Charting path forward for Ghana: Call for unity, progress

The decisive victory of His Excellency former President John Mahama in the 2024 presidential elections marks a pivotal moment for Ghana.

As the nation grapples with pressing economic challenges and a declining perception of corruption, Mahama’s leadership presents an opportunity for revitalisation and hope.

However, to ensure the success of his agenda, unity among all Ghanaians, including the very elites who may be tempted to gravitate towards self-serving interests, is of utmost importance.

This essay reflects on the election results, the challenges ahead and the imperative for collaboration to secure a brighter future for Ghana.

Celebrating democratic triumph

First and foremost, it is essential to congratulate former President John Mahama for clinching a decisive win in the 2024 elections.

His achievement resonates with the commendable efforts of the NDC parliamentary candidates, who worked tirelessly to secure an absolute majority in Parliament.

Equally praiseworthy is Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who showed immense patriotism by conceding defeat within 24 hours of the election. 

This act not only demonstrated his commitment to national interest but also earned him the respect of many Ghanaians.

Moreover, the Electoral Commission (EC) deserves recognition for its efficient organisation, evidenced by the virtually queue-less polling stations that enabled voters to cast their ballots in under five minutes. 

A heartfelt thank you is also owed to the IGP, the security task force, the media and various election observer groups whose combined efforts contributed to the successful conduct of the elections.

However, the needless post-election violence must be condemned.

Understanding the context of the victory

The NDC’s victory did not occur in isolation; it mirrored the experiences of several African nations such as Senegal, Mauritius, Botswana and Somaliland, where citizens voted in response to economic hardships and increasing concerns about corruption.

Mahama’s team has promised to implement a 24-hour economy aimed at alleviating the high cost of living, stabilising the currency and combating corruption. All Ghanaians need to support these initiatives, as they represent a collective vision for revitalising the nation’s economic landscape.

The commitment expressed by the Vice-President to support the newly elected president while also offering constructive criticism is a gesture worthy of emulation, as it emphasises collaboration over division.

Notably, the early concession by Dr Bawumia is a valuable lesson in our political culture.

Historical precedents exist, such as former President Mills (the then Vice-President) conceding to President-elect Kufuor in 2000 and President Mahama’s concession to President Akufo-Addo in 2016.

These are important moments that illustrate the value of democratic principles, reminding us that a peaceful transition of power is essential for the stability of our democracy.

Navigating the challenges ahead  

However, after every election cycle, it is common for political elites from both winning and losing parties to begin strategising for future elections at the expense of national progress.

With the Constitution limiting the President-elect to two terms, there is the temptation for elites in the NDC to focus on schemes for the next electoral cycle rather than on governance, because President Mahama has already done one term.

History shows us that prioritising personal ambitions over collective goals can lead to disillusionment among the electorate, as reflected in the recent electoral results.

Ghanaians have clearly articulated their dissatisfaction with the status quo, opting for change driven by Mahama’s promise to address economic challenges and corruption. The President-elect and his administration must recognise this desire for reform.

In doing so, they must prioritise collaboration with party members and the wider public to effectively execute their manifesto and campaign promises.

The necessity of inclusive consultation

It is equally vital to remember that while ambitious plans are commendable, not all manifesto promises are feasible. An illustrative case is the National Cathedral project, which has faced substantial criticism under the current economic climate.

Therefore, the Mahama administration must engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders before implementing manifesto promises.

This inclusive approach will not only diminish the risk of missteps but also foster a sense of ownership among Ghanaians in the governance process.

Lastly, let us not forget the importance of humility in leadership. Ghanaians have a staunch aversion to the arrogance of power, and the President-elect must be vigilant against this pitfall.

Wise counsel, both personally and from his appointees, will be invaluable in navigating the complexities of governance.

Conclusion

As Ghana embarks on this new chapter under President Mahama, it is clear that the path forward will require all hands on deck.

The collective will of the electorate has paved the way for change, but it will be the responsibility of both the administration and the citizens to ensure that this change translates into tangible progress. 

It is time for all Ghanaians, irrespective of political affiliation, to rally behind the vision of a prosperous and united nation.

Through collaboration, consultation and an unwavering commitment to the common good, Ghana can emerge stronger than ever, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of its people.

The writer is a political scientist.