2024 Election: Analysts Urge Careful Examination of Campaign Pledges

As the December 2024 presidential campaign approaches its final phase, analysts urge a careful examination of the campaign pledges being made. The political landscape is currently filled with ambitious commitments and bold assertions that claim to transform Ghana’s struggling economy into a thriving success almost overnight.

The economic landscape has been anything but boring, with prominent leaders like Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presenting their visions for governance. Bawumia advocates for a digital economy, while Mahama emphasizes the importance of a 24-hour economic model as the cornerstones of their respective administrations.

Dr. Bawumia is committed to enhancing the free senior high school initiative established by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. His campaign also appeals to businesses by proposing a “fixed tax rate” system designed to create a more favourable business climate, alongside tax amnesty options in certain situations, support for agricultural inputs to increase food production, full ownership of Ghana’s natural resources, and various incentives aimed at local enterprises. These initiatives are expected to flourish under the digitalization strategy that Bawumia claims as his innovation.

“I intend to shift our approach to managing natural resources. Historically, Ghana has not fully capitalized on the advantages of our resources,” Dr. Bawumia stated during a breakfast meeting with religious leaders in the Eastern Region on April 29, 2024. “Since the Portuguese era in the 15th century, gold has been extracted from Ghana, yet we have not reaped significant benefits from our natural wealth. I am determined to alter that narrative and place greater emphasis on the ownership of our resources,” he assured.

Mahama’s 24-hour economy

But the Mahama campaign has touted the party’s 24-hour economy policy as a panacea for reshaping the local economic system by stirring domestic production of different kinds of goods across sectors.

The economy has been a major issue for the main contenders in the 2024 electioneering so far

“The 24-hour economy is a solid way to replace imports with homegrown production of goods and thus create a solid base for a vibrant Ghanaian industry.

In many instances, we don’t import goods because they’re better than ours; we import them because nobody produces them here, in Ghana, in the first place or because the local production is insufficient,” the former President said during his July 7, 2024 engagement with the media in Accra.

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The former President expressed confidence that the stimulus package aimed at businesses eager to engage in the 24-hour economy will motivate companies to begin producing local alternatives to imports. “Why is that?” he asked. “Because there is already a market for these products.” This statement has emerged as a key message from the NDC, alongside commitments to combat corruption, enhance the education system, and tackle infrastructure challenges as part of their strategy to gain power.

Political experts have shared their insights on the campaign messages from the two main parties thus far. Professor Jeffrey Haynes, an Emeritus Professor of Politics at London Metropolitan University, noted his fascination with the Mahama Campaign’s 24-hour economy initiative and the promises made to address corruption. “The focus on a 24-hour economy, anti-corruption pledges, and calls for peaceful elections have particularly stood out to me,” he remarked to the Daily Graphic.

In separate discussions, Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng, a Senior Political Science lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, along with Dr. Samuel Kofi Darkwa, a political scientist and columnist for the Daily Graphic, and Gilbert Arhinful Aidoo, a Political Science lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, all highlighted that the emphasis on corruption, economic issues, and job creation was anticipated as the nation approaches the December 7 elections.

The issue at hand is that individuals often become captivated by persuasive language and grand promises, according to Dr. Amakye-Boateng. He noted that discussions typically revolve around proposals aimed at tackling the nation’s economic challenges, with a focus on policy initiatives.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that historically, the articulation of impressive policies has not always resulted in tangible economic achievements, citing numerous examples from developing nations, including Ghana.

Dr. Amakye-Boateng remarked that both Dr. Bawumia and former President Mahama engage in similar rhetorical strategies. However, he pointed out that during a recent media interaction, former President Mahama suggested a commitment to a more disciplined administration. He explicitly mentioned that his appointees would refrain from acquiring state assets and would not engage in illegal mining activities, known as ‘galamsey.’

Should he successfully implement these principles in governance, Dr Amakye-Boateng believes that Ghana could be poised for significant progress towards becoming a disciplined state, which is essential for fostering sustained economic growth and social advancement.

Dr Darkwa identified several critical areas that should take precedence in political discussions during the campaign for votes, including the economy, security, health, and significant reforms in the public sector.

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He suggested modifications to the asset declaration process to combat corruption among public officials, the implementation of stricter regulations on public procurement, the separation of the Attorney-General’s Office from the Ministry of Justice, and the enhancement of the health insurance system to ensure more efficient service delivery to providers.

Furthermore, he emphasized the need to depoliticize security institutions such as the Ghana Police Service and the military, advocating for the establishment of internal mechanisms that would allow these organizations to elect their key officials independently.

Dr. Darkwa emphasized the importance of professionalizing national security by removing political influence and ensuring that it is not used for partisan purposes. He suggested that if there are operatives, they should be formalized through legal means and properly regulated.

Addressing the issue of youth unemployment, he highlighted the need for political campaigns to focus on this critical aspect as it poses a threat to national security.

Mr. Arhinful Aidoo noted that the discourse on economic management, social justice, and good governance has been elevated by the presidential aspirants of the major political parties. He mentioned the promises made by the Bawumia-NAPO-NPP ticket and the John Dramani Mahama and Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman-led NDC, emphasizing the importance of economic reforms and social welfare.

He also pointed out that various factors such as sociological, ideological, and economic considerations will influence the choices of Ghanaian voters in the upcoming elections. The state of the economy, especially in the post-COVID era, will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the elections.

Candidates in the 2024 elections will need to focus on addressing corruption, cost of living, poverty, and unemployment to gain support from Ghanaians. The track record of candidates in governance and anti-corruption will be crucial in determining the outcome of the elections.

It is imperative for effective governance and a dedication to reducing corruption to be prioritized to ensure the successful implementation of economic policies and the efficient utilization of public resources.

He emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in building trust and fostering equitable development in the nation.