Choosing the lesser or the least evil can make a difference

Clearly, there are many genuine concerns one can raise as a citizen of Ghana as we go to the polls.   Foremost, as political parties put out their manifestos with all the beautiful, tantalizing policies, there is the need to not only scrutinize them but also, ponder over the challenges of the years past, the

achievements chalked, efforts made to address pertinent national issues, contributions to global affairs, and commitment to good governance. 

As active citizens, we should also be asking whether our governments, as our agents are accountable, transparent, proactive, diligent, effective, and nationalistic.  This can be ascertained by looking at efforts towards inclusivity, equity, advancing the rule of law, creating prosperity for the masses, resourcing state institutions, fighting corruption, securing our borders, promoting national values, protecting the public purse, safeguarding civil society organisations, nurturing the environment, creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, caring for minority groups, attending to the needs of differently-abled persons, preserving the independence of governance institutions (like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the Electoral Commission, the Audit Service, the National Commission for Civic Education, the Judiciary, the Media, and so on), among others.

 

At this point, anyone objectively observing the political terrain could conclude that no individual or political party has a monopoly over insults or innuendos. Consequently, political parties and their supporters should focus more on disseminating their policies, which will eventually contribute to a more

peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. 

Much as a larger segment of the population is partisan or loyal to a political party or ideology, there are swing or independent voters, otherwise called floating voters—who could be considered the silent majority or actual kingmakers. While the number of independent swing voters is increasing, no party

boasts of an absolute majority (Kpessa-Whyte 2021). Unquestionably, our political composition as a nation is a strong reason no party has exceeded two terms.

Consequently, instead of pettiness and hurling insults at one another, the discerning grassroots want to hear political parties talk about the economy, education, agriculture, employment, health, security, electricity, water, social interventions, roads, and infrastructure, among others.

Not to underestimate the effect of songs on votes because of our traditions and customs as Africans, it is, however, a good sign that so far, compared to some previous elections, arguments about policies have taken center stage. 

Although, by dint of the collective efforts made in the past, vigilantism seems to have been somewhat clamped down, military takeovers in our neighbouring countries, and land and chieftaincy disputes here in Ghana are potential threats to be wary of since we are not immune. These are enough reasons for all to be

circumspect in their choice of words.

Additionally, in order to reward prudence and check wastage, it is about time electorates started paying attention to how political parties have fared in terms of continuing projects started by previous administrations as instructed by article 41(f) of the constitution. Concerning the free senior high school policy, despite some challenges associated with it, it is heartwarming to hear leading political parties speak about the need to introduce some changes and sustain it, with some proposing to absorb first year fees of university students.

At least, the youth who are sometimes in doubt about what Ghana has done for them can be reminded using these things while it also helps in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1, ending poverty. Much as bringing on board parents and guardians who have the ability to pay and wish to do so is a good

call, it is important to note that the Ghana Statistical Service has identified 7.3 million Ghanaians, representing 24.3% as multidimensionally poor (i.e. based on health, education, and standard of living) and 43.8% out of as experiencing severe poverty.

Even now, it is still not uncommon to find students in need of vacation classes and miss out on them as they engage in some work to be able to fend for themselves. Juxtapose that with the illiteracy rate, unemployment rate, and other factors, and continuing the policy remains imperative.  Thanks to policies at the basic school level over the decades, the ability to read and write has risen and

that is good in formalizing the economy. However, literacy alone is not enough for one to compete well in the world of work. Thus, the senior high and tertiary institutions remain of vital importance in the quest for sustainable development and poverty alleviation. 

Similarly, the iteration of plans to cater for the fees of differently-abled persons in tertiary institutions by both parties is laudable, notwithstanding the call by Educate Africa Institute for both parties to rather focus on clarifying their implementation strategies of the policy.  In my estimation, one thing that needs attention in the midst of all these is finding a way to reward or cushion the few people in the formal sector who carry all these burdens by way of taxes and the high cost of living which many including Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, the finance minister, empathised with Ghanaians on during the midyear budget review. 

Given our youthful population, many of these people do not have children old enough to benefit from these interventions. Especially, given the fact that they also have many financial responsibilities in our country where traditionally the extended family system is practiced 2016 and 2020 surveys by the Center for Democratic Development Ghana showing a majority of the people do not think governments have taken bold steps in alleviating poverty. Nevertheless, surveys conducted in 6 different years ranging from 2008 to 2022 by Afrobarometer indicate people think the government is fighting poverty very well.

Christianity, Islam, and Traditional religions are the popular religions in Ghana. As such, religious leaders and chiefs play key roles in advancing our democracy because of our history and numerical composition as a country. The nature of their work has brought upon them the need to show much integrity and

neutrality, notwithstanding the inherent desire in most people to belong to a group politically and the financial rewards therein.

Of course, poverty does not proffer mercy on anyone. Nonetheless, for the sake of unity, fairness, national development, and engendering trust, our respected chiefs must continue supporting the Electoral Commission as referees even as notable persons like the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin make a clarion call for the amendment of constitutional provisions which bar chiefs from actively participating in politics.

Undoubtedly, the chiefs’ roles as the moral compass of society and drivers

of development who must be appealing to all political stakeholders cannot be overemphasized. Although voting is a subset of democracy, exercising one's franchise is a strong pillar. The elected, contestants, budding politicians, and all stakeholders ought to be mindful of the fact that the election is not an end in itself, but rather, a process, albeit a strong pillar.

To forestall apathy and promote active citizen participation in democracy, leaders must at all times listen more to the views and cries of their citizens. Indeed, the records with the national cathedral and e-levy show that failure to build consensus comes with great costs to the nation. May we— especially those eligible voters who have decided not to vote for the reason that the leading parties appear the same—remember that the enjoyment of rights and freedoms is inseparable from the performance of duties and obligations as citizens as contained in Chapter 6 of the constitution. John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States remarkably advised at his inauguration: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

In conclusion, patriotism is a moral obligation and when twins or more are involved, choosing the lesser or the least evil can make a difference.