It’s just a few days until the Ghanaian election, and I can already feel the fever in the air. It’s that time of year when the tension of the upcoming election supersedes the sweet scent of Christmas—when the short thumb gains more recognition than its four other counterparts.
Television screens are flooded with political advertisements, markets are awash in political paraphernalia, political news is trending on social media, and parks have been transformed into campaign grounds. The promises of flagbearers are filling our ears, and every political party is racing to outdo their opponents in creative ways.
In the midst of all this, the Ghanaian voter stands at the crossroads, holding the important responsibility of choosing the right leader. However, we may have overlooked the true relevance of our vote. We have forgotten that every election presents an opportunity to place the future of our country in the hands of one individual. We have failed to grasp the gravity of this responsibility.
It is rather sad that many Ghanaians vote for the wrong reasons. Tribal affiliation, for example, remains a significant factor in many people’s voting decisions. I recently overheard a conversation where some individuals said they would still vote for their preferred party, even if a chicken were their flagbearer. Ghanaians often laugh at such remarks and dismiss them as jokes, but these are serious issues that we must address.
Should we vote for a party simply because it’s favored by our tribe?
Should we vote for a party because its flagbearer’s physical attributes, in our personal opinion, suit the role of president?
Do we endorse a party because our family or friends have persuaded us to follow them?
Have we been paid by political leaders to vote for them, or are we drawn to a candidate simply because their promises sound appealing?
We must resist all these pressures. Dear voter, before you throw your support behind any political leader, it is essential to stand on neutral ground and critically assess all the flagbearers. Review their manifestos, scrutinize their promises, and be diligent in evaluating how feasible their policies truly are. Read about their past leadership experiences—no matter how small the roles they’ve held may have been. The Bible reminds us in Luke 16:10: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
With the internet at our disposal, there is no excuse for not doing this research. It’s easier than ever to inform ourselves before making such an important decision.
Let us not vote for immature reasons. This election is not just about choosing a candidate with the most compelling promises or the best campaign. It’s about the future of our nation. Let’s vote as though we genuinely have the well-being of Ghana at heart.
Regardless of the outcome, let us accept the will of the majority. In the end, Ghana wins when we respect democracy and uphold peace. Remember, peace is priceless.
So, this question is both simple and profound: Why will you vote?
By: Nii Kweikuma Amoo
