2018, Ghana was ranked 23rd globally on the World Press Freedom Index, reflecting a robust media environment. However, by 2022, the country’s ranking plummeted to 60th, indicating a troubling decline. This drastic retrogression is attributed to increased threats and violence against journalists, including the tragic murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale in 2019. Such incidents have fostered a climate of fear, undermining the media’s role as a watchdog and eroding democratic discourse. This is why the recent (now aborted) decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) to restrict media coverage of the elections was very troubling and was rightfully condemned.
Catastrophic Economic Performance
On economic performance, the NPP’s tenure has been disastrous. Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio escalated to nearly 100% in 2022, compelling our nation to seek a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund after defaulting on most of the $30 billion external debt. The debt crisis created by the NPP government plunged the nation into unprecedented economic turmoil, leading international rating agencies to downgrade Ghana’s economy to junk status. This effectively shut the country out of the international financial markets, further exacerbating the financial strain.
This financial mismanagement has precipitated severe austerity measures, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable citizens and exacerbating inequality and social unrest. Inflation soared to over 54% in December 2022, drastically reducing the purchasing power of ordinary Ghanaians.
The government’s debt exchange program, which imposed significant “haircuts” on investments, resulted in devastating losses for many citizens, particularly pensioners and vulnerable individuals. This reckless financial and fiscal mismanagement has eroded livelihoods and exacerbated poverty. A recent World Bank report revealed that 850,000 fellow Ghanaians had been pushed into poverty, joining the six million already in that category.
Persistent Corruption
The catastrophic economic mismanagement is inextricably linked to corruption. This NPP administration has been embroiled in numerous scandals that have severely undermined public confidence. Notable among these is the Kelni-GVG contract, where the Ministry of Communications awarded an $89.4 million deal under contentious circumstances, raising concerns about transparency and value for money. Additionally, the resignation of Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, over allegations of large sums of money discovered in cash at her residence, and the President’s premature defense of her, exemplifies the administration’s entanglement in corruption.
These incidents are not isolated. The NPP government has been associated with over 100 scandals, including the controversial $2.25 billion bond issuance and the National Cathderal. Conflicts of interest were blatantly disregarded, as the former Minister of Finance’s investment bank and the legal firm owned by another cousin of the President profited from government transactions by collecting substantial fees.
These cases illustrate a pattern of governance that prioritizes personal gain over public service. Such pervasive corruption has not only squandered public resources but also eroded the moral fabric of our society. Ghana’s consistently poor Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) scores in the last eight years, which remain below 50, reflect the administration’s failure to address these systemic issues.
The Civic Duty to Vote
In the face of these challenges, abstaining from voting is not an option. To my fellow youth of Ghana, democracy thrives on active citizen participation, and voting is a fundamental civic duty. Even when choices are less than ideal, engagement in the electoral process is crucial to uphold democratic values and advocate for change. Indifference only perpetuates the status quo, allowing corruption and incompetence to flourish unchecked.
Preserving Democratic Integrity
Rewarding the NPP with another term would signal a dangerous tolerance for corruption and mismanagement, setting a precedent of impunity. Such an outcome would entrench kleptocratic practices, normalizing corruption for a generation of young Ghanaians who have known no other form of governance. This erosion of democratic norms threatens the very foundation of our society, as the disappearance of political virtue leads to the collapse of democracy.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
It is important to acknowledge that electing John Mahama and the NDC is not a panacea. Vigilant citizen oversight will be critical to ensuring that a new administration prioritizes transparency, accountability, and meaningful reforms. This includes constitutional amendments to address systemic dysfunctions in our political system.
Conclusion
Ghana’s future hinges on the choices we make today. By voting for John Mahama and the NDC, and securing a significant parliamentary majority, we take a decisive step toward restoring integrity in governance. This election is not merely a political contest; it is a moral imperative to safeguard our democracy for current and future generations.
Dr. Sangu Delle is a lawyer, entrepreneur, investor, economic anthropologist and philanthropist. He is a graduate in economics, African studies, law, business, international human rights and economic anthropology from Harvard College, Harvard Law School, Harvard Business School, Oxford University and the University of Birmingham. He serves as CEO of CarePoint and Chairman of the Sangu Delle Foundation.
