Ghana’s democracy characterized by politics of promises – Prof. Bokpin

Lecturer of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Professor Godfred Bokpin, has boldly asserted that Ghana’s democracy is a politics of promises.

Ahead of the upcoming 2024 elections, the various political parties have unveiled their manifestos, sparking conversations and discussions among the electorate. One of the most talked-about policies is former President John Dramani Mahama’s “24 Hour-economy” initiative, among many others.

In an interview on Starr Morning with Naa Dedei Tettey, Prof. Bokpin pointed out that political parties make promises to the electorate, but unfortunately, they are well aware that there is not enough financial room to implement the policies when they are elected into office.

He further cautioned Ghanaians to be wary of potential disappointment stemming from unfulfilled promises and policies.

“Our democracy is one of a politics of promises. It is politics of promises. And Ghanaians should be very careful because disappointment lies ahead. We don’t have the fiscal space to implement a number of the proposals that the political parties have put out there. They cannot, and they know. The political parties, they know. They know the realities on the ground. We are unwilling to admit so because it’s politics of promises. It’s not the politics of fulfilling promises. That’s all. It’s not like the Ghanaians can hold politicians accountable to their promises, both in terms of quantity and quality."

Professor Bokpin also cited that although the Free SHS policy has increased enrollment numbers, its impact on quality education has not been sufficient.

“I said in this country, the average is considered outstanding. So when we even talk about Free SHS, we can’t come to terms to say that, look, quality-wise, we are not good. We may have checked the box in terms of quantity. But that alone is not sufficient.”