Professor Godfred Bokpin of the University of Ghana Business School critiques Ghana’s democracy as marked by unfulfilled promises. Ahead of the 2024 elections, he warns that the financial constraints facing political parties hinder their ability to implement ambitious electoral proposals. He flags potential voter disappointment and calls for a focus on quality, particularly in education, citing flaws in the Free Senior High School policy.
In a recent public discourse, Professor Godfred Bokpin of the University of Ghana Business School characterized Ghana’s democratic landscape as fundamentally based on a politics of promises. In light of the forthcoming 2024 elections, he observed that while political parties are actively unveiling their manifestos, there exists a significant discrepancy between their ambitious promises and the economic realities that Ghanaians face. Prof. Bokpin highlighted that many of these proposals lack the necessary financial underpinning for successful implementation. During an engaging interview on Starr Morning with Naa Dedei Tettey, Professor Bokpin expressed concern over the propensity for electoral promises to create disappointment among the populace, emphasizing, “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 professor’s critique further extended to educational policies, particularly the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative. Although he acknowledged the increase in enrollment due to this policy, he asserted that it has not effectively addressed the issue of educational quality in the country. He lamented, “We may have checked the box in terms of quantity. But that alone is not sufficient,” urging stakeholders to focus on enhancing the standards of education rather than merely expanding access.
The conversation around Ghana’s democracy is particularly poignant as the country approaches its 2024 elections. Political manifestos are being scrutinized amid heightened public discourse, revealing significant concerns about the feasibility of proposed policies. Professor Bokpin’s insights reflect a broader skepticism regarding political accountability and the capacity of electoral promises to translate into substantial governmental action, particularly in a challenging economic climate where fiscal limitations are evident. The recent electoral promises from leading politicians, including the notable “24 Hour-economy” initiative by former President Mahama, serve as a backdrop for Bokpin’s cautionary assessments. His observations suggest a need for voters to critically evaluate the viability of such promises against the reality of Ghana’s fiscal situation.
Professor Bokpin’s examination of Ghana’s political landscape underscores the essential disconnect between electoral promises and fiscal realities. His call for awareness among the electorate reflects a deeper concern regarding the potential for unfulfilled commitments that could lead to widespread disappointment. As the nation prepares for the 2024 elections, it becomes increasingly important for voters to critically assess the feasibility of political claims and prioritize accountability over mere promises. This discussion is vital in ensuring that Ghana’s democracy evolves towards a system rooted in substantive action rather than promises alone.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
