This article is written to create awareness among the Ghanaian electorate and to discourage the use of lies, propaganda, falsehood, and all manner of malice to win power during elections. Ghana’s democracy has gone through many phases, experiencing both stable and non-stable periods. Most of the time, we pride ourselves on being unique and a beacon of democracy in sub-Saharan Africa. We, as Ghanaians, must indeed be proud to celebrate this milestone success in democratic processes and practices.
It is always the hope and dream of a political party to win power and bring genuine development to its citizens. In recent times, however, the political landscape in Ghana is gradually shifting its focus from reality to lies and deception. The two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have been the primary beneficiaries of all general elections in Ghana since 1992.
While we are often told that politics is a competition of ideas and vision, politics in Ghana is increasingly becoming a contest of who can lie, who can insult, who can give false hopes, and who can denigrate others. During election cycles, political parties employ numerous strategies to win the hearts and minds of the electorate.
Events leading up to the most recent elections in the country’s political history were evident that Ghanaian politicians can do everything possible to win power, regardless of the consequences. During the 2024 elections, we heard countless accusations made against the then ruling government.
The NDC, while in opposition, branded itself as sacrosanct, holy, and a saviour, using many words to taint the NPP. Similarly, we are told that the NPP, in the previous election, promised many things that were not achievable within four or eight years in office. As a result of this perception, people coined a derogatory term for the then Vice President and flag-bearer of the NPP. Now, over a year into government, the reality has confronted the NDC.
It is evident that we often see a past voice note or campaign message being juxtaposed with the current reality. For instance, there was a situation where the NDC communication officer, while in opposition, held a press conference along river banks to demonstrate and accuse the NPP government of being responsible for “Galamsey” (illegal mining).
Recently, that same voice admitted that illegal mining has been in existence for decades, and a new cooperative body established just a few months ago cannot be blamed for an age-old menace. One is left to ask: Was it a deliberate attempt to attack the government in power just to win, only to turn around and say something different when confronted with the reality of governance? There were many things said in opposition that have now turned out to be false or lies.
Is this the kind of democracy we want? Must it always be based on lies and malicious intentions to win power? Is this strategy—the use of lies and deception—employed because politicians believe that most people in society are simply too gullible? The latest update on an election report by the Interior Minister, citing the Kasoa MP case as an example, is the last straw that has broken the camel’s back.
Why would a politician play with the emotions of an innocent voter to achieve his or her aim, and later contradict their own statements? Was it the case that people deliberately decided to spew lies to destroy the political career of the then-sitting MP, Hawa Koomson? If the few examples cited above are relevant and anything to go by, then going forward, Ghanaians must take the following steps:
We must not be too gullible to politicians, We must be fair and honest in dealing with politicians, regardless of the tribe, religion, or region a person may hail from, We must not be people with short memories, We must punish politicians when they go contrary to the law and We must not jump to conclusions and crucify others until we have exhausted all the facts.
On this premise, the Young Thinkers Network for Development (YTND) believes that thorough research must be done in all sectors going into the 2028 and future elections. This research should aim to determine a person who can genuinely develop Ghana and restore it to its original root as the beacon of democracy—devoid of lies, propaganda, hate speech, and in line with proper democratic principles.
We have a future to build and protect. That future can thrive on good moral principles like a positive mindset, honesty, love, peace, transparency, and accountability. You and I can protect our land with civility, constructive criticism, and not by lies or deception.
Writer: Kenneth Awuku Adu, Founder and President, Young Thinkers Network for Development. Civil Society Organization
Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle
